Just to start with this note, it was hard as a huge Agatha Christie fan not to picture Margaret Rutherford and Mr Stringer running around hunting for Cora's killer at The Gallop Hotel, (note to that criticised The Marple adaptations for making changes and crossing over characters, it was done in the 60s!) but after a few minutes all of that thought had gone, and I got engrossed in what was one of the best Poirot adaptations.
I was pleased at how faithfully they stuck to the book, but they did such a good job with it, they made a decent, if somewhat slow novel into a wonderful screenplay.
I must comment on the standout feature of this episode, the performance of Monica Dolan, Miss Gilchrist was glorious throughout, that moment when she snaps, she gets to show off her vast acting skills, upstaging the rest of the cast, Mr Suchet included, check out the awkward twitches and agitated flinches, superbly done.
It's quite a serious story, but there are some touches of humour, best of all, the glances between Poirot and Gilbert, when looking at Cora's artwork.
It was so nice to see William Russell of Dr Who fame as the butler, still going strong. So many well known faces here, what a cast.
The music throughout is lovely, melodic and in keeping with the production, pacing and direction are first class. The usual great costumes and sets one would expect.
One other scene I particularly enjoyed was that moment where Poirot and Rosamund chat, and she breaks down into tears, it's very touching and beautifully done.
All in all a fabulous adaptation, a top notch production. Hard to find any fault at all, it's easy to see why Monica Dolan has won multiple awards.
10/10.
I was pleased at how faithfully they stuck to the book, but they did such a good job with it, they made a decent, if somewhat slow novel into a wonderful screenplay.
I must comment on the standout feature of this episode, the performance of Monica Dolan, Miss Gilchrist was glorious throughout, that moment when she snaps, she gets to show off her vast acting skills, upstaging the rest of the cast, Mr Suchet included, check out the awkward twitches and agitated flinches, superbly done.
It's quite a serious story, but there are some touches of humour, best of all, the glances between Poirot and Gilbert, when looking at Cora's artwork.
It was so nice to see William Russell of Dr Who fame as the butler, still going strong. So many well known faces here, what a cast.
The music throughout is lovely, melodic and in keeping with the production, pacing and direction are first class. The usual great costumes and sets one would expect.
One other scene I particularly enjoyed was that moment where Poirot and Rosamund chat, and she breaks down into tears, it's very touching and beautifully done.
All in all a fabulous adaptation, a top notch production. Hard to find any fault at all, it's easy to see why Monica Dolan has won multiple awards.
10/10.