REVIEW: Marple The Secret of Chimneys (S5.E2)

©ITV

The second episode of Julia McKenzie's second series was broadcast on 27th December 2010 and was adapted by Paul Rutman and directed by John Strickland.

Story 

Miss Marple accompanies a young friend Virginia to her ancestral home Chimneys where an important Austrian diplomat wishes to make a business deal. However, when he is found dead in a tunnel, Miss Marple investigates and uncovers the secrets at Chimneys. 

The original novel of The Secret of Chimneys didn't feature Miss Marple. but this adaption also has the Miss Marple short story The Herb of Death woven into the plot.  Most of the characters and the setting are from the novel, but the murderer and one of the methods is from the short story. There are some major changes therefore, including making Virginia one of Caterham's daughters when she is not, removing Superintendent Battle and replacing him with Inspector Finch. This is a sensible change as Battle appears in numerous Christie stories, including Poirot's, but isn't present in the series, so it makes sense to dispose of him here. The new version of the story works well, Miss Marple doesn't feel like a spare part here, she is involved with the story.

Direction, locations, soundtrack

John Strickland's direction to me is good, but nothing special. There is no dark tone or special camera techniques, it just serves it's purpose. I'm not complaining, but I prefer a darker tone to these films. The exterior location used for Chimneys is Hatfield House, the interior is Knebworth House and there are some scenes shot in London as well.

Cast and characters 

Julia McKenzie as always gives a great performance, we see her more as a motherly figure here to Virginia, and sympathetic towards Bundle and Treadwell. She has a brilliant relationship with DI Finch, wonderfully played by Stephen Dillane. Dervla Kirwan is great as Bundle, who greatly resents her father wanting to sell Chimneys, and Ruth Jones plays Miss Blenkinsopp well. 

Marple: The Pale Horse Review (S5.E1)

Copyright ITV

Julia McKenzie returns as Miss Marple for her second series firstly in the Pale Horse, which was adapted by Russell Lewis and directed by Andy Hay. It was first broadcast in the UK on 30th August 2010.

Top 5 Agatha Christie Present Ideas

With Christmas approaching rapidly, here is a selection of the best Christie themed gift ideas: 

1. Agatha Christie's Poirot The Definitive Collection 
Series 1-13 (DVD)

This box set includes every single episode of Poirot from 1989 - 2013, including the recent thirteenth and final series. A must have DVD collection for any fan.
Starring David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran and Zoe Wanamaker.

£91.98 from Amazon

Marple Endless Night Preview

Copyright ITV

The elderly sleuth's latest case Endless Night will be broadcast on 29th December 2013. 

ITV have announced that the last installment of series 6 will be broadcast on 29th December at 8.00pm as part of their Christmas lineup.
The episode was adapted by Kevin Elyot (Curtain: Poirot's Last Case) and produced and directed by David Moore (Merlin). Endless Night was filmed in March 2013 in the Home Countries and London.

In Endless Night, whilst staying with her recently widowed friend Marjorie Philpot (Wendy Craig), Miss Marple meets Mike Rogers (Tom Hughes), who plans to build the perfect home on the local beauty spot Gypsy's Acre in Kingston Bishop. However, when he meets wealthy American heiress Ellie Goodman (Joanna Vanderham), he falls in love, and they marry.
Miss Marple meets them again whilst on holiday in Rome, where they are on holiday, but when they arrive back in England later on, events spiral out of control resulting in a tragic death. Miss Marple must solve the riddle of Gypsy's Acre, but in doing so she must put her own life in very serious danger.

Alongside Julia McKenzie are a talented cast including Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace), Aneurin Barnard (Moonfleet), Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered), Rosalind Halstead (Sherlock) and Tamzin Outhwaite (Foyle's War).

Copyright ITV

Even though Endless Night wasn't originally a Miss Marple story, I have absolute faith in Kevin Elyot for giving us a fantastic adaption. After all, he wrote the screenplay for some of the best ever Christie adaptions including Death on the Nile, Five Little Pigs, Curtain and The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side. David Moore's previous directing credits include Poirot Sad Cypress and Marple The Blue Geranium, both of which are well directed, so I'm sure this latest one will look stunning.

On a final note, what is the future for Marple? Both Polish broadcaster Ale Kino+ and the Australian trailer for Marple series 6 claim that this series is the last, but this hasn't been confirmed by ITV yet. It would be a great shame if there were going to be no more Miss Marple films. We've lost Poirot, do we have to lose Marple too?

Marple: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Review (S4.E4)

This episode was first broadcast in the UK on Wednesday 15th June 2011, and was adapted by Patrick Barlow, produced by Karen Thrussell and directed by Nicholas Renton. The novel, which doesn't feature the character of Miss Marple, was previously adapted in 1980 starring Francesca Annis as Frankie Derwent. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!

Adieu Poirot: 25 Years of Crime Solving

©ITV

David Suchet has played Hercule Poirot on our TV screens for 25 years and appearing in 70 films. The first episode, The Adventure of the Clapham Cook, was first broadcast in the UK on January 8th 1989, and the last film, Curtain: Poirot's Last Case, aired on November 13th 2013, earlier this month. In  this 'overview', I will examine the factors that made this show so popular and gave it a 25 year lifespan.

