The Dream

This plot is similar to another in the Poirot series and actually, it's fairly easy to figure out. However, it's still well done and very entertaining.

Things aren't happy in Poirot's office. Miss Lemon has had it with her ancient typewriter and wants a new one. Though this is news to Poirot, both she and Hastings insist it has been mentioned several times before.

Now he can really forget about it, as he is summoned to meet a man named Farley, the King of Pies, at his manufacturing company. Farley is disturbed about a dream he has had repeatedly. In the dream, at an exact time, he removes a gun from his desk, walks to his window, and kills himself.

Poirot isn't much help and is dismissed by Farley. The next day, Farley is found dead under the circumstances he described. Poirot and Hastings then help Inspector Japp figure out what happened. In the end, the typewriter-seeking Miss Lemon gives Poirot the clue to the case.

A delightful episode that shows activity in Poirot's office with the wonderful Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) and Hastings (Hugh Fraser), with Poirot at his absent-minded genius best.

Recommended, though not the best story.

I have tried to add this to the Filming locations section for this episode but have been unable to save it in imdb for some reason.

When Poirot & Hastings go to Mr. Farleys residence named "Northway House" the entrance has a magnificent Grand Staircase & tiled floor. When businessmen are sitting in a hallway waiting to see Mr. Farley you can notice the beautiful marble walls. Later, Inspector Japp & Poirot walk these same halls & go down the stairs & you can see the details of the wonderfully unique ballustrade.

Where is this location ? Wandsworth Town Hall in South London, England. Ive seen it in other British films & tv episodes but I cant remember which ones. People rent this space for Weddings etc also. Im leaving this comment here so that I can remember the location the next time I watch this Poirot episode.

Hercule Poirot is invited by wealthy industrialist / pork pie king, Benedict Farley, to take on his case. When they meet at Mr Farley's factory, Mr Farley tells Poirot that he believes someone is trying to hypnotise him into committing suicide. Mr Poirot is quite dismissive of Mr Farley's suggestion and the meeting ends. The next day, Mr Farley is found dead in his office, shot through the head, apparently at his own hand. Chief Inspector Japp would normally write it up as suicide and close the case, but the fact that Poirot was previously contacted by Mr Farley makes him think it could be murder, and that Poirot's assistance is needed.

Reasonably intriguing, especially as regards the murder method. Motives are quite basic. Quite a few dead giveaways right at the beginning to some of the machinations involved in the plot.

A nice sub-plot involving Miss Lemon and her typewriter. Supporting cast includes Joely Richardson.

This episode is the one where Suchet absolutely nails the character. There are bits and pieces in the previous episodes but this is the one where you can see it all really come together for him. Not the most exciting of stories but watching Suchet's masterclass is more than enough to satisfy.

I have seen many episodes from this very exciting TV series but I decided not to write about them, there are too many. I make an exception for this one because I consider it the best of all that I have seen, from all points of view, subject, actors, director, everything. Very intelligent. Just watch it!