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Guess That Adaptation

Bundle_ 22 Mar 10 at 2:15 p.m. GMT

I had an idea just the other day for a new game..inspirired by Christie week. But I figured that there are 2 ways you could play this game and I want to see which version everyone would prefer to play:

First idea: What if someone watches an AC adaptation, that person would say which detective it starred and then we would have to guess at something interesting that they saw in that adaptation; it could be something like an actor who played a small role in another AC adapt, or how Poirot was wearing a black suit in this scene when in the last scene he was wearing a blue suit.

For example I would say this: There was a lamp asscued in the background of this Poirot adapt.

And then we would have to watch Poirot adaptations and hunt or guess (if you don't feel like watching it) as to which adapt it was.

Second idea: We would describe a scene in a Poirot adaptation and everyone would have to guess as to which adapt it came from. This one is less complicated than my first idea but also less intriguing.

Here's an example:

This character wore a silk pink dress and a fur stole when she spoke to Poirot and Hastings.

Now it's just up for everyone to decide which version they like better.

Thesegames that I have described are different from Guess that Story in that that game has you guess the story from a character's narrative perspective. Guess that Adaptation focus is to describe a scene w/o giving the plot away.

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738 replies

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Nofret 24 May 12 at 3:49 a.m. GMT

Not Peril at End House or Nemesis, and it's not a Tommy and Tuppence book. The nationality of a minor character was changed.

NightRayDuck 23 May 12 at 8:03 p.m. GMT

Suchet version of Peril at End House? The miserable cocaine addict Mr. Rice appears in only one scene in the novel, and doesn't seem to be listed in the cast for the adapt.

Bunch_Marple 23 May 12 at 6:30 p.m. GMT

This reminds me of the complaints regarding the depiction of Tommy and Tuppence in By The pricking of my thumbs but Tommy does appear to some extent in that...

Tommy_A_Jones 23 May 12 at 10:34 a.m. GMT

The ITV version of Nemesis

Nofret 23 May 12 at 4:29 a.m. GMT

Don't even mention that travesty of a favourite book, Tommy!

The two people referred to in my original clue were husband and wife in the book.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 May 12 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

The ITV version of Pale Horse

Nofret 22 May 12 at 4:42 a.m. GMT

Not Death on the Nile or The Hollow. In the book, a person was described as well-built, with a dynamic personality, in the adaptation they are a skinny, miserable whinger!

Tommy_A_Jones 21 May 12 at 1:20 p.m. GMT

The Hollow

Bunch_Marple 21 May 12 at 8:49 a.m. GMT

Death on the Nile? David Suchet version..

Nofret 21 May 12 at 4:15 a.m. GMT

Not Cards on the Table, or A Pocket Full of Rye. The person missing from this adaptation was male and a potential murderer.

GKCfan 20 May 12 at 8 p.m. GMT

In the Julia McKenzie version of A Pocket Full of Rye, Miss Ramsbottom a favorite character of mine, is missing.

Bunch_Marple 20 May 12 at 7:18 p.m. GMT

Cards on the table?

Nofret 20 May 12 at 4:24 p.m. GMT

Third Girl was almost unrecognisable! This adaptation was quite faithful to the original - the murderer was particularly authentic.

Bunch_Marple 20 May 12 at 10:17 a.m. GMT

That could be any number of adapts! Third girl was missing a lot of detail...

Nofret 20 May 12 at 5:13 a.m. GMT

Thank you, Mr G.

An intriguing and complex character in the book is completely missing from this adaptation, and another character's personality is changed - IMO not for the better!

Mr_Graves 18 May 12 at 5:58 a.m. GMT

Nofret is correct, it is Basil Blake who had been duped by Inspector Slack and the forensic men. So sorry not to have replied sooner- your turn.

Tommy_A_Jones 04 May 12 at 12:53 p.m. GMT

Symington from The Moving Finger

Nofret 04 May 12 at 10:37 a.m. GMT

Basil Blake in The Body in the Library? JH version.

Mr_Graves 04 May 12 at 6:13 a.m. GMT

No to both- this adaptation is from a Miss Marple book, and the person who thought they were safe was male. 

Tommy_A_Jones 01 May 12 at 12:07 p.m. GMT

Caribbean Mystery If so it doesn't matter if it is the Film or the BBC1 version, The Murderer's wife thinks she is safe but she isn't.

Nofret 27 Apr 12 at 4:09 a.m. GMT

Audrey Strange in Towards Zero?

Mr_Graves 27 Apr 12 at 3:58 a.m. GMT

No to both- this person, although not the murderer, was close to being arrested.

Nofret 26 Apr 12 at 4:25 a.m. GMT

The recent adaptation of The Sittaford Mystery, which was nothing like the book, and added Miss M? Trevelyan thought he was safe and about to honeymoon with his new bride?

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Apr 12 at 10:52 a.m. GMT

NEMESIS Does Anthea think she is safe?

Mr_Graves 24 Apr 12 at 7:54 p.m. GMT

Both wrong. And the person who thinks they are safe is not the murderer...

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Apr 12 at 10:57 a.m. GMT

Murder At The Vicarage

Nofret 24 Apr 12 at 10:27 a.m. GMT

4.50 From Paddington. The murderer walks right into Miss M's trap!

Mr_Graves 24 Apr 12 at 2:02 a.m. GMT

No to both answers. But keep guessing and you'll get there!

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Apr 12 at 11 a.m. GMT

They Do It With Mirrors The JH version

Nofret 22 Apr 12 at 4:40 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it the Julia Mackenzie version of A Pocket Full of Rye? The ending was true to the book, in that the murderer believes he's got away with the murders, not knowing about the incriminating photo.

Mr_Graves 21 Apr 12 at 7:16 p.m. GMT

Not "The Moving Finger" or "A Murder is Announced", but you are both on the right track because it is a Miss Marple adapt.

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Apr 12 at 11:28 a.m. GMT

A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED the JH version

GKCfan 21 Apr 12 at 4:47 a.m. GMT

I'm just commenting to keep the spoiler from popping up on the Hot Topics list!

Nofret 21 Apr 12 at 4:44 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Slimy Simmington from The Moving Finger? He stages Megan's "suicide" and believes she will be blamed for the letters and the murders, but it's all been orchestrated by Miss M.