The Cast 

The reason for the success of the series is the quality of David Suchet's acting. He is Hercule Poirot; he perfectly portrays his mannerisms and quirks and has brought him to life in a way no other actor would have dreamed of. I strongly believe that if someone else had played the role, it would not have lasted beyond five years, let alone 25.  He plays Poirot exactly as Agatha Christie wrote him, and has a detailed dossier on the character. This attention to detail is a key reason for the success of the series and David Suchet's characterization is superb and will be remembered forever. I cannot imagine anyone else playing the role, and I doubt I will ever see another interpretation in my lifetime.

Marple: They Do It With Mirrors Review (S4.E3)

©ITV

Julia McKenzie's third outing as Miss Marple was adapted by Paul Rutman and directed by Andy Wilson, who has also directed many Poirot films. It was first broadcast on 1st January 2010. This story was previously adaped into a film starring Helen Hayes under the title "Murder with Mirrors" and for the BBC series starring Joan Hickson.

Curtain: Poirot's Last Case Review (S13.E5)

CONTAINS SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE EPISODE!

So, after 25 years of playing 'The greatest detective that ever lived', David Suchet dons the moustache for the last time in Curtain. This final film was adapted by Kevin Elyot and directed by Hettie Macdonald. 

Story 

Captain Hastings travels back to Styles Court, the scene of his first crime with  Hercule Poirot because his oldest friend fears another murder will be committed, but doesn't know who'll die. However, since they last met, Poirot has succumbed to arthritis forcing him to use a wheelchair and has a life threatening heart condition. Hastings is also in pain, his wife Bella has recently died and he is constantly having arguments with his only daughter Judith. Poirot recruits Hastings to be his eyes and his ears and help him prevent a deadly murder, but will he be too late?

Polish Trailer for Marple Series 6

Last month, Polish broadcaster Ale Kino + released a trailer for series 6 of Agatha Christie's Marple, claiming it was the last series of Miss Marple stories. This is yet to be confirmed however. As we've already seen A Caribbean Mystery and Greenshaw's Foll in the UK, I won't bore you with screenshots for those (if you haven't seen it, there are lots of images on google). I will show you screenshots for Endless Night.

I want to keep this spoiler free as I haven't read the book, but I welcome any comments. 

David Suchet on Curtain

David Suchet first played Hercule Poirot in 1989's The Adventure of the Clapham Cook (©ITV)

At what point in Poirot's life do we meet him in Curtain? 

You meet him as Agatha Christie wrote him; a little sunken old man in a wheelchair, still with his  dyed black hair and moustache, but clearly arthritic.

Did you enjoy filming with Hugh Fraser (Captain Hastings) again? 

It was lovely to be reunited with Hugh and have him back on set.

Do you remember your last day filming on the set of Curtain? 

Yes I do! In a sense it was odd because we filmed this adaption slightly out of sequence and so my final scenes weren't actually what you might imagine them to be. The nature of filming is quite extraordinary! 

If Agatha Christie was alive today, would there be anything you would like to say or ask her? 

Yes, 'Was I okay? Would you have approved?' Only because I know she was famously anti everybody that played her characters.

Since you accepted the role in 1987, how has Poirot changed across the years? 

Well, I hope very little, as I didn't want him to change too much. He's got older as I have over the years and I fleshed out certain areas of his psychology and his life. 

How would you like Poirot to be remembered? 

I would love Poirot to be remembered fondly and it goes without saying he is the greatest detective in the world.

Read the full interview (©ITV) here

Curtain airs at 8pm tonight on ITV

25 Years, 70 Films
Agatha Christie's Poirot
1989 - 2013

Poirot: Curtain Preview

So, the final ever episode of Poirot is nearly upon us, and I'm not ready for it to end yet! 25 years ago, David Suchet put on the little mustache for the first time in The Adventure of The Clapham Cook, first broadcast in 1989 on ITV1. Now, Suchet will appear for the last time in what promises to be a moving final tale. It features the recurring character of Captain Arthur Hastings, brilliantly portrayed by Hugh Fraser.

Although The Clapham Cook was the first to air, it wasn't the first in chronological order (see the fantastic blog The Chronology of Poirot for more details). The Mysterious Affair at Styles, broadcast in 1990 marking the centenary of Agatha Christie's birth, showed us a flashback to Poirot's first case, where he brings a murderer to book with the help of his friend Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp.

In Curtain, an ill and immobilized Poirot returns to Styles Court, the scene of their first murder, as the sharp witted detective is in fear of another murder being committed.

Poirot Series 13: An Overview

UPDATE: Curtain review and preview and external reviews 
The thirteenth and final series is now coming to a close, we have only one more episode to go, EVER! So I thought I would consolidate all of the reviews, previews and news from all the five films here in this post. Enjoy.

Elephants Can Remember 

Broadcast - 9th June 2013
Recurring Characters - Ariadne Oliver
Guest Cast - Greta Scacchi, Iain Glen
Review - S13.1
Preview - N/A
Interviews - ITV Press Pack (David Suchet)
Trailer - ITV Trailer
Video - Clip

Poirot: 25 Years of Guest Cast

Famous: Zoe Wanamaker, David Suchet and Greta Scacchi

With the final curtain imminent, we will look back at the amazing Guest Cast that have been found to play Agatha Christie's amazing characters throughout all 25 years of the show. From big names to screen debuts, here's the cast of Agatha Christie's Poirot.

