Review of Witness For The Prosecution (Theatre Mill)

For the first time in 2014, 51 years after its London debut, Witness for the Prosecution got its first site specific performance. 

Theatre Mill

This stunning and thrilling performance of Agatha Christie's courtroom drama was set in the York Guildhall, and gives the audience the chance to be a part of the action. I was very privileged to watch this masterpiece be performed in its full splendor in the historic York Guildhall courtroom. There were some many good things about this adaptation. Firstly, the plot. Witness For The Prosecution began its life as a short story written by Agatha Christie in a collection of short stories called The Hound of Death. It had such an appeal that she decided to adapt it for the stage; its debut performance was in 1953 in London. It also made the basis for a successful 1950's movie starring Marlene Dietrich as Mrs Vole. The stage ending is different to the short story ending, as Agatha Christie, being of a moral disposition, wanted to make the murderer pay for their crimes. I have to say, watching it for the first time, I was tricked!

The courtroom setting was one of things that made this performance so good. From the moment you walked through the doors, you were greeted by a policeman asking "Are you here for the trial?". Once you entered the magnificent court, the clerk invited you in and asked you to stand as the judge entered. This made you really feels as if you were watching a real trial, something a stage just cannot do. At some points, you forgot that this was a fictional play, and not a real trial of a man.

The cast was superb. Everyone was excellent. Andrew Dowbiggin  gave a convincing performance as Leonard Vole, so much so that you forgot that he wasn't really a man on trial for his life. Rachel Logan was wonderful as Romaine Vole, one of the major characters, she was great in the role. David Bowen was great as Sir Wilfred, and had a lot of funny moments and good interactions with Mr Mayhew, brilliantly played by Adam Elms. Everyone in the cast gave a solid performance.

I have to say that Theatre Mill have done a spectacular job with this performance of Witness For The Prosecution , it is definitely the best Agatha Christie play I have ever seen. It was great to see it in in the York Guildhall, the courtroom setting made you feel as if you were in a courtroom, that along with the excellent lighting. I recommend you go and see it before it is over, as you wouldn't want to miss out on this stunning site specific performance.

Witness For The Prosecution is on at the York Guildhall Council Chambers from 2nd - 20th April. 

Review of Black Coffee (Agatha Christie Theatre Company)

York Press

Last Saturday, I had the great pleasure of seeing the Official Agatha Christie Theatre Company's latest performance in York at the Grand Opera House. This year, after the 'death' of David Suchet's unrivaled performance as Hercule Poirot, the company chose Black Coffee, the sole Poirot play. Robert Powell doesn't rival David Suchet, but he certainly gives him a run for his money.

The story is a typical Agatha Christie tale, there's a missing formula, a murder of a rich patriarch and a unique detective who makes a mockery of the poor old police. As the curtain rose, the wonderful Poirot theme tune from the TV series (composed by Chris Gunning) could be heard, with a slight alteration in tone. The first act was relatively short, but did get out of the way some key points. We are introduced to Sir Claud Amory (Ric Recate), a wealthy country squire armed with a chemical formula. He lives with his sister Caroline Amory (Liza Goddard), his son Richard (Ben Nealon), his niece Barbara (Felicity Houlbrooke) and Richard's Italian wife Lucia (Olivia Mace). There is also a secretary called Raynor (Mark Jackson) Italian doctor called Dr Carelli (Gary Mavers) staying at the house, so he's obviously a suspect!
Read more after the jump...

REVIEW: Sparkling Cyanide (2003)

ITV

Based on Agatha Christie's 1945 novel, Sparkling Cyanide was adapted by Laura Lamson as a one off TV film, which was directed by Tristam Powell. It was first broadcast in the UK on 5th October 2003.

Story 

Colonel Geoffrey Reese and his wife Dr Kate Kendall investigate when a young woman is poisoned with potassium cyanide in a classy London nightclub among a group of her friends.