Mr_Graves 20 Apr 12 at 7 p.m. GMT

Not MOTOE or Peril at End House. This adapt does not have Poirot in it.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Apr 12 at 10:36 a.m. GMT

Peril At End House

Nofret 20 Apr 12 at 7:52 a.m. GMT

I suppose the obvious answer is Ratchett in the latest (IMO the best) adaptation of MOTOE. He thought that if he got to Calais and paid the blackmail money he would be forgiven.

Mr_Graves 19 Apr 12 at 8:01 p.m. GMT

Thanks you, Nofret, and sorry not to have replied sooner with my clue! Here it is:

Somebody thinks they are safe- but they've been had!

Nofret 01 Apr 12 at 11:53 a.m. GMT

Well done, Mr Graves, exactly right, and one of my favourite Christie adaptations. Of course as Donald was gay Mark felt confident that Kate would be safe with him.

Your turn.

Mr_Graves 31 Mar 12 at 10 p.m. GMT

My dear Nofret, you have kept us all guessing for quite long enough! Having seen this adapt three times and loved it dearly, I think I may be confident in my answer: "The Pale Horse" from 1997, set in '64. The gay person (for I did have my suspicions) is Donald, a character who never appeared in the original book. The scene is at the hospital, where it seems likely somebody is dying off-camera, and Donald's responsibility was to look after Kate. Donald's late mother, Eileen, had the same name as the market research woman. 

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Mar 12 at 10:35 a.m. GMT

The McKenzie version of PALE HORSE, Bill was in the ITV version of THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS he was played by somebody from that Matthew Corden Comedy

Nofret 31 Mar 12 at 6:19 a.m. GMT

Not Murder in Mesopotamia, and not the McEwan Nemesis, this adaptation was set in a later period.

NightRayDuck 30 Mar 12 at 5:19 p.m. GMT

I've been thinking perhaps Nemesis with Geraldine McEwan, but I am not sure it's set in what you'd call an iconic period. 

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Mar 12 at 11:10 a.m. GMT

Murder In Mesopotamia

Nofret 30 Mar 12 at 5:44 a.m. GMT

Don't remember Bill in the adaptation, but in the book he was very posh!

Clue - The murderer in the book was based on someone Christie knew well.

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Mar 12 at 2:12 p.m. GMT

The Secret of Chimneys Perhaps the Hero you are referring to is Bill

Nofret 28 Mar 12 at 6:51 a.m. GMT

Not Sleeping Murder, Tommy.

Clue - The hero was of a distinctly lower class than in the book.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Mar 12 at 10:34 a.m. GMT

No I was thinking of 2 Poirot versions, anyway, Is the answer the ITV version of Sleeping Murder? The Murderer was not Scottish and too short.

Nofret 27 Mar 12 at 5:27 a.m. GMT

WEll, one has to be the 1980's version of Ordeal by Innocence, with that awful obtrusive music! What's the other one?

But I digress! I thought the gay people in the ITV Body in the Library were both women?

Clue - IMO this is one of the best Christie adaptations, though purists might disagree, because of something about the murderer that was altered.

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Mar 12 at 12:41 p.m. GMT

Almost but not quite, IMHO I can think of 2 which are MUCH WORSE Is it Body In The Library (The ITV version) The Gay person replaces a Hetrosexual person.

Nofret 26 Mar 12 at 6:59 a.m. GMT

Almost the worst Christie adaptation ever! Not Murder is Easy, Tommy.

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Mar 12 at 2:30 p.m. GMT

Murder Is Easy (The Marple version)

Nofret 25 Mar 12 at 6:01 a.m. GMT

Not The Sittaford Mystery - this adaptation stayed much closer to the book.

Clue - someone just off camera is dying.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Mar 12 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

The Sitrtaford Mystery The Gay Character was played by Matthew Kelly

Nofret 24 Mar 12 at 8:01 a.m. GMT

Don't remember any gay characters in that, Tommy!

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Mar 12 at 1:02 p.m. GMT

Taken At The Flood

Nofret 23 Mar 12 at 5:34 a.m. GMT

A good guess, Tommy, there was a lot of unwarranted campness in that adaptation. But this one was set in a different, and very iconic period.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Mar 12 at 12:54 p.m. GMT

Cards On The Table

Nofret 22 Mar 12 at 5:45 a.m. GMT

Tim was really over the top, wasn't he?! No, not him.

Clue - The gay person does not appear in the book.

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Mar 12 at 2:02 p.m. GMT

Death On The Nile, Tim Allerton was portrayed as nGay in the DS version

Nofret 21 Mar 12 at 7:01 a.m. GMT

No, not Sleeping Murder - Walter was just a mummy's boy!

As this character was gay he was entrusted with a special responsibility.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Mar 12 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

The Joan Hickson version of sleeping murder Walter Fane did seem like he was Gay.

Nofret 20 Mar 12 at 6:46 a.m. GMT

No, it's neither of the adaptations of The Moving Finger.

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Mar 12 at 1:13 p.m. GMT

There was an Adaptation with Patrick Barlow Minceing around I thought it was The Moving Finger was it that one

Nofret 18 Mar 12 at 5:56 a.m. GMT

Surely not! He's young and fancies himself as a babe magnet!

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Mar 12 at 10:50 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

"The Peacock" Third Girl

Nofret 17 Mar 12 at 5:33 a.m. GMT

No, not Mr Pye. I'd say that this man was younger than him.

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Mar 12 at 1:22 p.m. GMT

The BBC version of The Moving Finger The Gay man being Mr Pye?

Nofret 16 Mar 12 at 10:58 a.m. GMT

Thank you Duck. It was purely a guess, based on the description of the robes worn by the character who had a mystic connection with Ancient Egypt. Anyway, try this one:

A short, middle-aged man, rather obviously gay, is speaking about his late mother.

NightRayDuck 15 Mar 12 at 10:18 p.m. GMT

Nofret is correct with Dead Man's Mirror. Congrats, Nofret, and your turn. :-)

The thunderstorm & window-knocking scene that I mentioned may have been in Tragedy at Marsdon Manor instead; I apologize if that information added to the confusion.

Nofret 14 Mar 12 at 9:53 a.m. GMT

Is it Dead Man's Mirror?

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Mar 12 at 11:10 a.m. GMT

peril At End House

NightRayDuck 13 Mar 12 at 2:21 a.m. GMT

I am sorry, I don't really remember a lot of other details from this adapt. I think there's also a scene with a thunderstorm in the evening, and someone knocks on the window (French windows?). It was a spooky scene. But it might have belonged to some other adapt episode, and if so, I apologize.

