Review - THIRTEEN AT DINNER (1985)
Adapted from Agatha Christie's novel, LORD EDGEWARE DIES, this made for tv production was one of three Peter Ustinov starred in as Hercule Poirot. He also appeared in three theatrically released Poirot films.
The strong point in this one is Faye Dunaway, playing two roles. Even if you had never read the book or seen the film before, you could probably guess the plot as soon as it starts. Whenever you are going to cast a star for a murder film, nine times out of then, the role they want is that of the murderer. This spoils most murder mysteries for me, especially if I have not read the book it is adapted from. Even in an all-star film, it is usually the highest paid actor or actress who is getting the plum role of the murderer.
THIRTEEN AT DINNER is also notable for the fact that David Suchet, who would go on to film every Christie novel and short story, plays Inspector Japp. Much fun to watch him play a character whose obtuseness annoys the Suchet Poirot.
This moves along swiftly at a brief 87 minutes. Ustinov reveals both utmost charm and utmost anger and contempt in his portrayal and it is for me one of his very finest Poirots. One of the most puzzling moments in the plot occurs when Lord Edgeware is approached by Poirot as a favor to the Dunaway character, Wilkinson/Adams, to request a divorce and Poirot is told that he does not contest her wish for a divorce. Why then would she have sent Poirot to effect something that is already hers?
Ah, well, enjoy. Nothing like a Christie plot with Poirot at the helm.
Adapted from Agatha Christie's novel, LORD EDGEWARE DIES, this made for tv production was one of three Peter Ustinov starred in as Hercule Poirot. He also appeared in three theatrically released Poirot films.
The strong point in this one is Faye Dunaway, playing two roles. Even if you had never read the book or seen the film before, you could probably guess the plot as soon as it starts. Whenever you are going to cast a star for a murder film, nine times out of then, the role they want is that of the murderer. This spoils most murder mysteries for me, especially if I have not read the book it is adapted from. Even in an all-star film, it is usually the highest paid actor or actress who is getting the plum role of the murderer.
THIRTEEN AT DINNER is also notable for the fact that David Suchet, who would go on to film every Christie novel and short story, plays Inspector Japp. Much fun to watch him play a character whose obtuseness annoys the Suchet Poirot.
This moves along swiftly at a brief 87 minutes. Ustinov reveals both utmost charm and utmost anger and contempt in his portrayal and it is for me one of his very finest Poirots. One of the most puzzling moments in the plot occurs when Lord Edgeware is approached by Poirot as a favor to the Dunaway character, Wilkinson/Adams, to request a divorce and Poirot is told that he does not contest her wish for a divorce. Why then would she have sent Poirot to effect something that is already hers?
Ah, well, enjoy. Nothing like a Christie plot with Poirot at the helm.