This adaptation couldn't be any more different than the novel. Having said that, I actually enjoyed this "adaptation"!  I need to start by saying that one could read the novel and it would still feel "fresh"  Enjoyment from reading the story would not be ruined, even if one watched this David Suchet episode first.

I loved the music (as always), the "awesomeness" of the dig and its environs (beautiful landscape!), and the costuming (again!). One can really appreciate the production that goes into every one of the Poirot episodes for television. It was great ... << MORE >>

There are things that changed in this adaptation from the novel. I can understand why--they make sense. I liked/disliked the episode for just a few reasons. There are spoilers here though, ruining both the David Suchet episode and the novel of the same name.

I liked: the music (the theme song is back! Yes!); the acting (again, superb!); the actress and actor portraying Frances Cary and Sir Roderick, respectively; the inclusion of Mrs. Oliver and Poirot's valet George, and the settings/locations. The casting of the actors for both Frances and Sir Roderick were perfect for me ...<< MORE >>

If you haven't read or watched the David Suchet adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express", then I'd skip this blog entry, if I were you. (I discuss the minor differences between the novel and this televised episode.) Spoilers continue:

Let's start about the ending of the episode: Oh! The drama! Please...we had some 12 minutes of Poirot ranting and screaming at the passengers of the train, locking them up, him praying, then meeting with the police and looking like he was about to cry ... << MORE >>

What a great way to celebrate Agatha's birthday today! I received an advance copy of a new book recently, "Agatha Christie at Home", and I'd like to give you my review. ...<< MORE >>

Last week the DVD set of the CBS television show "Harper's Island" came out.  I caught the first three episodes only; the show ran for 13 episodes/weeks from April through July of 2009.  The show intrigued me because it's much like And Then There Were None. ...<< MORE >>

I'm pleased to say that Hercule Poirot Central remains on the Web!  I want to thank any supporters who donated to HPC; with their help, this site still has a presence on the Web.  These folks are from all around: Australia, Canada, and the United States. ...<< MORE >>

Unfortunately, it is possible Hercule Poirot Central will close. "Close", meaning the site will leave the Web community. This decision is related to the current recession and bad economy. Does it sadden me? Absolutely. I acknowledge the fact that this economic condition has affected everyone. It's hard for me to give it up--something I've worked on for many years.

The last possible day for Hercule Poirot Central is April 4, 2009. Without the support in donations, the site will be shut down. If you'd like to contribute, please visit the "Support" page on the site, found right here. ...<< MORE >>

I'm sure I echo many fans when I say that it's wonderful that her Greenway House has been restored to its state when Agatha inhabited it. I saw the news yesterday at Yahoo! about the restoration. It was such wonderful news that we can tour the villa, right at the River Dart, when it was impossible before (it was still lived-in by Agatha's daughter Rosalind and her husband). The rooms and landscaping have been lovingly taken care of with (especially to the interiors) special attention to detail ... << MORE >>

I've been thinking about Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None recently.  It goes back to my discussion with Jonathan last week at work.  I was asked why it was a fantastic novel.  I think the answer I gave was because of its plot.  Critics sometimes scoffed at the plots of Agatha Christie--they're either ludicrous, farfetched, or too simple.  If critics thought the plot was too complicated, they resorted to the word "farfetched."  Perhaps in another blog we'll discuss that.

The plot: 10 people guilty of murder (but have never been put on trial) are invited as houseguests on Indian Island, off the coast of Devon. There, systematically one by one, they die: they must pay for the murders they've committed in the past! ...<< MORE >>

I've really recently finished all of Agatha Christie's mystery novels.  I'm proud of that accomplishment.  It was a 19-year process.  19 years?, you say.  Yep.  Of course, in those years I returned to some old favorites.  Old classics.  The epitome of the best of Agatha's work.  It's always great to return to something comfy and familiar.

Anyway, let's get back to my having read all of AC's mystery novels.  I told this news to two of my coworkers.  Jonathan Slaughter and Mark Dearing were pleased for me, I think.  And yes, I admitted that during the long journey I wanted to reread ...<< MORE >>