The one major change brought about by Lamson is to modernise the film by removing it from the original 1950's time period and 'dumping' it in the 21st century. So, this means that there are computers, mobile phones and forensic crimes scenes in Agatha Christie. She also turns George Barton into a football manager and Mr Fitzgerald or 'Fizz' in this film, into a football player, which gives this film a trashy feel. But when you get this out of the way the film is not bad.

The original detective of the novel, Colonel Race is renamed Reese and given a partner in crime, his wife: Dr Kate Kendall. They are both retired from the original professions and are now employed by the government as freelance detectives, this time solving a murder. The plot remains relatively close the the original a part from the time setting, but there are still changes. For example, the action is all contained within the space of about a week rather than two years.

Direction, location, soundtrack 

Tristam Powell's direction suits the modern film, with flashy lighting techniques used in the nightclub sequences. But for the rest of the film, it's nothing really to write home about, it just serves it's purpose and doesn't use any flashy or elaborate camera techniques that we have perhaps grown used to in the Poirot and Marple series.

Cast and characters

The characters of Colonel Reese and Dr Kendall remind me somewhat of an older Tommy and Tuppence as they both solves crimes together and are married. The relationship between Oliver Ford Davies and Pauline Collins is great, they have a good chemistry.

REVIEW: Poirot Peril at End House (S2.E1)

©ITV

On the 7th January 1990, we saw our first feature length Poirot mystery with David Suchet as the sleuth. It was adapted by Clive Exton, the head writer, and directed by Renny Rye.

Story

Poirot and Captain Hastings are on holiday in Devon when they meet Nick Buckley, a young girl who believes she is being targeted. Several incidents have threatens her life recently and Poirot fears for her safety. But on bonfire night, the killer takes a final move which results in the death of Miss Buckley, but it is not Nick who is killed...

This was based on one of Agatha Christie's earlier Poirot novels, and an unusual one to go for as a first feature length adaption. Having not read the original book myself, I don't know how close faithful this adaption is, but I believe that it remains close the source material. The plot is very good, one of Christie's cleverer plots, and the adaption shows this well. There are no end of suspects, it seems there is no motive, but in Poirot's clever denouement, he reveals all.

Direction, location, soundtrack 

This film really makes the most of the picturesque Devonshire location, with the film being shot for the most part in Salcombe, Devon. Rye's direction is certainly not dark like the later films, but it serves its purpose and boosts the scenery.

Cast and characters 

Captain Hastings accompanies Poirot throughout most of the film, Hugh Fraser as always gives a good performance, who works so well with the amazing David Suchet, who plays Poirot with such skill even though it's early days. Philip Jackson plays Japp who seems to have turned up in Devon of all places, a trick that will happen in most films. Surely Japp should stay in London, don't Devon have their own police force?

The character of Miss Lemon is expanded here, giving her an interest in the paranormal, where she holds a seance for Poirot. These characteristics come from Pauline Moran's own interests, I believe.  Of the guest cast, Polly Walker stands out as Nick Buckley.

REVIEW: Poirot Series 1 (S1)

©ITV

So, here we are at the beginning of a legend. I thought that with all of the seasons that comprise solely  of  shorter films, I would review them as a series. After all, there are 70 episodes and I haven't the time or energy to review each one.

Episodes 

• The Adventure of the Clapham Cook
• Murder in the Mew 
• The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly 
• Four and Twenty Blackbirds 
• The Third Floor Flat 
• Triangle at Rhodes 
• Problem at Sea
• The Incredible Theft
• The King of Clubs 
• The Dream 

Story 

The first series plays it safe by going for a selection of 10 short stories that are relativity unknown.   None of the famous cases appear, which is the safest way for a new series to play. All of them have good solid plots that create 50 minutes worth of entertainment. There's several murders, a couple of disappearances, and two exotic trips abroad.

In Clapham Cook, an arogant Poirot is annoyed that the only case in the whole of London is a petty search for a missing cook. In Murder in the Mews, on bonfire night, there's a mysterious murder, or is it suicide? Poirot helps to track down a missing child in The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly.