This series is famous for gathering together the cream of the crop of British acting talent. Several acting veterans who have graced the screen and stage have joined David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Pauline Moran, Philip Jackson and Zoe Wanamaker and made the series an instant success.

READ MORE AFTER THE BREAK...

Poirot: The Labours of Hercules Review (S13.E4)

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

The penultimate episode of Poirot, which was broadcast on 6th November 2013, was adapted by Guy Andrews, directed by Andy Wilson and produced by David Boulter. Here is what I thought of the episode:

Story 

When Poirot fails to capture the murderer and art thief Marascaud, a young girl is killed. A depressed Poirot is encouraged back to hiss life of detection by the plea of a young and heart broken chauffeur, Ted Williams (Tom Austen), who wants the great sleuth to find his missing love Nita. His quest takes him to The Hotel Olympos in Switzerland, which happens to be the hideout of the deadly Marascaud. Poirot must work out which one of the guests is the killer and unmask them before they kill again.

Guy Andrews had a herculean task ahead of him when adapting this collection of 12 intertwined short stories, and he does a magnificent job. "The Erymanthian Boar" is the central story here, but the plots of "The Augean Stables," "The Stymphalean Birds," "The Girdle of Hippolyta" and "The Capture of Cerberus" are added as subplots. The adaption works really well, the plot appears to have little faults and is a gives us a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes. The short story The Lemesurier Inheritance is added, which is the only other story not to be filmed. This now means that we can safely say David Suchet has filmed every story Agatha Christie wrote about Poirot. What an achievement! 

Read More After The Jump...

Marple: Murder Is Easy Review (S4.E2)

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!

Julia McKenzie's second episode as Miss Jane Marple was adapted by Stephen Churchett, directed by Hattie Macdonald and produced by Karen Thrussell. It was first broadcast in the UK on September 13th 2009.

Story

 Miss Marple meets Lavinia Pinkerton (Sylvia Syms) on the London Train where  she learns she is bound for Scotland Yard to report a murder. Pinkerton, who knows that murder is easy, as long as no one thinks it's murder, is killed on the escalator before reporting the killer. Miss Marple travels to the village of Wychwood, where with the help of Luke Fitzwilliam (Benedict Cumberbatch), she hunts a dangerous serial killer.

Miss Marple is easily inserted into the story by Churchett, it's so much like a Miss Marple mystery anyway. However, a number of changes are made. First, Pinkerton is killed by being pushed down the escalator rather than run over. Giles Ellsworthy and Gordon Whitfield don't appear, and the motive for the murders is changed. Instead of killing to try and hang Whitfield, (SPOILERS), Honoria kills everyone so that she can hide the fact she was raped by her mentally disabled brother and that she killed him to prevent anymore assaults. This is a brave move for the series to tackle rape, even more so as it wasn't in the original novel, but it does add as dark sense to the plot, especially as it is fitting with the body count of the episode.

Direction, locations, soundtrack 

Hattie Macdonald, who has directed Poirot: Curtain, coming out shortly, directs this episode well. She makes great use of the wonderful locations used, and makes the episode very dark. This is appropriate as so many people die and with a dark motive like rape, it certainly doesn't feel out of place. The soundtrack is very good for this episode, but has never been released. The tube station scenes were filmed at Aldwych Station on the London Underground, a closed station.

Cast and characters

 Julia McKenzie shines as Miss Marple, apparently she only had a few weeks to prepare for the role before going on camera, but you wouldn't know! Although she is still developing the character, she plays her very well, different from Joan Hickson and Geraldine McEwan, but that's not a bad thing. I like the fact that each actress who has played her brings a new side to the character. Margaret Rutherford was comic (not good in my opinion), Joan Hickson was very world weary, nothing would ever surprise her and Geraldine McEwan plays her more understanding with a hint of madness.

Of the guest actors, Benedict Cumberbatch (pre-Sherlock fame) plays the loyal sidekick extremely well, Shirley Henderson is convincing as the evil Honoria and Russel Tovey plays the slow but friendly Constable Reed well.

(all pictures ©ITV)

Poirot: The Labours of Hercules Preview

©ITV

The penultimate Poirot episode, part of the thirteenth and final series, will be broadcast on Wednesday 6th November 2013 at 8pm on ITV.  This episode is based on a collection of twelve short stories entitled The Labours of Hercules. It was adapted by Guy Andrews (The Mystery of the Blue Train, Appointment With Death), directed by Andy Wilson (Poirot: Death on the Nile, Marple: They Do It With Mirrors) and produced by David Boulter (Poirot Series 13). 

It features the recurring character of Countess Vera Rossakoff, the Russian jewel thief and the only woman Poirot has ever loved. In this adaption, she is played by Orla Brady. She last appeared in The Double Clue, played by Kika Markham. 

Here is the description from ITV.com: 

"In the penultimate film Poirot falls into a deep depression, after his egotism plays a part in the murder of a society girl. It is the desperate plea of a lonely chauffeur (Tom Austen) to find his missing soul mate, which eventually motivates Poirot to get back to work. His quest takes him to the Swiss Alps where he stumbles on clues, which may lead to a very personal showdown."

On Location With Agatha Christie #1: Florin Court

©AgathaChristieWeb 

Name: Florin Court 

Address: Florin Court, Charterhouse Square, London 

Used As: Whitehaven Mansions (Exterior)

Appeared In: Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989 - 2013)

Florin Court has become famous due to its use as Hercule Poirot's London home in the popular series Agatha Christie's Poirot. It is now associated with Poirot and Christie fans everywhere come to this location every year, although Agatha Christie never visited herself. Florin Court is only used as the exterior to Whitehaven Mansions, Poirot's flat set is located in Pinewood Studios.