Other hints - this episode was based on the short story featuring a serial Christie sleuth.

NightRayDuck 04 Mar 12 at 9:26 p.m. GMT

hello Bunch. :-) no sorry this is not an episode of Murder in Mesopotamia. I do believe this house interior design has got "middle-eastern inspiration", tho. The original story and the adaptation both take place in Great Britain. The house and other such details as the lady's fluttery clothes are not described in much details in the story at all, I think.

Bunch_Marple 04 Mar 12 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

Murder in Mesopotamia? The description sounds like a middle-eastern house we had in a few of those adapts...

NightRayDuck 25 Feb 12 at 12:35 a.m. GMT

no, not Nemesis.

it's a little difficult to describe the partial walls and the looks of the hall, but I will attempt it.

The walls are bare, and look like well-polished yellow-brown rock. There's a short flight of stairs, merely several steps, between the two parts of the hall. The partial wall between these two parts is thick, as though the designer had wished to give the impression that the walls were a stack of perfect cubes of cut rock.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Feb 12 at 12:40 p.m. GMT

The Joan Hickson version of Nemesis

NightRayDuck 23 Feb 12 at 10:20 p.m. GMT

In a strangely shaped hall (probably living room) with partial walls between the rooms, a middle-aged woman flutters this way and that, in an anxious manner. Her clothes are soft with much extra fabric, resulting in drapes and folds which flutter and sweep as she moves.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Feb 12 at 1:19 p.m. GMT

That is Correcvt, Japp wasn't in the Book but was in the Adaptation, I think he would have said something like that when he met Poirot.

Your Turn.

NightRayDuck 21 Feb 12 at 7 p.m. GMT

um.. the David Suchet version of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd? I don't think Japp was in the novel; but he was in the cast list.

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Feb 12 at 11:04 a.m. GMT

No, Carry On Guessing

NightRayDuck 21 Feb 12 at 1:04 a.m. GMT

um.. the David Suchet version of The A.B.C. Murders?

I am sorry for guessing around, I haven't seen any Suchet episodes for several years now..

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Feb 12 at 2:53 p.m. GMT

Thgis is a an ITV Episode with David Suchet.

NightRayDuck 17 Feb 12 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

1966 movie "The Alphabet Murders", adapted from The A.B.C. Murders? Japp was added. and according to cast list, it seems the murders went much further along the alphabets.. and the ABC character is a woman named A.B. Cross.

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Feb 12 at 2:36 p.m. GMT

No Ray but you are Right Japp was Added.

NightRayDuck 16 Feb 12 at 9:53 p.m. GMT

Three Act Tragedy? I think in the Suchet version, Japp was added, and the inspector from the original novel got a name change for the adapt.

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Feb 12 at 11:09 a.m. GMT

Yes, The "Him" was in the Original story Killed by a Character played by a person who appeared in another Adaptation of a Christie Novel

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Feb 12 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

Yes, The "Him" was in the Original story Killed by a Character played by a person who appeared in another Adaptation of a Christie Novel

NightRayDuck 15 Feb 12 at 10:09 p.m. GMT

perhaps the "him" discussed in this scene was not a victim in the original story?

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Feb 12 at 2:12 p.m. GMT

There are More Victims than in the Book

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Feb 12 at 1:43 p.m. GMT

No Hastings is not in the Novel but you are Close.

NightRayDuck 03 Feb 12 at 8:08 p.m. GMT

hm.. perhaps Japp is substituted in this adaptation for Hastings in the novel?

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Feb 12 at 2:17 p.m. GMT

Why would I be afraid people would be cross?

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Jan 12 at 1:27 p.m. GMT

Oh yes, Well anyway, this Episode is set in Britain.

john_c_hamilton 24 Jan 12 at 4:31 p.m. GMT

Japp went with Poirot to Paris in a certain occasion in the series.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Jan 12 at 11:33 a.m. GMT

Yes it is Japp to Poirot, but Japp never went abroad with Poirot in an Adaptation

NightRayDuck 22 Jan 12 at 2:47 a.m. GMT

So it is Japp to Poirot?

Perhaps it's an adapt of a story taking place in a foreign country, and the addition of Japp became really very contrived?

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Jan 12 at 11:18 a.m. GMT

I am afraid you might not like the reason, if so I am sorry.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Jan 12 at 2:43 p.m. GMT

Nofret has the right person but for the wrong reason and the wrong Adaptation.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Jan 12 at 1:52 p.m. GMT

I am so sorry I forgot all about this, had a Hectic week, No answers are correct but Nofret is close as it is a Poirot Adaptation

Nofret 20 Jan 12 at 11:25 a.m. GMT

Is it Japp to Poirot when he "rescues" him from his in-laws in Hercule Poirot's Christmas?

Mr_Graves 15 Jan 12 at 6:11 p.m. GMT

I did think possibly "Cards on the Table", with Ariadne Oliver speaking...

NightRayDuck 13 Jan 12 at 7:38 p.m. GMT

how come we're looking for someone who is drunk?

I was thinking the character of Anthony Brown in Sparkling Cyanide might say such a thing to any of the more well-known police detectives or private detectives. If so, I don't know which specific adaptation this was in.

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Jan 12 at 1:33 p.m. GMT

No sorry, Try again

Nofret 13 Jan 12 at 5:55 a.m. GMT

Let's try another drunk - Ronald Marsh from Lord Edgware dies?

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Jan 12 at 1:29 p.m. GMT

Just realised it should read Well Well We Meet Again hope this helps

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Jan 12 at 11:18 a.m. GMT

No, but it is a Poirot Adaptation of a Novel

Nofret 10 Jan 12 at 10:34 a.m. GMT

Is this from Three Act Tragedy, the latest one with Martin Shaw? It could be the drunk Freddy Dacres speaking?

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Dec 11 at 11:09 a.m. GMT

If this is a quote it is Coincidental

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Dec 11 at 1:36 p.m. GMT

"Well well, We Met again, I shouldn't be here really, Know who Killed him yet?"

Mr_Graves 14 Dec 11 at 6:28 p.m. GMT

Well done, it was indeed the 1980 version. I do agree, Tommy, that it was far better than the modern travesty. The horror! So it is now your turn.

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Dec 11 at 1:33 p.m. GMT

The Original and best with James Warwick and Francessca Annis, I mean Lady Derwents Identity.

Mr_Graves 13 Dec 11 at 7:09 p.m. GMT

Which version are you referring to? And whose identity is ambiguous?