Poirot is intrigued by a man he sees in a restaurant, particularly as he is supposed to be dead in Four and Twenty Blackbirds. In The Third Floor Flat, Poirot finds murder on his own doorstep and in Triangle at Rhodes, Poirot solves a murder on his holiday.

Whilst on a boating trip in Problem at Sea, one of the passengers is murdered, The Incredible Theft sees Poirot investigating the stealing of an important document. The King of Clubs brings Poirot into the world of the film making industry and in The Dream, a mysterious dream culminates in murder.

Direction, production, location

For a first series of a show, not knowing whether there will be another series, it's surprising that there are two episodes set in exotic locations. There must have been a relatively large budget, and I'm sure the beautifully filmed locations boosted the start of the series. The first series shows us Florin Court as Whitehaven Mansions, now an icon and generally known as Poirot's residence.

Cast and characters 

I really like the way we are introduced to the great and diverse character of Hercule Poirot in the first series. We see his shoes, and we gradually get to see his iconic mustache as the camera pans upwards. All of his little eccentricities are wonderfully mastered by David Suchet, who clearly relaxes into the role even in the first series.

We get to meet all of the regular 'family' of Poirot's: Captain Hastings played by Hugh Fraser, Chief Inspector Japp played by Philip Jackson and Miss Lemon played by Pauline Moran. We get to meet them all and the relationships between both characters and the actors are strong and have helped the series to be the success that it is.

REVIEW Marple Endless Night (S6.E3)

©ITV

The latest episode of Marple to date was broadcast on 29th December 2013 and was adapted by Kevin Elyot, who is no stranger to Christie adaptions and produced and directed by David Moore.

Story

Whilst visiting her recently widowed friend Marjorie (Wendy Craig), Miss Marple meets charming young chauffeur Mike Rogers (Tom Hughes) who dreams to build a house on a local beauty spot Gypsy's Acre. After a run in with the local gypsy Mrs Lee (Janet Henfrey), Mike discovers the land is cursed, but when he meets and falls in love with the rich American heiress Ellie Goodman (Joanna Vanderham), he is more determined than ever to for fill his dreams. However, tragedy strikes when Ellie is killed, forcing Miss Marple to investigate, but in doing so she is putting her own life in danger.

Although the original novel doesn't feature the character of Miss Marple, Kevin Elyot cleverly slips her into the proceedings. As in the book, the film is narrated by Mike (cleverly played by Tom Hughes) and therefore includes the surprise ending. Miss Marple doesn't get as much to do as usual, but she still makes a good few appearances.

The whole plot works well, it's more suspenseful and impending than some, as the murder happens about two-thirds of the way through, but Elyot manages to give us enough entertainment up until that point.

The ending denouement is very well written, in fact we as the audience know who the killer is just before Marple reveals all, even if the characters don't. Miss Marple certainly shines in the last few moments, with her words making an impact on Mike. Despite complaints by fans about Miss Marple being inserted into the story, I think it's very cleverly written and one of  the best so far.

Direction, location, soundtrack

David Moore directed this film, his previous credits include The Blue Geranium and Poirot: Sad Cypress. I think he has been the best directer so far, Endless Night is skillfully directed. It feels very dark and ominous, very much like some of the later episodes of Poirot, not like previous Marple films at all. It's dark from start to finish, with the ending denouement really showing of the darkness.

Cast and characters 

Julia McKenzie as always plays Miss Marple with great dexterity. In this we see a new, more darker element to Miss Marple, especially in the ending scenes, where she takes it upon herself to confront the killer with no aid of the police, resulting in her having to run through the woods and being nearly throttled. I like the way that once she's discovered the murderer's identity, she will stop at nothing to bring them to justice, and in this film she very nearly is killed herself.

Apart from Julia, Tom Hughes is the star of the show, he really gives us a powerful three dimensional performance as Mike Rogers. it's a difficult part to play but he does so skillfully, managing to give a great depth to the character.