©AgathaChristieWeb 

Florin Court has been used as Poirot's home since the first series, but was only filmed for a short period. Jeff Tessler, Production Designer on Poirot and Marple, explains: “We try to get a large number of different shots when we do have access to the site. We will shoot Poirot arriving and leaving a number of times, and in a variety of vehicles. We also have a large number of exterior shots of Florin Court on file. With all of these available it might not be necessary to film there for two or three years.” Read the full interview here.

This night time image was actually edited to look like it's night. ©AChristieWeb

©AgathaChristieWeb 

In June 2013, Florin Court suffered a severe fire at night, leaving the building damaged. The news saddened many Poirot mans, so much so that David Suchet expressed a concern over Twitter. 

I visited Florin Court back in February 2013, and although the weather wasn't perfect for photography, I still took lots of photos, that you can see above. Florin Court has to be one of my favourite filming locations, it's a fantastic example of 30's decor, no wonder the design team on Poirot loved it so much. 

Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye Review (S4.E1)

A Pocket Full Of Rye was Julia McKenzie's (Cranford, Gangsta Granny) debut performance as Miss Jane Marple, the episode aired on 6th September 2009. It was adapted by Kevin Elyot (Poirot: Death on the Nile, Curtain), directed by Charles Palmer (Marple: A Caribbean Mystery) and produced by Karen Thrussel. It formed part of the 1st series of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, and the forth of Marple.

Story 

When Rex Fortescue (Kenneth Cranham - Sparkling Cyanide) dies while sitting at his desk in the City, it's determined that he was in fact poisoned. He was married to a much younger wife, Adele (Anna Madeley - Poirot: Curtain) , who now stands to inherit. His son Percival, a partner in the family firm, was a disappointment to him and a daughter, Elaine, hasn't amounted to much. Another son, Lance (Rupert Graves - Sherlock, Scott and Bailey), had a falling out with his father many years before and relocated to East Africa. He suddenly appears soon after his father's death claiming that they had reconciled and been invited by him to return to England with an offer to rejoin the firm. Miss Marple takes a particular interest in the case when her former maid Gladys, now working in the Fortescue household, is also murdered. She soon learns that the elder Fortescue had received veiled threats for some time and that they might have something to do with a long ago business deal that made his initial fortune. 

Kevin Elyot's script is very faithful to the original novel (he's one of my favourite Christie adapters - he did a great job with Death on the Nile), and only makes a few minor changes. Miss Henderson is deleted, but she doesn't provide many clues, so her role is added to that of Mrs Mackenzie. Also, Miss Marple is more upset at Gladys' death than in the book, as they have known each other for a number of years.

However, I was shocked when I bought the DVD that it had a rating of 15! This is because of 'infrequent strong sex'! Fortunately, it is very infrequent, but this is, let me remind you, Agatha Christie and there is no reason to 'spice it up' with any sex scenes! 

A very entertaining script as well , I like the touches with the Inspector and the chocolates.

Direction, locations, soundtrack 

Charles Palmer's direction isn't dark like some of the later episodes of Poirot, but does have some dark elements, such as the discovery of Adele's body and Gladys' murder. There are also some interesting camera angles employed which adds is a welcome addition to the adaption. Some of the locations used are Englefield House (Yew Tree Lodge), Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square (Consolidated Investments) and West Wycombe Park (Pinewood Sanatorium). Dominik Scherrer's soundtrack is very good is this episode, his track Consolidated Investments can be found on YouTube.

Cast and Characters 

Julia McKenzie, although this is her first episode, steps into the role as if she has always played it! The opening scene is good where she says goodbye to Gladys, and when she is listening to the wireless and reading the newspaper whilst her hapless made breaks the ornaments. She is very good when she leaves Yew Tree Lodge and says farewell to Pat, knowing that her husband is a triple murderer. When she reads Gladys' letter, and looks at the photograph, Julia McKenzie gives a moving performance. It's a very wise choice as an opening episode for Julia's Miss Marple as she can connect with the characters and feel upset at the death of Gladys.

There are a lot of good guest actors in this one, notably Matthew Macfadyen as Inspector Neele, he's very good as the polite and clever policeman, and remind me somewhat of his role in BBC's Ripper Street.
Rupert Graves plays Lance very well, he manages to be convincingly sly and suave. Helen Baxendale is excellent as the cold and crafty Mary Dove and the late Wendy Richard gives a good, final performance as Mrs Crump.

A great debut performance for Julia McKenzie!

(all pictures ©ITV) 

Poirot: Dead Man's Folly Review (S13.E3)

©ITV 

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!

Dead Man's Folly was broadcast in the UK on 30th October 2013 and is the third of five films that make up the thirteenth and final series of Agatha Christie's Poirot. It was adapted by Nick Dear (Mrs McGinty's Dead, Elephants Can Remember), directed by Tom Vaughan and produced by David Boulter.

Story 

Poirot is called by his dear friend Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker) to Nasse House in Devon, where she is helping the owner of the house, George Stubbs (Sean Pertwee) to organise a murder hunt for his village fete. However, her instinct tells her that a real body will be found, and she is right... 