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Dec 11 at 11:21 a.m. GMT

Why Didn't They Ask Evans

Mr_Graves 13 Dec 11 at 2:31 a.m. GMT

Hm- I think I might get that out from my local library at some stage... Anywho, here is my clue:

The identity of the person in the car is made deliberately ambiguous...

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Dec 11 at 11:03 a.m. GMT

And it isn't an all-star British Cast anyway as Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis along with Kim Novak are American's Angela Landesbury was born in London and I think Elizabeth Tayor had Welsh Blood, I think Cherry is Marvelous.

I like the Adaptation aswell, Anyway sorry again.

InspectorGrant 10 Dec 11 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

That's all right, Tommy - I just didn't expect that there would be another all-star British film with an actor who appeared in a Poirot episode!!  And I am very fond of 'The Mirror Crack'd' with Edward Fox and Angela Lansbury - I think it is a very good adaptation - I particularly enjoy Kim Novak's performance in this, especially the scenes where she is flirting with the good Inspector!

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Dec 11 at 1:14 p.m. GMT

I have just realised you were right and I was wrong in a way Inspector Grant, I was thinking it was the AC Quiz in Miscellaneous for some reason I do apologise of I was rude.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Dec 11 at 11:13 a.m. GMT

Fair enough but I do think you shoukd have stated that the All-star Film wasn't an Agatha Christie Adaptation so If there was a Non-AC element to your question it should have been stated but it does give me more timne to chgeck my facts on my Question when |I get someone else's question right.

InspectorGrant 10 Dec 11 at 6:10 a.m. GMT

Oh, dear - I am sorry Tommy because actually you are quite right with your answer, but I was thinking of 'Gosford Park', Jeremy Northam and 'Dead Man's Mirror'.

In this instance I will award it to Mr Graves because he was more clairvoyant in his answer than you were!  Sorry, Tommy!

Mr_Graves 09 Dec 11 at 10:11 p.m. GMT

My first thought was somebody from "Gosford Park", the reworking of a classic country house murder. Actor Jeremy Northam played Ivor Novello in this film, and also Hugo Trent in the "Poirot" episode "Dead Man's Mirror"...

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Dec 11 at 11:48 a.m. GMT

Actor Edward Fox Film The Mirror Crack'd (He playeed Craddock) Poirot Episode The Hollow (He played The Butler

InspectorGrant 09 Dec 11 at 5:53 a.m. GMT

This actor appeared in an all star British film about a murder at a country house, and also appeared in an episode of 'Poirot'.

Name the actor, the film and the episode of Poirot!

InspectorGrant 08 Dec 11 at 9:56 a.m. GMT

Thank you very much, Mr_Graves - just saw your post.  Will have a think and be back shortly with a new question.

Mr_Graves 04 Nov 11 at 6:48 p.m. GMT

Very well- the characters were Violet Hopkins and Violet Willet, both played by Carey Mulligan. Violet Hopkins was some absurd creation of the writers. So Inspector Grant, it may now be your turn...

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Nov 11 at 2:59 p.m. GMT

Mr_Graves I think you should give it to Inspector Grant so we can move on.

Mr_Graves 16 Oct 11 at 11:47 p.m. GMT

The adapt is "The Sittaford Mystery", but I don't feel I can give it to you, Inspector Grant, as the characters are wrong. Remember, there are two- one who appeared in the book and one who did not. They are both in the same adaptation.

InspectorGrant 16 Oct 11 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

Matthew Kelly played Ronald Garfield/Smith-Jones in The Sittaford Mystery with Geraldine McEwan as Jane Marple. 

GKCfan 15 Oct 11 at 10:55 p.m. GMT

Nicholas Burns as the twins Jack and Joel Britten in the McEwan version of At Bertram's Hotel?  Or no, wait a minute... since Miss Marple has been inserted...   what about the McEwan Ordeal by Innocence, where Jacko has a twin brother... although the twins were played by different actors in that.

Mr_Graves 15 Oct 11 at 10:47 p.m. GMT

The two characters, played by the same person, appear in the SAME adapt. This should narrow it down a bit...

GKCfan 14 Oct 11 at 4:08 a.m. GMT

Jonathan Cake played Mark Easterbrook in "Marple: The Pale Horse" and Dr. John Christow in "The Hollow."

Mr_Graves 13 Oct 11 at 10:01 p.m. GMT

Good thinking Tommy, but this was not what I had in mind. This adapt is more recent, but Miss Marple has been put into it where she shouldn't have. 

Tommy_A_Jones 13 Oct 11 at 11:21 a.m. GMT

Cora and the woman she Murdered in Murder At The Gallop Margaret Rutherford plays Miss Marple in a Book where Poirot appears so it isn't a Poirot Adapt but it is based on a Poirot Book

Mr_Graves 12 Oct 11 at 8:45 p.m. GMT

Not a Poirot adapt... And both of those characters were originally in the novel- wink wink!

InspectorGrant 12 Oct 11 at 1:04 p.m. GMT

Is it Lord Edgware Dies, with one of the leading characters setting up an alibi? (I am trying not to spoil this)..

Mr_Graves 11 Oct 11 at 7:36 p.m. GMT

I think now we are ont he right track- these are two characters played by the same person. It is not from "Three Act Tragedy" or a stage play of "Go Back for Murder". One of the characters is from a non-series novel; the other was made up for television.

InspectorGrant 10 Oct 11 at 3:45 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Sir Charles Cartwright and that butler in Three Act Tragedy?

NightRayDuck 09 Oct 11 at 2:35 a.m. GMT

I think several versions of "Five Little Pigs", also published as "Murder in Retrospect", and the playscript "Go Back for Murder", the mother character Caroline Crale and the daughter character Carla Lemarchant are played by the same actress?

Mr_Graves 09 Oct 11 at 2:08 a.m. GMT

Not "Towards Zero", although it has something in common with this adapt. I can tell you that the two characters are more than similar- identical in fact.

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Oct 11 at 11:29 a.m. GMT

Towards Zero I think some of the Characters looked similar.

Mr_Graves 08 Oct 11 at 4:09 a.m. GMT

Hmmm... Not a Joan Hickson, but that's nothing to say it isn't from the recent Marple series. And the similarity between characters is more obvious than a mere resemblance.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Oct 11 at 11:51 a.m. GMT

4.50 From Paddington Cedrick points out that if the light is in a certain way a person's hair might look a different colour than it actually is so Brian Eastley could easily look like a Crackenthorpe meaning to point the finger at someonew who tried to point the finger at him.

