THE DREAM
UK, 1989, 50 minutes, Colour.
David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran, Alan Howard, Joely Richardson, Mary Tamm, Martin Wenner.
Directed by Edward Bennett.
This is an early short story from the television series featuring David Suchet as Poirot. This film as all the central characters, Hastings, Miss Lemon and (and her complaints about her role typewriter and wanting a new one), and Chief Inspector Japp.
The setting is the 50th anniversary of a profitable pie factory, a celebration with the officials and the workers (not enjoying it), and a brass band (with Christopher Gunning, the composer of the series’ theme, as the bandmaster).
The owner is an arrogant man, Benedict Farley (played by Alan Howard). His rebellious daughter is played by Joely Richardson who is in love with a worker who is getting the sack. Is angry with her father.
Poirot receives a letter commanding his presence with Benedict Farley on the condition that he bring the letter – and leave it with Farley. Farley recounts a dream, recurrent, of the time, his getting a revolver, shooting himself. The next day this is what happens. Chief Inspector Japp is called in and the death is ruled a suicide. Poirot is suspicious, gets a clue when Miss Lemon leans out the window to look at the local church clock to tell the time.
There are investigations, interrogations, the group, especially family, being called into the office, everybody looking out the window and Hastings firing a gun to indicate how Farley was shot. Poirot then explains and reveals that the secretary, again played by Alan Howard, had disguised himself as Farley for the interview with Poirot elaborating the dream scenario. The ending is partly happy with Miss Lemon getting an elaborate clock rather than a new typewriter and the two lovers, even though there is now no need, deciding to elope.
1. The popularity of Agatha Christie mysteries? The television series with David Suchet as Poirot?
2. A London story? Poirot in his office, Miss Lemon and the typewriter difficulties, telling the time? Her expecting a typewriter? Poirot buying her a clock! Hastings and his presence?
3. The factory setting, 50 years of making pies, the multimillionaire? The celebration, the factory, exteriors, interiors, offices? The assembled workers? The band? Benedict Farley, his appearance, age, spectacles? Mr Cornworthy in attendance? The arrogance speech, the non-reaction of the workers? Joanna, her leaving to meet Herbert, in love, his being sacked? Her anger towards her father?
4. Poirot receiving the letter, summoned to Farley? The puzzle of bringing the letter? He and Hastings attending, Hastings refused entry, Poirot in the office, the light in his eyes, Farley in the dark? The discussion? The recounting of the nightmare? The time? Dismissing Poirot? Handing back the letter?
5. The workers waiting to see Farley? Cornworthy going into the office? Farley’s death? Suicide? The time, the gun?
6. Chief Inspector Japp being called in, the investigation, the decision of suicide? Poirot re-examining the scene? Miss Lemon and her leaning out the window – and a solution for Poirot?
7. Poirot and the interrogations? Farley’s widow? Her relationship with Joanna? The quarrels? Cornworthy and his duties?
8. The visit to the office, Poirot inviting everyone to look out the window, Hastings firing the gun? The accusation against Cornworthy, against Mrs Farley? Their reactions? Cornworthy shooting, putting the gun in Farley’s hand, the revelation that he had impersonated Farley in the dark? Created the nightmare? The will and Mrs Farley’s inheritance? His running, the pursuit throughout the factory, Hastings chasing, Joanna chasing, Herbert waiting with the bike, his heading off Cornworthy?
9. The arrest, the happy ending, Joanna and Herbert eloping? And Poirot buying the clock instead of the typewriter for Miss Lemon?