Thankfully, Nick Dear's script remains faithful to the original novel (one of my favourites). Only a number of changes are made. He moves the setting to the early 40's instead of late 50's to fit the rest of the series. He removes the character of Miss Lemon, although she only answers the telephone so she wasn't really needed. He changes the death of Mrs Folliat's son from 'killed in the war' to 'killed in a plane crash'. Marilyn Tucker becomes Gertie Tucker, and is thinner than in the book (in the novel she is described as 'the fat child') 

One more major change is the dramatic ending. Dear adds a moving scene where Mrs Folliat confronts her son. Poirot lets her go to her son against Inspector Bland's orders. However, it ends in tragedy, as we hear two gun shots, so both are presumably dead. A bitter Poirot says "Bon". (more on this later) 

All in all, a faithful retelling of a brilliant book. 

Direction, locations, soundtrack 

Tom Vaughan's direction really makes use of the beautiful scenery (more on this later), but in contrast to the other later episodes it's not as dark. Yes, there are lots of lovely shots of the area but there's not many dark shots, not even when a child is murdered. 

The main location, and star of the show, has to be Greenway House, Agatha Christie's holiday home now owned by The National Trust. It looks so beautiful and there are lots of wonderful shots of it throughout the episode, as well a parts like the boathouse, gardens and steam railway. The denouement at the end is shot almost entirely in the boathouse, which is great to see. There are lots of fantastic scenes where Poirot wanders through the gardens and around the house. It was wonderful to see Greenway in a Poirot, even more so having visited there myself only a month ago. 

As usual, Christian Henson's soundtrack is perfect for this memorable episode. Notably, his version of the Poirot theme featured on the end credits. 

 

Cast and characters

This episode is a very challenging one in terms of character, at least for Poirot. Dear adds a scene where Mrs Folliat confronts her son, ending in two gun shots. When heard, Poirot says "Bon.". This is very unusual for Poirot to take the law into his own hands, and reminds me somewhat of the endings to Orient Express and Death on the Nile. Poirot is happy that a 'justice' has occurred and the Folliats are now at rest. This is very fitting for the last series and I'm pleased it was added. 

Another funny scene for Poirot is when Mr Legg says he will strangle Mr Weymen with his tie and Poirot says "Bon" and walks off. Then he returns and says "Do not actually kill him.". 

Notably, this is the last episode to star Zoe Wanamaker as Ariadne Oliver. Wanamaker is the perfect Mrs Oliver, she is so funny, she has the character perfectly. Suchet and Wanamaker have such a believable and great chemistry that really makes the relationship perfect. Poirot is a man of order and method; she is scatty. He likes fact; she has intuition. I noticed she's gone back to eating apples so the events of Hallowe'en Party must have been forgotten. The opening scene with Mrs Oliver is brilliant especilally when in contrast with the scene when Poirot calls her to Nasse later on. 

Of the guest cast, Sinead Cusack stand out as Amy Folliat, one of Christie's most interesting characters, in my humble opinion. She gives a powerful performance, especially in the ending climax in the boathouse and when confronting 'George Stubbs'. 

Sean Pertwee is also very good as Sir George Stubbs, Steph Leonidas plays a suitably subnormal Hattie Stubbs and Tom Ellis is great as the slow Inspector Bland.

A very good episode, but perhaps not perfect. 

NEXT WEEK: Orla Brady plays Countess Rossakoff in David Suchet's penultimate Poirot film.

Wednesday 6th November 2013, 8pm ITV.

David Suchet: "I would have walked at some points"

©ITV 

Today, Hercule Poirot actor David Suchet reveals he almost walked out of the show before any episode aired, 25 years ago. The reason was a disagreement with the director of The Clapham Cook, Ed Bennett. Suchet wanted to do a scene where Poirot placed his handkerchief on a bench before sitting down, an act Bennett described as "ridiculous". However, Suchet argued that this is the way Agatha Christie wrote him, and if he didn't like it he would leave. Au revoir.

Suchet said “If I lost the argument, it would mean that my custodianship of Poirot’s character was in severe jeopardy – so much so that I really thought that I might not be able to go on playing him,” says the actor in the book. “I had to play the character she created, I was certain of that. I would not compromise.”

In the end, producer Brian Eastmen decided David Suchet was right, and now one of Poirot's main characteristics could be portrayed. 

I think that one of the best things about David Suchet's iconic portrayal of Poirot is the subtle character traits. He rarely gets powerful moments (although Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile do), his skill is through all the little eccentricities, like the handkerchief and others. 

In other news, Suchet has revealed he would like to play Poirot on the big screen, his favourite to remake would be The ABC Murders. This would be fantastic, but they did a tremendous job on the TV adaption.

Dead Man's Folly airs tonight at 8pm on ITV

Agatha Christie Autumn Update - News Round Up

©ITV

So, this autumn is going to be heaven for Agatha Christie fans, with new episodes of Poirot and Marple and various other little treats. Here's the latest...

The Final Four Poirot Films

We've already had The Big Four last week, which received high viewing figures, on Wednesday (30th), Dead Man's Folly will be broadcast on ITV in the UK, which was filmed at Greenway House and stars Zoe Wanamaker in her final appearance as Ariadne Oliver. The Labours of Hercules will be broadcast on 6th November and Curtain, the 70th and final episode, will air on 13th November! This is truly fantastic news, but so sad to see the end of such a marvelous series. 