I mean the JH version.

NightRayDuck 04 Oct 11 at 1:38 a.m. GMT

ah.. Mr Graves, you have seen InspectorGrant's guess of Hercule & Achille Poirot? I wouldn't spout so much about Poirot's childhood on this thread if InspectorGrant hadn't mentioned it at the end of his guess. Just checking.

Mr_Graves 03 Oct 11 at 8:10 p.m. GMT

Very good, NightRayDuck! Such a canny thought about the little Belgian. I'm sure he drove all of his teachers insane in the end. Anyway, in regards to the puzzle, it is not from "They Do it with Mirrors".

NightRayDuck 03 Oct 11 at 5:22 p.m. GMT

Random comment on Hercule Poirot's childhood - I don't think he'd be so good at music lessons and chess. I can imagine him refusing to play chess unless all pieces were of a nice square-shape. I think he might have spent his music lesson hours attempting to invent a musical notation that can be written in a straight line of block-shaped symbols, just like the alphabet. The music symbols all curly and up and down all over the score, how horribly untidy! :p

InspectorGrant 03 Oct 11 at 2:18 p.m. GMT

Achille and Hercule, the 'two' sons of Monsieur and Madame Poirot!  (I do wonder what sort of child Hercule was - can't imagine him ever misbehaving.  I expect he had music lessons and was incredibly clever at maths and chess and things.)

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Oct 11 at 11:32 a.m. GMT

The 2 step-sons of Carrie-Louise played by Brothers in the JH version of  They Do It With Mirrors

Mr_Graves 01 Oct 11 at 11:48 p.m. GMT

Oh goody, another puzzle! How exciting...

The remarkable likeness between these two characters can very easily be explained!

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Oct 11 at 11:30 a.m. GMT

You are Correct Mr_Greaves on all points I saw it recently on Television and Recorded it, and you are right about Mrs Kidder being played by Joan Hickson who went on to play Miss Marple but the Tenuous link I meant was that the Producers of Murder She Wrote got the title from this film, incidently Joan Hickson is one of three Carry On Stars who appeared in this Film, Peter Butterworth played the Ticlet Collector, Windsor Davies played a Policeman.

Well Done and over to you. 

Mr_Graves 30 Sep 11 at 8:08 p.m. GMT

I'm going to have to say "Murder, She Said". I think the scene in question is when a visitor to Milchester library finds that the book she reserved from Mr Stringer, who didn't appear in the original book, has been loaned to Miss Marple, who then gives away the culprit. The link is with Joan Hickson, who played Mrs Kidder or Kidd or something in this adapt. I can't quite think who the other person is... 

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Sep 11 at 3:12 p.m. GMT

The name of the Adaptation is Different to the Book

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Sep 11 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

One of the People in the Adaptation was in a famous series of Films inspired by a series of books

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Sep 11 at 1:43 p.m. GMT

I shall give a clue which might or might not be helpful;

This adaptation has a Tenuous link with someone else who played Miss Marple

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Sep 11 at 1:15 p.m. GMT

Yes Ray she is.

NightRayDuck 21 Sep 11 at 3:35 a.m. GMT

is the "She" Miss Marple? thank you.

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Sep 11 at 3:16 p.m. GMT

I have written this as if someone in the scene but not in the book is speaking, "He" isn't in the book either but "She" is

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Sep 11 at 11:50 a.m. GMT

I wondered if you would Mr Graves.

Here is Mine.

"Well Really, He Promised it to me, Well I'm not having it now after what she just said"

Good Luck

Mr_Graves 13 Sep 11 at 7:59 p.m. GMT

Sorry Inspector Grant, but Tommy guessed the right adaptation! I wonder if he might tell me what part of "The Double Clue" I am referring to when Hastings asked a rather silly question. You've still got the next turn though, Tommy.

And yes, I found "The Adventure of the Cheap Flat" lacking slightly as well. Certainly dragged on more than the story...

InspectorGrant 12 Sep 11 at 5:15 p.m. GMT

The Affair at the Victory Ball?

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Sep 11 at 1:09 p.m. GMT

I mean Poirot is too absorbed with Countess Rossakoff so Hastings decides to play Detective

Tommy_A_Jones 12 Sep 11 at 11:24 a.m. GMT

The Double Clue? Hastings is too absorbed by the Charms of Miss Rossakoff I might not be correct as I think Miss Lemon Helps.

Did you watch The Cheap Flat? like most the Adaptations aren't as good as the stories which is good

Mr_Graves 11 Sep 11 at 10:49 p.m. GMT

Nope, not the Cheap Flat Adventure. Speaking of which, I think I shall watch that this afternoon... Keep guessing. Eventually you will get there. Poirot is not particularly helpful in this adapt...

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Sep 11 at 11:30 a.m. GMT

The Adventure of The Cheap Flat.

Mr_Graves 09 Sep 11 at 12:31 a.m. GMT

Neither answer is correct, I'm afraid. Another hint: Hastings wasn't working alone, but he didn't have Poirot around. Something to think about...

InspectorGrant 07 Sep 11 at 1:27 p.m. GMT

Is it The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge?  The alibi in that one was particularly ingenious, I thought and Hastings was very hearty and tiresome throughout this episode, as far as I can remember.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 11 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

The Case of The Clapham Cook

Mr_Graves 07 Sep 11 at 5:05 a.m. GMT

Unfortunately not. Good of you to join us, Inspector!

InspectorGrant 06 Sep 11 at 5:54 p.m. GMT

Four and Twenty Blackbirds?

Mr_Graves 05 Sep 11 at 6:46 p.m. GMT

Nope. Remember, the adaptation is question is a fifty-minute episode.

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Sep 11 at 2:19 p.m. GMT

Dumb Witness?

Mr_Graves 02 Sep 11 at 8:26 p.m. GMT

No, not that one either... 

Tommy_A_Jones 01 Sep 11 at 2:18 p.m. GMT

The Disapearance of Mr Davenheim

Mr_Graves 31 Aug 11 at 7 p.m. GMT

No. I might as well tell you that this is not a feature length episode...

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Aug 11 at 11:51 a.m. GMT

Peril At End House

Mr_Graves 29 Aug 11 at 7:35 p.m. GMT

I'm afraid not.

