MURDER IN THE MEWS


UK, 1990, 50 minutes, Colour.
David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran, Juliette Mole, David Yelland, James Faulkner.
Directed by Edward Bennett.

This is the second episode in the television series of Agatha Christie mysteries featuring David Suchet as Poirot.

The locations of the mystery are not exactly exotic – except for the murder being committed on Guy Fawkes’ Day with fireworks, and fireworks possibly concealing the sound of a gun firing. But, the story is quite suburban, murder in the Mews.

Captain Hastings is present and Chief Inspector Japp is called in. There is a mystery about a dead woman and whether she was murdered or committed suicide, or the situation arranged to suggest murder and for the incrimination of a blackmailer.

Although there is, as always, a twist, this is a more conventional, suburban Poirot mystery.

1. The popularity of Agatha Christie’s mysteries? The television series with David Suchet as Poirot?

2. London setting? I thought? The fireworks? The sounds disguising the gunshot? The involvement of Chief Inspector Jack? Poirot and Hastings and their involvement?

3. The situation, the dead woman in the flat, seeming suicide, the gun in the wrong hand?

4. Jane, the return to the flat, finding Mrs Allen? The friendship? The background? Laverton West? Maj Eustace?

5. Poirot and the interrogations? Suspicions? Murder or suicide? Jane and her friendship, concern? The strong issue of who was left-handed and right-handed? The gun? The other clues?

6. Laverton West, involvement?

7. Major Eustace, his involvement, his cigars, the incriminating evidence? His being upstairs? His denials?

8. The serious theme but the comedy background, Ms lemon and her discussions with Poirot about dentists, laundry?

9. Poirot and the solution, the suicide made to look as if it were murder in order to put the blame on Major Eustace?