The rest of the cast are up to their usual standards: Aneurin Barnard is brilliant as the dying young architecht Robbie Heyman, his character really sends a chill down one's spine.  Janet Henfrey is suitably creepy as the foreboding gypsy Mrs Lee, Joanna Vanderham is great as the rather vulnerable young American Ellie Goodman and Glynis Barber is excellent as Cora Van Stuyvesant, with the right balance of manipulative and cold.

REVIEW: Marple Greenshaw's Folly (S6.E2)

ITV

Greenshaw's Folly was first broadcast on 23rd June 2013 and was adapted by Tim Whitnall and directed by Sarah Harding.

Story 

Miss Marple helps out her young friend Louisa Oxley and her son Archie when they are in need of a home and protection, so the sleuth takes them to stay at Greenshaw's Folly, the ancestral home of the Greenshaw family. Louisa meets the last remaining Greenshaw, Katheine, an eccentric botanist who agrees to take Louisa on a her secretary. However, after their arrival, strange events occur ending in the brutal murder of the lady of the house.

This adaption is based on two short stories: Greenshaw's Folly and The Thumb Mark of St Peter, both Miss Marple stories. Tim Whitnall cleverly combines them into an hour and a half film by padding out the story. Firstly, he adds some more characters, like Father Brophy, Cecily Beauclerk and Walter Craken to create a wider range of suspects, he also removes the character of Marple's nephew Raymond West. He also removes the whole will scenario and makes Horace Bindler a murder victim to add more excitement. The way the story The Thumb Mark of St Peter is added is very clever indeed. (SPOILERS WILL PROCEED) Miss Greenshaw poisoned with atropine as is the main character in St Peter, and she calls St Faith's Orphanage to tell Miss Marple to get her pilocarpine, the antidote, but she speaks to Grace Ritchie, who thinks she said "A mound of cod, or a pile of carp, or a heap of haddock.". A well written and entertaining script.

REVIEW: Marple A Caribbean Mystery (S6.E1)

ITV

A Caribbean was the first episode of series 6 and was first broadcast on the 16th June 2013. It was adapted by Charlie Higson and directed by Charles Palmer. 

Story 

Miss Marple travels to the fictional Caribbean island of St Honore in need of a holiday and to recover from a bout of pneumonia. Whilst there, an elderly major (Oliver Ford Davies) tells her lots of boring tales, including one about a murderer. So when he is found dead the next day, from apparent natural causes., Miss Marple is suspicious. Her suspicions are confirmed when two more brutal murders are committed. 

This is one of my favourite Agatha Christie novels, I love the fact we see Miss Marple in unfamiliar territory. Charlie Higson has certainly made a brilliant adaption. His script is funny, action packed and filled with clues. Of course, as with any TV adaption, there have to be changes, and there are a few minor ones here, but they add to the story rather than take away from it. Firstly, some characters are removed , including Dr Graham, Senora de Caspearo and Miss Prescott.  The characters of Ian Fleming, James Bond and Mama Zogbe are added. Mama Zogbe in particular helps to add  to the whole voodoo set up.

Talking of voodoo, Higson adds an element of the supernatural 'voodoo' into the plot. This is a great addition to the plot as it adds to the scenery and helps to set the scene and bring out the Caribbean feel. One thing that I know has annoyed some fans is the inclusion of Ian Fleming and American ornithologist James Bond.  However, I think it's a great addition, it also helps to keep the period feels and gives us a time scale by including real historical characters.

In conclusion, a great script that makes it a fantastic episode. I hope that if there is another series of Marple, which has still not been confirmed, Charlie Higson will be asked to write some more, maybe he could do Nemesis as it't a sequel to A Caribbean Mystery?

READ MORE...

REVIEW: Marple The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side (S5.E4)

ITV

The series five finale was first broadcast on 2nd January 2011 and was adapted by Kevin Elyot and directed by Tom Shankland.