Dead Man's Folly Game and The Greenshore Folly 

 

To coincide with the release of Dead Man's Folly, the Agatha Christie Estate are releasing a game for Apple and Android devices. The game is a puzzle and clue solving game and will be available to download on the Apple and Google Play stores on 31st October. The first two levels are free, but to continue playing you will have to pay. Also, they are releasing an EBook of Hercule Poirot and the Greenshore Folly, a previously unseen novella which was expanded into two stories, Dead Man's Folly and Greenshaw's Folly. This is available to download on 31st October as well.

©ITV

Being Poirot and Poirot And Me

Again, to coincide with the final series, David Suchet's tv documentary Being Poirot will be broadcast at 10.35 on 13th November 2013, after Curtain. Also, Suchet's book Poirot and Me will be released on 7th November 2013. This is truly exciting news and a great Christmas present.

Marple: Endless Night

So far, the first two episodes of Marple Series 6 have aired, A Caribbean Mystery and Greenshaw's Folly, but there is no word yet on when the final episode, Endless Night, will be broadcast. I imagine that it will be either a) Wednesday 20th November, a week after Poirot: Curtain, b) Christmas Day or around that period or c) The New Year. I would imagine that the most likely air date is the 20th November, but this is not confirmed, just mere speculation! Also, it isn't known whether this will be the last series or whether ITV have plans for more. Endless Night is based on the final Miss Marple story, The Case of the Caretaker's Wife, as well as the novel Endless Night, so maybe this will be the end? Who knows!

©ITV

So fans, it looks like we are in for one hell of a treat this autumn! Read my review of The Big Four here. 

Follow me on twitter: @AChristieWeb

Poirot Series 13: Dead Man's Folly Preview

"Having the opportunity to film there was truly wonderful" David Suchet

©ITV 

Dead Man's Folly is the third episode in the thirteenth and final series and will be broadcast of ITV on Wednesday 30th October at 8pm. Not only does this episode feature Zoe Wanamaker in her final appearance as crime novelist Ariadne Oliver but it was filmed at Agatha Christie's home Greenway House! This is certainly going to be an episode to remember. It was adapted by Nick Dear (Elephants Can Remember, Mrs McGinty's Dead), directed by Tom Vaughan (Endeavour) and produced by David Boulter (Elephants Can Remember, The Big Four). It was filmed on location at Greenway House in June 2013 and was the final episode to be filmed.

Here is ITV's description: 

"In an effort to beguile their Devonshire neighbours, wealthy financier Sir George Stubbs (Sean Pertwee) and his ‘subnormal’ wife Hattie (Stephanie Leonidas) prepare to stage a grand summer fête in the grounds of their new acquisition, Nasse House. 

 

No expense is spared, and the lawn is soon bustling with visitors keen to have their fortune told, to compete in the fancy dress and to try their hand at the coconut shy. And then there is the ultimate challenge: a fiendishly complicated ‘murder hunt’ prepared by the famous mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoë Wanamaker).

 

But Ariadne is perturbed. Convinced that someone is ‘jockeying her along’, she insists on the presence of her old friend Hercule Poirot (David Suchet), who reluctantly agrees to apply his uniquely analytical mind to a crime that, as yet, only exists in Ariadne’s imagination.

 

The denizens and friends of Nasse are certainly an awkward and pernicious bunch: Poirot soon encounters the local Member of Parliament Captain Warburton (Martin Jarvis) and his imperious wife Mrs Warburton (Rosalind Ayres), squabbling holidaymakers Alec and Sally Legge (Daniel Weyman and Emma Hamilton), lecherous architect Michael Weyman (James Anderson), rambling ferryman John Merdell (Sam Kelly) and the fête’s uninvited guest, urbane foreigner Etienne De Souza (Elliot Barnes-Worrell). And then there is Amy Folliat (Sinead Cusack), once the proud owner of Nasse, and now Sir George’s pauperised lodger. 

 

Any one of them could be the killer; any one of them could be the victim.

But what actually happens is utterly bewildering. Girl guide Marlene Tucker, volunteer actor in Ariadne’s murder hunt, is found strangled to death in the secluded boathouse. It seems like a motiveless act; but of course it is not. 

 

As Poirot and Ariadne try to pick their way through Nasse’s web of secrets and lies, another mystery presents itself – the vanishing of vulnerable Hattie Stubbs.

Where is Hattie? Who killed Marlene? Who really authored Ariadne’s murder hunt? What is the significance of Sir George’s ghastly folly? And can it be true that this is a mystery the great Hercule Poirot cannot solve?" 

"Everyday is a highlight, the character is so much fun to play." Zoe Wanamaker

©ITV

David Suchet said in an ITV interview: "Having the opportunity to film there [Greenway] was truly wonderful and a memory I will cherish." 

Zoe Wanamaker said "Everyday is a highlight, the character is so much fun to play... I've enjoyed reading the books, going through each story and finding out new clues about her [Ariadne], she's been a joy to play." 

Tom Ellis (Miranda), who plays D.I.Bland said "It din't feel like the end of filming, it felt like an end of an era."  

This is based on a wonderful book, so I am sure it will be another sublime adaption. 

There is news that Dead Man's Folly: The Game will be released as an app on Apple and Android devices. I  will write a separate post on this news tomorrow. 