Tommy_A_Jones 26 Aug 11 at 11:11 a.m. GMT

Evil Under The Sun

Mr_Graves 25 Aug 11 at 10:19 p.m. GMT

Not "The Murder on the Links", no.

Tommy_A_Jones 25 Aug 11 at 1:58 p.m. GMT

I haven't got the room for The DVDs also I would n't want to buy certain Episodes, I can think of 3 I would quite happily never see again and if Buying one I like means having to buy one I HATE I would rather record them from the Television although I wouldn't say no to all the Short stories or ones with Hastings, The ones I have got (2 on Video 1 on CD) all have Hastings although one shouldn't.

Back to Guessing, Murder On The Links.

Mr_Graves 24 Aug 11 at 7:49 p.m. GMT

A gallant guess, Tommy, but not "A Mysterious Affair at Styles". It was a good episode. The clue refers, however, to an alibi being ascertained...

NightRayDuck 24 Aug 11 at 5:30 p.m. GMT

ooh Tommy... the episodes contained in various seasons / DVD box sets can be found, with some patience, as "product details" on online stores such as amazon.com.. just a thought. at the moment "not from Season 2" still leaves many possible seasons in which to find the episode..

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Aug 11 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

I don't collect the DVDs so wouldn't know what is in which Series so I will just carry on picking an Adaptation with Hastings and unless someone beats me I will eventually get there but I have thought over night and Poirot says there are a few Questions to be asked and asks Hastings if he wants to say what they are, Hastings says no trying to hide the fact he has no Idea what they are, Anyway my answer is The Mysterious Affair At Styles.

NightRayDuck 23 Aug 11 at 7:45 p.m. GMT

..or anyhow "Not from Season 2 of the series" or "Not in DVD Collection Box 2" or such..

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Aug 11 at 1:36 p.m. GMT

I forgot to say, I agree with you Mr Graves, Hastings is Brilliant made all the morre so by the Actors who have brought him to life on TGelevision, Film and Radio.

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Aug 11 at 11:08 a.m. GMT

Instead of saying "Not From The Series" you should have said Not From Series 2. My Gues is "Evil Under The Sun"

Mr_Graves 23 Aug 11 at 6:53 a.m. GMT

Not from "The ABC Murders", Nofret. Yes, the question is asked by Hastings, but I firmly disagree with your assertion that he is a waste of space! How could you? He's a charming man and I must confess, I have a soft spot for such a good-natured idiot. 

Nofret 23 Aug 11 at 6:29 a.m. GMT

Is this from The ABC Murders, possibly regarding why one of ABC's letters went to the wrong address?

Presumably the stupid question is asked by Hastings - am I alone in finding this character a complete waste of space?

Mr_Graves 22 Aug 11 at 10:25 p.m. GMT

Yes, NightRayDuck, that is what I meant. My apologies for making it so confusing, Tommy, but I meant that it wasn't an episode from Series Two of "Agatha Christie's Poirot", which narrows it down to any other episode WITH Hastings which isn't from Series Two. So yes, this does star David Suchet and Hugh Fraser. Hope that clears things up. What a muddle you must have been with my ambiguous clues!

NightRayDuck 22 Aug 11 at 8:29 p.m. GMT

umm, I have no idea what Mr. Graves meant, but I wonder if by "the series" he meant the particular volume of Poirot short stories containing the story you mentioned. just a thought. sorry if I am making it more confusing. just shoo me out of the room..

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Aug 11 at 1:32 p.m. GMT

You said it wasn't part of the series and it had Hastings in it so either you have made a mistake or me.

What else can "Your on the right track with Hastings" mean unless it means it is one with Hastings?And what else can "Not part of The Series" mean unless it is meant that ot isn't a DS Adaptation? and what else can it mean when you say it isn't a PU film?

Mr_Graves 21 Aug 11 at 10:15 p.m. GMT

Not that one, either. Too far back! This adapt was screened in the '90s...

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Aug 11 at 10:55 a.m. GMT

The Alphabet Murders

Mr_Graves 21 Aug 11 at 12:54 a.m. GMT

Not a Peter Ustinov adapt, sorry.

Tommy_A_Jones 20 Aug 11 at 11:32 a.m. GMT

Dead Man's Folly

Mr_Graves 19 Aug 11 at 9:10 p.m. GMT

Not "The Adventure of the Western Star", no. And not an episode from that series.

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Aug 11 at 12:06 p.m. GMT

I assume then you mean near the same date not theb same year as the only other one that year is Death In The Clouds which Hastings wasn't in so my guess is The Adventure of The Western Star

Mr_Graves 18 Aug 11 at 10:43 p.m. GMT

Nope. Keep guessing though...

Tommy_A_Jones 18 Aug 11 at 12:22 p.m. GMT

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

Mr_Graves 17 Aug 11 at 7:29 p.m. GMT

Not "The ABC Murders", Tommy, but you're on the right track with Hastings, and the time of the adapt is around the same...

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Aug 11 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Is it the DS version of ABC Murders? Hastings makes a stupid suggestion in the form of a Question

Mr_Graves 16 Aug 11 at 8:14 p.m. GMT

Ah! Somebody has replied! I was about to change my clue to something more interesting. The answer is not the 1980 "Evil Under the Sun", but it is a Poirot adapt. Another hint: The ill-considered question is a very stupid one, but asked in all seriousness...

Tommy_A_Jones 16 Aug 11 at 2:14 p.m. GMT

The PU version of Evil Under The Sun?

Mr_Graves 28 Jul 11 at 9:10 p.m. GMT

The character of Doctor Osbourne was inspired by the chemist she worked under at a dispensary, I believe. She said she remembered him when writing "The Pale Horse". Anyhow, on with my clue!

An alibi is ascertained, and then an ill-considered question is asked, to which no answer can be thought up.

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Jul 11 at 2:16 p.m. GMT

I have read the Autobiography but don't understand what you mean, please explain

Nofret 28 Jul 11 at 6:08 a.m. GMT

Well done, Mr Graves, it was an early appearance by Andy Serkis, before he beame famous as Gollum. I thought this 1996 adaptation of The Pale Horse was excellent, apart from making Osbourne a doctor - anyone who has read Christie's autobiography will agree with me!

Your turn now.

Mr_Graves 24 Jul 11 at 8:30 p.m. GMT

I have it! Is it "The Pale Horse" from 1997? The actor who plays Golem in the Lord of the Rings is Andy Serkis, who plays Sergeant Corrgian in this adapt. I seem to recall him eating a banana... The prominent play you mentioned is "Macbeth".

