THIRD GIRL
UK, 2008, 93 minutes, Colour.
David Suchet, Zoe Wanamaker, David Yelland, Jemima Rupert, Matilda Sturridge, Tom Mison, Caroline O 'Neill, James Wilby, Peter Bowles.
Directed by Dan Reed.
Third Girl is one of the lesser novels of Agatha Christie, not even reviewed by some outlets on its release in the 1960s. However, it is a reminder that Agatha Christie’s mysteries have been very popular over many decades and the television series with David Suchet as Poirot also very popular.
The original setting with the 1960s but has been transferred back to the 1930s, the period for all the television series. The action is confined to London, a young woman, nervy, consulting Poirot and confessing to murder. In this story, Poirot has the help of his friend, the novelist, Ariadne Oliver, played by Zoe Wanamaker.
In many ways, this is not a solution of a murder but Poirot working to prevent a murder, the young woman, who lives in a flat with her two friends. But, she has an extensive back story, her mother’s suicide, her father’s abandonment of the family, his return from South Africa, another wealthy relative who is about to marry his younger assistant, a young man, a photographer, who seems to be something of a cad.
Poirot does his investigation, leading him to the headmistress of an exclusive school, her lying to him and a revelation her relationship with the husband who abandoned his family leading to a plot of greed and violence.
1. The popularity of Agatha Christie’s novels, mysteries, clues, solution? Series with David Suchet?
2. One of the least known of Agatha Christie’s novels, from the 1960s, the decision to go back to the 1930s, the setting of the others in the series?
3. The London settings, the apartment blocks, the streets, the atmosphere of the city? The musical score?
4. The focus on Norma, the background of her mother’s suicide, the disappearance of her father to South Africa, her affection, his abrupt departure, no contact? Her mother’s mental condition? Norma’s mental condition? Her boarding with the other two women, the third girl? The visit to Poirot, the confession of murder, disturbed, Poirot’s response?
5. The character of Ariadne Oliver, writing novels, her manner, discussions with Poirot, with the girl, going to the party, meeting David Baker, the other girls, the death of the nanny, her deciding to investigate further, confrontation, her being hit, hospital?
6. Norma and her situation, the return of her father, the family business, his assistant, being one of the girls and the flat? Her return to the family estate? Sir Roderick Horsefield, his relationship with Norma, the house, Sonja as his assistant?
7. The nanny, her murder?
8. David Baker, his charm, photographer, Frances posing for him, Norma’s attraction, his response to her? Ariadne Oliver’s visit? The truth?
9. Norma, the friendship of the two other girls, Claudia and her support, Frances and her continued care, going out of her way?
10. Poirot, the interviews, with Norma’s father, the empty office? With Sir Roderick? Getting the background? The portraits on the wall, the slashed portrait? The headmistress, the interview, her inconsistency with dates?
11. The threats to Norma? Her flashbacks to her mother?
12. Poirot devising the role play, Norma and the invitation of her mother’s death?
13. Poirot, assembling everyone, the revelations about the father, his death in South Africa, his friend taking his place, his callous attitude towards his daughter? Sir Roderick and marrying Sonia? The headmistress, her life, her relationship with Sir Andrew, Frances as her daughter, Frances and her scheming, hostility? Wanting Norma out of the way, the inheritance?
14. The complexities of the relationships, Poirot and the clues, the solution?
