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Armed with only his "little grey cells," Hercule Poirot wrestles evil to the ground without mussing so much as a hair of his famously sculpted moustache. Agatha Christie’s eccentric but endearing Belgian detective made her the bestselling author of her day. In this British production starring David Suchet, Poirot became a television phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions on both PBS and A&E. Set in and around elegant, upper-crust 1930s London, the series also stars Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings, Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp, and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon. The King of Clubs—When Poirot and Hastings confront a murder in the movie-making community, a playing card found near the body is their only clue. The Dream—A wealthy man asks Poirot to investigate even though nothing has happened but a recurring bad dream. The Incredible Theft—Poirot takes on a case of national importance when secret plans for a military combat aircraft disappear.
David Suchet returns as Agatha Christie's eccentric Belgian sleuth. Acorn Media productions of Christie's classic novels are always lovingly done, and this set is no exception. All three mysteries are well acted, shot in beautiful locations, and manage to fold in a little dry humor with the ghastly business at hand. "The King of Clubs" involves murder on a film set and just might have something to do with a game of bridge. In "The Dream" Poirot is called in to consult with a wealthy industrialist before a murder has even occurred. One does, of course, and there is also a gratifying call-everyone-together-in-one-room-so-the-detective-can-explain-everything scene. The Incredible Theft has a terrific pre-war flavor, and in this episode it's no mere murder--the very future of England is at stake! Suchet is a perfect Poirot, capturing the detective's faint ridiculousness without losing his very serious distaste for murder. Curl up with a hot cup of tea and enjoy. --Ali Davis
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