Story 

Miss Marple's best friend Dolly Bantry (Joanna Lumley) had recently sold her home Gossington Hall to American movie star Marina Gregg (Lindsey Duncan) and her younger director husband Jason Rudd (Nigel Harmon). When she moves in, Marina decides to host a party for all the villagers of St Mary Mead, but on the day of  the even, local busybody Heather Badcock drinks a poisoned martini and dies...

This is probably the strongest story ever adapted with Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple, rather than some of the short stories etc, and Kevin Elyot pulls it off marvelously. The script is entertaining from start to finish. Of course, there are a few minor changes, like the exclusion of Mr Badcock, Miss Knight and Giuseppe and exchanging Inspector Craddock for Inspector Hewish. Ardwyck Fenn is renamed to Vincent Hogg and Ella Zeilinsky is renamed Ella Blunt. However, the plot, murders and motive are all the same making at a very faithful adaption.

Direction, locations, soundtrack

Tom Shankland's direction fits the setting of the film: a cosy English village so it isn't very dark. However, this works well with the story. It also has a classy edge, and the parts where they are at the film studio are excellent. The areas of St Mary Mead, including Danemead, Miss Marple's house, were shot in Bledlow, Buckinghamshire. The soundtrack hasn't been released, but can be heard in part in A Caribbean Mystery.

Cast and characters 

In this episode, we get to see more of Miss Marple's home life, as it's set almost entirely in St Mary Mead. I think it's a great shame the character of Miss Knight was omitted because she's such a fun character. I could imagine Julie Walters playing her well.

Joanna Lumley, who previously played Dolly Bantry in the Geraldine McEwan film The Body in the Library returns to play the role opposite Julia McKenzie, and she's absolutely fabulous (forgive the pun). Lumley and McKenzie have such a great relationship, it's so believable. You can see that they are having the time of their lives. I really hope we get to see Dolly Bantry again, she's one of my favourite of Miss Marple's companions.

Of the guest cast, Lindsey Duncan stands out as Marina Gregg, as well as Nigel Harmon and Jason Rudd. Hugh Bonneville makes an excellent Inspector Hewish and Caroline Quentin was great as Miss Badcock.

Just a bit of continuity, Vincent Hogg and Lola Bruster stay at Bertram's Hotel when they are in London, when we see the outside of their hotel it's the same location and it says Bertram's Hotel on the sign.

REVIEW: Marple The Blue Geranium (S5.E3)

ITV

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW
Julia McKenzie stars as Miss Marple in the first film to be adapted from a short story, this one based on the short story of the same name published in the Thirteen Problems (1930). It was adapted by Stewart Harcourt and directed by David Moore and was first broadcast on 29th December 2010.

Story

Miss Marple comes forward with new information that could save an innocent man from the gallows, but as nobody will listen to her, she must rely on her old friend Sir Henry Clithering, who was the commissioner of Scotland Yard some years ago. The information concerns the 'blue geranium' murder case that happened six months ago whilst Jane was visiting friends in the picturesque village of Little Ambrose. But will her evidence save George Pritchard in time?

As the source text was a short story with few characters and not very detailed, but the program still had to last the usual length of 90 minutes, Stewart Harcourt clearly had to embellish the plot a bit, adding characters and adding red herrings to liven it all up. He keeps the base characters of George and Mary Pritchard and Nurse Copling, but gives George a brother Lewis and Mary a sister called Phillipa who are married. This doesn't make any difference to the plot at all, except we have more motives and suspects. More characters are added such as Hazel, Rev Dermot, Dr Frane and Eddie Seward. Eddie Seward is the first to die, adding more deaths and more action to the plot but his death isn't linked: he committed suicide.

One important point is that it's all told from Miss Marple's perspective as she recalls the murder to Sir Henry, very much in the style of the Thirteen Problems. Although it's a shame that there wasn't the whole Tuesday Night Club set up, which could have had Dolly Bantry and Raymond in it, it's more interesting to have Miss Marple trying to save George Pritchard from the gallows. It's a very good script and proves to us that a short story can be filmed for a hour and a half TV film.

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.

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!

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?

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)

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.