Cast list:

 

Hercule Poirot - David Suchet  

Ariadne Oliver - Zoë Wanamaker

Hattie Stubbs - Stephanie Leonidas

Bickford - Chris Gordon

Sir George Stubbs - Sean Pertwee

D.I. Bland - Tom Ellis

Henden - Richard Dixon

Amy Folliat - Sinead Cusack

Miss Brewis - Rebecca Front

Captain Warburton - Martin Jarvis

Michael Weyman - James Anderson

John Merdell - Sam Kelly

Mrs Warburton - Rosalind Ayres

Alec Legge - Daniel Weyman

Sally Legge - Emma Hamilton

Marlene Tucker - Ella Geraghty

Etienne De Souza - Elliot Barnes-Worrell

Sergeant Hoskins - Nicholas Woodeson

Gertie - Angel Witney

Dutch Hiker - Francesca Zoutewelle

Tune into twitter at 7.45 on Wednesday for my live feed on Dead Man's Folly. Feel free to join in, use the the hashtag # 

Poirot: The Big Four Review (S13.E2)

The Big Four is the second of the five final Poirot films (series 13) and aired on 23rd October 2013. It was adapted by Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard, directed by Peter Lyndon and produced by David Boulter. 

Story 

Hercule Poirot is reunited with sidekick Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser), secretary Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) and Assistant Commissioner Japp (Philip Jackson) in a case that plunges him into the world of global espionage as the Second World War looms. The public are in panic after the shocking death of Russian grandmaster Ivan Savaranoff during a game of chess. Poirot must try to determine the good guys from the bad, as a complex plot by a gang of dangerous dissidents sees a host of international figures used like pawns.

©ITV

Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard's script is both exciting and tense,with some very witty moments as well. In terms of faithfulness to the orginal novel, I haven't read it (how shameful!) but I do know that the adaption excludes the recurring character of Countess Vera Rossakoff. However, she isn't really missed here, and to be honest, it would be a bit too much with Vera, Miss Lemon, Hastings, Japp and George. However, she will return in The Labours of Hercules later this series. 

The script works really well, and credit must go to Gatiss and Hallard for adapting this monster of a novel. They said it would be impossible to adapt, but they did it with style and made a masterpiece out of it. 

©ITV

Direction, locations and soundtrack 

Peter Lyndon's direction goes perfectly with the script in this adaption, his use of the dark red colours in the 'Big Four's lair' are particularly affective. These scenes that show hooded figures cackling uncontrollably makes the episode very dark, as well as the macabre, grizzly deaths. Also, as a nice contrast, at the end celebration at Poirot's flat, the red colours are again present, but more pleasant this time, although they remind you of the horrors that just occurred. Poirot's 'funeral' was expertly directed as well, and Christian Henson's soundtrack is outstanding here. His music doesn't draw as much attention to itself as other composers in the series, it's more subtle, but incredibly effective. It was filmed at Longcross Manor House, HDS Studios, Nuffield Place, Kensal Green Cemetery and Hackney Empire.

 Cast and characters

Let's start with our old friends. Out of our 'Big Three', Japp has the most screen time here. Philip  Jackson steps back into the role as if he never left it, it doesn't seem like he hasn't played the part for twelve and a half years. His gags about Mrs Japp are funny "Mrs Japp got one of those cards from Gypsy Meg, 3 months later, the cat died" Also, as a nice piece of character development, he has been promoted to the role of Assistant Commissioner. The denouement at the end with Japp and a gun are good, although he's hopeless at fending off Claude Darrell. 

 Pauline Moran is equally as good in her return as Miss Lemon. We get a glimpse of her house and her cat (named Marina!!). There's a touching scene where she, after Poirot's funeral, straightens some objects on her friend's desk "He always liked everything to be just so." Also, when she discovers her former employer is alive, she gives him an icy look: "It was for the best, I suppose"

Although Hugh Fraser makes a very good appearance as Captain Hastings, he doesn't have very much to do in this episode at all. We do get to see his home in Argentina though (green screened I presume?). After Poirot is 'killed' by The Big Four, faithful Hastings is outraged that Japp and Miss Lemon have given up, he wants to make sure Poirot didn't die in vain by hunting down his killers. But hopless Hastings never stood a chance "Now what do I do, old chap?" Hugh Fraser will return in Curtain, but Pauline Moran and Philip Jackson won't be retuning again. 

Of the guest cast, Simon Lowe (Game of Thrones) is outstanding as Dr Quentin/Claude Darrel. He gives a spine chilling performance. Sarah Parish (Atlantis) is wonderful as the actress Flossie Monroe. Patricia Hodge (what I call Miranda's mother) surprises us all with a perfect French accent and Nicholas Burns' character of Inspector Meadows makes Japp look intelligent! A superb cast. 

Another perfect episode!

NEXT WEEK: Zoe Wanamaker puts in her final appearance as Ariadne Oliver in Dead Man's Folly, filmed at Greenway House, Agatha's home! 

Wednesday 30th October, 8pm ITV (9pm ITV+1)

 ©ITV

Poirot Series 13: The Big Four Preview

The second of the final five Poirot films, The Big Four, will be broadcast on ITV on 23rd October at 8pm. This highly anticipated episode reunites David Suchet with his co-stars Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran, who will reprise their iconic roles that  they haven't played since 2001's Evil Under The Sun. The episode is scripted by Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard, so the episode has promise (Gatiss is the co-creater of Sherlock and adapted Poirot Hallowe'en Party and Cat Among the Pigeons). 