Nofret 24 Jul 11 at 4:27 p.m. GMT

No, this wasn't made into a play, though a famous play is very prominent in this book.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Jul 11 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

BOTHER! Recently read The Autobiography but can't remember that Bit.

NightRayDuck 24 Jul 11 at 6:25 a.m. GMT

I've been thinking, if both the banana-muncher and his boss, the two police officers, appeared in the original story also, a very likely story would be the Christie playscript "The Unexpected Guest"... o.O

Nofret 24 Jul 11 at 5:54 a.m. GMT

No, it's neither Murder is Easy nor Sparkling Cyanide. Personally I think that MIE is one of Christie's cleverer puzzle in the way she (and the murderer) leads us up the garden path!

Clue - have you read Christie's autobiography? When she was young she met a very eccentric person who liked to boast of his power of death.............

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Jul 11 at 2:20 p.m. GMT

Murder is Easy? (Bill Bixby Version) I thought I was a purist but I actually like the 21 Century version of Sparkling Cyanide I prefer it to the 1983 version although I can't in all Honesty say I remember much of the Book It is not one of my Favourites and will only re-read it to remind me of Race's involvement, I don't like Murder is Easy either and will only re-read that to remind me of Battle's involvement

Nofret 23 Jul 11 at 6:34 a.m. GMT

Oh, I loved that adaptation, Tommy, but that's not the one. Clue - IMO this was another excellent adaptation, although Christie purists may take issue with the fact that the murderer's profession was different from in the book.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Jul 11 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

Sparkling Cyanide (1983 Version)

Nofret 22 Jul 11 at 8:38 a.m. GMT

If you mean the unofficial (non police force) investigator, he keeps the same name as the book, although he seems to have gone down a few rungs on the social ladder!

NightRayDuck 22 Jul 11 at 12:28 a.m. GMT

Did the lead sleuth in the original written story get replaced by another lead sleuth for the adaptation?

Nofret 21 Jul 11 at 7:36 p.m. GMT

OK - no-one from Belgium appeared in this story.

InspectorGrant 21 Jul 11 at 1:12 p.m. GMT

Help, I can't think of this.  I keep picturing Miss Lemon and Hastings sitting in deck chairs eating ice creams (I think this was Evil Under the Sun) but they are not police officers, nor are they bananas.... Another clue would be really handy, Nofret.

Nofret 20 Jul 11 at 7:27 a.m. GMT

Good thinking, Inspector, but the actor in question did not play a hobbit in LOTR.

Clue - the banana-muncher and his boss were both coppers!

NightRayDuck 19 Jul 11 at 10:10 p.m. GMT

I am still extra-sleepy and everything in this comment is out of curiosity and not related to my own attempt at guessing this adapt.

Nofret- I meant to say "I completely appreciate your act of giving a clue"! sowee!

Which one is "The Hobbit" that currently appears? I would much like to know so I can find out if it's available in my area. Thanks.

InspectorGrant 19 Jul 11 at 6:54 p.m. GMT

Is it Richard Armitage who played Durrant in 'Ordeal by Innocence' who is currently appearing in 'The Hobbit? 

Nofret 19 Jul 11 at 1:45 p.m. GMT

Silly Hobbitses! Look at the first clue if you want to find the precious!

NightRayDuck 19 Jul 11 at 1:31 a.m. GMT

Ah! I completely the act of giving a clue, even though I do not yet recall a connection between a Christie adapt and Tolkien's Lord of the Ring and Co.

(This is a random joke-y comment. Any requests for me to elaborate will be completely pointless and misdirected.)

Nofret 14 Jul 11 at 7:26 p.m. GMT

No, Miss Marple wasn't involved in this dark mystery.

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Jul 11 at 2:16 p.m. GMT

Murder With Mirrors|?

Nofret 13 Jul 11 at 8:16 p.m. GMT

And that was a clue!

Nofret 13 Jul 11 at 7:24 a.m. GMT

No, my precious, it's not A Caribbean Mystery (!)

NightRayDuck 12 Jul 11 at 8:50 p.m. GMT

I'd guess it's the Helen Hayes version, if it's indeed "A Caribbean Mystery".

NightRayDuck 11 Jul 11 at 6:27 p.m. GMT

This might be a version of "A Caribbean Mystery"? I can well imagine the personal attendant Jackson sitting down with a wholesome, healthy banana just the moment before his boss, Mr. Rafiel, shouts out something that Jackson should be doing.

Nofret 11 Jul 11 at 6:52 a.m. GMT

No takers? Another clue - there were no Belgians involved in this story!

Nofret 08 Jul 11 at 8:59 p.m. GMT

Clue - the boss had a French surname, though he had a London accent.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Jul 11 at 3:34 p.m. GMT

Roger Heathcott played Clancy

Nofret 05 Jul 11 at 7:38 a.m. GMT

It's not Death in the Clouds - I don't remember who played Mr Clancy. I think the short story featuring Mrs Oglander was The King of Clubs - it's not that one.

The character in question was promptly yelled at by his boss!

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Jul 11 at 3:34 p.m. GMT

Is it a Poirot Short story? The one with Mrs Oglander?

LauraPoirot 04 Jul 11 at 2:36 p.m. GMT

Nofret, was that the question? If so, maybe it's Death in the Clouds and Mr Clancy?

Nofret 04 Jul 11 at 11:41 a.m. GMT

Well, I was watching one of my favourite Christie adaptations last night.

 An actor, who later became very famous on the big screen, is louging back on his chair eating a banana!

MissQuin 04 Jul 11 at 9:12 a.m. GMT

Actually can someone take this go? I've found out I won't have the time to.

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Jun 11 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

Go on then Miss Quin

MissQuin 30 Jun 11 at 3:19 p.m. GMT

Miss Marple was dressed as pirate?! I didn't see that one! who goes next? I do have a clue if anyone wants to guess?

GKCfan 30 Jun 11 at 5:23 a.m. GMT

The answer is A Caribbean Mystery!  In the Helen Hayes version, virtually every character (including Miss Marple) wears the same pirate costume, including a rubber mask.  That makes it impossible to tell which character stabs a victim in the back in one scene.

