Lord Edgware Dies

Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) and Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) investigate the murder of hated aristocrat Lord Edgware (John Castle), who was found stabbed in the neck with a letter opener in his study. Edgware was married to eminent stage actress Jane Wilkinson (Helen Grace) who was asking him for a divorce at the time, but he refused it. Jane Wilkinson becomes Chief Inspector Japp's chief suspect in view of this and also because she was admitted into Edgware's house by his manservant at around the time of the murder. However, Japp (Philip Jackson) soon realises that this will not be an open and shut case because Jane Wilkinson was at a dinner party in Holborn and the other guests can vouch for her being there. Meanwhile, Poirot and Hastings have another question to consider. Could the mysterious death of Carlotta Adams (Fiona Allen), an actress who specialised in comedy impersonations, be connected to Lord Edgware's murder?

Lord Edgware Dies is an impeccable entry into ITV's distinguished Poirot franchise. The dramatization of Agatha Christie's novel by Anthony Horowitz, who has contributed many fine scripts for ITV's other money spinner, Midsomer Murders, is outstanding and every single plot twist runs smoothly into the other. In addition, it follows Agatha Christie's novel very closely. Interestingly, the novel first published in 1933 was filmed in 1934 with Austin Trevor playing Poirot then later as Thirteen At Dinner with Peter Ustinov. Brian Farnham's direction is workmanlike and shows off his considerable skill as a storyteller and the proceedings are much enhanced by Chris O' Dell's elegant cinematography, which complements the impeccable set design and attention to period detail. Performances as always are first class and there isn't one single miscast part. Suchet, Fraser, Jackson and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon can now play their roles with consummate ease and they are ably supported by John Castle (who played Inspector Craddock in the BBC's Miss Marple series with Joan Hickson) as Edgware and Helen Grace is simply outstanding as Jane Wilkinson.

In summary, it is very difficult to review these films as they are usually of such a high standard that one runs out of new words to use in order to praise them. All in all, Lord Edgware Dies, is a must see for all fans of great murder mysteries and for those who appreciate quality film making that deserves a theatrical release as well as being televised.

The scenery and costumes in this production are stunning, and the acting, especially by David Suchet as Poirot, is excellent. This version remains very faithful to the novel, and pays great attention to detail. However, one criticism would be the omission of the Duke of Merton's mother, who is an excellent character and should have been included. That aside, this is a wonderful piece of television for mystery fans and nostalgia lovers to relax with.

Lord Edgeware dies: he gets stabbed in the neck, and there are plenty of suspects around. Poirot gets involved in the case, along with his friend Captain Hastings who has just returned from Argentina after a misguided investment.

The reunion of the 4 series regulars (Suchet, Fraser, Jackson and Moran) after a couple of years gives a warm feeling to this episode, but its chief virtue remains Agatha Christie's plot. Her technique here involves a daring double-deception: she takes the obvious truth and camouflages it to the point where you never think of it! But even the little details of the story ("Paris...") are brilliant, and everything gets perfectly explained at the end. Helen Grace gives an astonishing, scene-stealing performance. This is easily in the Top 5 episodes of the series up to this point. (***1/2)

Looking back over the whole series, I would put this one in my top five list, it is a brilliant adaptation.

This is one of my favourite Poirot novels, it's a brilliant book, this adaptation certainly does it justice. The writing is smart, the music is terrific, and it boasts some lavish production values too. There are some glorious costumes throughout.

Helen Grace is perfect casting for Jane Wilkinson, she was truly first rate, what a beautiful woman. She looks so glamorous throughout. I believe in her character's manipulation of Poirot. Fiona Allen too is such an underrated actress, her impressions were so much fun. Even though John Castle only has a small amount of screen time he is excellent.

I know they cheat at the moment of deception, which did annoy a few fans, but for me it doesn't matter, it doesn't detract from the brilliance of the episode. They could have perhaps shot it in a different way. The ending is a triumph, very dramatic.

We had a four year break, and after The Murder of Roger Ackroyd this felt like a massive return to form, it was great to have the old gang back too. How good to see Japp right for once.

Love it! 10/10

After his short-lived retirement and country living, Hercule Poirot is back in his flat in London. Miss Lemon is back as his assistant. Hastings is back from Argentina, semi-broke after a bad investment decision and sans bride. Chief Inspector Japp is around, so the old gang are reunited, and have a dinner to celebrate. A few days later, Poirot gets drawn into the private lives of curmudgeonly Lord Edgware and his beautiful young actress wife, Jane Wilkinson. Lady Jane wants a divorce and Lord Edgware won't accede to her request. She asks Poirot, as a friend of Lord Edgware, to try to convince him. When Poirot speaks to Lord Edgware it is revealed that he decided to agree a month earlier, and informed Lady Jane of this in writing. Lady Jane says she never received the letter. Later that night, Lord Edgware is murdered, and witnesses say that they saw Lady Jane entering his study around the time of the murder. However, soon hereafter an actress, Carlotta Adams, is found dead in her bed from a drug overdose. Poirot had deduced that she had impersonated Lady Jane that night, but arrived too late to prevent her death. So it looks like Carlotta Adams killed Lord Edgware, but, as Poirot believes it was murder, who killed Carlotta Adams?

Intriguing, as always, with some great twists and turns. One or two implausibilities but a reasonably good plot nonetheless. Great to see Hastings back - his naivety, lack of objectivity with regard to female suspects and accidental crime-solving make him one of my favourite long-term characters in the Hercule Poirot series. After Poirot, of course...