Description
Storyline
Thirteen At Dinner Hercule Poirot (Sir Peter Ustinov) appears on a television talk show with actor Bryan Martin (Lee Horsley), who is making an action detective movie with Jane Wilkinson (Faye Dunaway). He also meets impressionist Carlotta Adams (Faye Dunaway). They all go to a party and Jane asks him and Captain Arthur Hastings (Jonathan Cecil) to go and meet her husband, Lord Edgware (John Barron) in regards to a divorce. They do so, to discover that the Lord had already granted her a divorce. Jane is delighted, but drops hints that she could have killed the Lord if he didn’t grant her the divorce. The next day, Lord Edgware is found dead, and all of the staff at the Lord’s house swear that Jane was the one who did it, but witnesses at another Lord’s party swear that Jane was with them. Carlotta then dies, and Poirot must investigate, as Inspector Japp (David Suchet) is determined to put Jane away.
Ustinov is highly entertaining as Poirot
underrated gem
For a TV movie this is surprisingly well done. Many twists and turns in the plot. Good characterizations by all the players.
I disagree with the negative comments here. The movie held my attention throughout and was a delight to watch. Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of the dual roles was over the top but that was the nature of the two women she played. The actress Jane Wilkinson is clearly based on some of the mannerisms of Marilyn Monroe and Faye does this convincingly.
I didn’t initially think Peter Ustinov would make a good Poirot, but he captures the detective’s droll and determined persona and is quite convincing.
I wish they would make more movies like this. Though Peter and Faye are clearly the lead actors in it, there’s an ensemble cast that works together to lead us on a merry chase of suspects. The locations are magnificent. All in all this is definitely worth watching even if it lacks the big budget of the ones Ustinov made for theatrical release.
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