"In The Big Four, the world stands on the edge of an abyss as the outbreak of World War II grows ever closer…  

 

In an effort to demonstrate international unity, the Peace Party hosts a grand reception, which re-unites Poirot (David Suchet) with his good friend Japp (Philip Jackson), now Assistant Commissioner of the Met. The illustrious crowd also includes English diplomat Stephen Paynter (Steven Pacey), and the French scientist and Peace Party stalwart, Madame Olivier (Patricia Hodge). The American tycoon, and hearty backer of the Party, Abe Ryland (James Carroll Jordan), fronts the event, which climaxes in an exciting game 

                            ©ITV

of chess, where he takes on the reclusive Russian Grandmaster, Dr Ivan Savaranoff (Michael Culkin). 

 

 

But the match has barely begun, when suddenly Savaranoff collapses - dead! Panic quickly spreads when Ryland suspiciously disappears. Daily Comet journalist, Tysoe (Tom Brooke), covers every development in great, sensational detail, claiming the murder to be the work of a group of ruthless political agitators, tagged as the ‘The Big Four’.  

 

Then when Jonathan Whalley (Peter Symonds), the biographer of the Peace Party’s Chinese leader, is also strangely and brutally murdered, the Big Four have the attention of Hercule Poirot and the world.

 

Tysoe is keen to join forces with Poirot, an anonymous source has been feeding the journalist information on the Big Four, apparently a mole from within.  Poirot and Japp decide to pool resources with him when it appears that his informer is murdered – leaving behind evidence, which suggests this dissident and dangerous group is in fact none other than the Peace Party!  A theory only reinforced by the disappearances of Ryland, and then Madame Olivier, shortly after the murder of unassuming conciliator Paynter.

 

Poirot realises that each of these crimes is so dramatic and expertly stage-managed as to be almost theatrical… and the murderer must indeed be a master of disguise in order to pull off such varied and ingenious plans.  Through a scrapbook found at Whalley’s house, he tracks down failing actress Flossie Monro (Sarah Parish), whom he believes may unwittingly be at the root of all this bloodshed.  However, before he can pursue his theories, Poirot himself is also killed! Or is he?  

 

Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) and Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) return for the funeral of their old friend, but of course things are never as they seem, and soon the theatrics of the Big Four climax with a deadly final act – but on whom will the curtain fall this time?" ITV description

 

 

 ©ITV

Here is the fantastic cast list.... 

Hercule Poirot - David Suchet

Captain Hastings - Hugh Fraser

Assistant Commissioner Japp - Philip Jackson

Miss Lemon - Pauline Moran

Madame Olivier - Patricia Hodge 

Flossie Monro - Sarah Parish

Inspector Meadows - Nicholas Burns

Tysoe - Tom Brooke

Dr Quentin - Simon Lowe

Abe Ryland - James Carroll Jordan

Stephen Paynter - Steven Pacey

Diana Paynter - Teresa Banham

Gerald Paynter - Jack Farthing

Dr Ivan Savaranoff - Michael Culkin

Ingles - Nick Day

George - David Yelland

Mabel - Lou Broadbent

Mrs Andrews - Barbara Kirby                                              

Robert Grant - Alex Palmer

Jonathan Whalley - Peter Symonds

Mercutio - Ian Hallard

 

As usual, I will be writing a live commentary of the episode via twitter, so tune in at 7.45 for the full feed. https://twitter.com/AChristieWeb

 

 

 

BBC Miss Marple Review: The Body in the Library

©BBC

The first episode to star Joan Hickson as the title sleuth, The Body in the Library, was broadcast in three parts from 23rd - 26th December 1984. 

Story

A body is found in the library of Gossington Hall, St Mary Mead, home of Colonel Bantry (Moray Watson) and his wife Dolly (Gwen Watford). Miss Jane Marple (Joan Hickson), an old friend of Dolly, is called upon to investigate. However, although the Chief Contable Colonel Melchett (Frederick Jaeger) doesn't appear to mind, Chief Inspector Slack (David Horovitch) is less keen. Miss Marple and Dolly travel to the Majestic Hotel, Danemouth to investigate, leading them on a trail involving nail clippings and Mozart.

T.R.Bowen's script remains faithful to the original novel but makes some minor changes. Firstly, he moves the 1942 setting to 1953. Also, Ruby Keene's inheritance increases and the plot to kill Conway Jefferson is changed. However, it's a faithful and thoroughly entertaining script.

Direction, locations and soundtrack 

Silvio Narizzano's direction is very good, especially the village scenes; he captures the closure of an Elglish coiuntry village perfectly. Locations include the village of Nether Wallop, Hampshire as St Mary Mead (which features in all the episodes) and Bournemouth bills as Danemouth.

Cast and Characters 

Joan Hickson gives a powerful and spectacular debut performance as Miss Jane Marple. It's also great to see the recurring character of Chief Inspector Slack for the first time. Over the next few years Hickson and Horovitch's on - screen relationship would develop, in the first episode they are rivals, although only from Slack's perspective. Also, Gwen Watford makes her first appearance as Miss Marple's friend Dolly Bantry, as does Ian Brimble, who plays Lake. Of the guest stars, Raymond Francis stands out as Sir Henry Clithering. 

The Body In The Library Part 3 is available to watch on BBC Iplayer.