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Jun 11 at 4:01 p.m. GMT

I know what you mean Miss Quin but if America Had to have a Miss Marple Helen Hayes was the lady to choose, While her Accent was American it wasn't as American as Some Actresses so for me she didn't sound too out of place, I also blame it on the fact Helen Hayes did 2 Novels which for me are in the lower half of the Miss Marples for me enjoyment wise but Caribbean Mystery is far better in my view than They Do It With Mirrors both Books and Films.

MissQuin 29 Jun 11 at 11:13 a.m. GMT

I always found the Helen Hayes adapts a trial to watch, but maybe it's just me. I miss all the lavish period details of the time. I've never been able to reach the end of an adapt, so this is a puzzle. It could be Murder is Easy, as Miss Marple was inserted into it! I'm very curious to know what it is their wearing, maybe it's long robes?! After all Mr Ellsworthy does wear them from time to time in the book.

GKCfan 25 Jun 11 at 7:46 p.m. GMT

No, not Murder with Mirrors, but it is a Helen Hayes adaptation1

Mr_Graves 24 Jun 11 at 10:43 p.m. GMT

Was there a costume party in the 1985 made-for-television "Murder with Mirrors" starring Helen Hayes? I can't recall a party like that in any Joan Hicksons...

GKCfan 24 Jun 11 at 10:26 p.m. GMT

No, not Murder is Announced, sorry.

LauraPoirot 24 Jun 11 at 9:11 p.m. GMT

This is not really a costume Party but maybe A Murder Is Announced? By the way GKCfan there's still the AC-quiz in Miscellaneous... perhaps I've got an answer....

GKCfan 24 Jun 11 at 8:06 p.m. GMT

Yes!  Miss Marple appears in this adaptation!

NightRayDuck 24 Jun 11 at 2:50 a.m. GMT

Tommy - the "made for TV" comment was in response to my question whether this adapt was released as a movie. :-) You might want to look thru earlier posts for the other hints that had been given, also.

Another question for GKCfan - Does Miss Marple appear in this adaptation? Thank you.

Tommy_A_Jones 22 Jun 11 at 1:13 p.m. GMT

So was Sparkling Cyanide but I will keep thinking

GKCfan 22 Jun 11 at 2:54 a.m. GMT

No, not Sparkling Cyanide.  The adaptation in question was made for TV.

Tommy_A_Jones 21 Jun 11 at 4:47 p.m. GMT

Is it the 2nd Dinner party in the Up-dated Pauline Collins version of Sparkling Cyanide?

NightRayDuck 21 Jun 11 at 5:56 a.m. GMT

Was this adaptation a motion picture released at the cinema?

GKCfan 21 Jun 11 at 5:24 a.m. GMT

No- it's more than 20 years old.

Mr_Graves 20 Jun 11 at 9:46 p.m. GMT

Alright... Was this adaptation filmed within the last 20 years? That might narrow it down...

GKCfan 19 Jun 11 at 6:03 a.m. GMT

No, sorry.  If anyone wants a hint, please ask.

NightRayDuck 19 Jun 11 at 4:20 a.m. GMT

"Affair at the Victory Ball", David Suchet as Poirot, quite an early episode in the series? I think the denouement in that episode contained like... voice actors (for radio shows etc..) all dressed in pale-green and white patterns resembling something between a Harlequin and a Pierrot, only distinguished by the presence of pale-green pom-poms on the shoulders.

GKCfan 17 Jun 11 at 7:31 p.m. GMT

No, sorry.  The costume party isn't from those options.

christie_greece 17 Jun 11 at 10:51 a.m. GMT

Hello everyone!!! I finished my school exams and I'm here to solve mysteries! Well, I have a difficulty in getting used to the new website. Not only that, I think I have forgotten everything about the stories, so I guess I need to refresh my memory by reading many books and watching movies...

Although I think NightRayDuck is correct, I will have a go too. Is it Hallowe'en's Party? I'm just guessing blindly, I have no idea. I just look forward to getting back into action.

NightRayDuck 03 Jun 11 at 9:11 p.m. GMT

perhaps an adapt of the Tom'n'Tup short story "Finessing the King / The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper", if the adapt made the crime scene a costume party requiring everyone to dress in newspaper, rather than a club admitting any costume as in the original story? I would certainly have difficulty imagining Tommy and Tuppence wrapped up in newspaper..

GKCfan 01 Jun 11 at 5:20 a.m. GMT

Not 7 Dials, but it is a costume party!

NightRayDuck 01 Jun 11 at 1:01 a.m. GMT

perhaps a costume party?

Mr_Graves 01 Jun 11 at 12:24 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Just a stab in the dark (ho ho), could it be the 1981 adaptation of "The Seven Dials Mystery?" Everybody is wearing some kind of ridiculous mask with clocks on the front. And the recurring character is Superintendent Battle. But then, wasn't this mentioned in the book? Anyhow, that's my guess...

GKCfan 31 May 11 at 7:44 a.m. GMT

"Everyone is wearing exactly the same thing in this scene, and everyone looks exactly alike, aside from a few differences in height and width!  That makes it impossible to tell which character committed a murder.  This detail is not in the book, and a good thing too, because one can't picture one recurring character from Christie's books dressing up in such a manner!"

Mr_Graves 30 May 11 at 10:33 p.m. GMT

I think you're as close as anyone could be, GKCfan! In "The Kidnapped Prime Minister", Poirot is indeed told by his tailor that his waist measurement has grown by an inch. Poirot tells him stubbornly that he is the same size as last year, so his tailor makes him a suit based on the old measurements. Poirot has to swallow his pride here, because it is hard to ignore the tightness of his jacket! Good for the tailor, I say! So it's now your turn for guessing.

GKCfan 30 May 11 at 9:14 a.m. GMT

There's one where Poirot goes to his tailor, who says that Poirot has put on weight, and Poirot insists that he's exactly the same size as he was the last time he was measured, but I can't remember which it is...

Mr_Graves 29 May 11 at 9:41 p.m. GMT

Not anything like hearing or eyesight, or even intelligence (Heaven forbid!).

NightRayDuck 29 May 11 at 6:16 a.m. GMT

I don't have a specific adapt in mind, but I am randomly thinking that perhaps this is a scene where someone raises questions about Poirot's eyesight or hearing?

Mr_Graves 29 May 11 at 3 a.m. GMT

Getting closer with your guesses- it is an hour-long Poirot, but not from either of the ones you mentioned. As you might have guessed, it is Poirot's pride (and insatiable vanity!) that is hurt. Not that he listens to the facts he is given!

Tommy_A_Jones 28 May 11 at 3:14 p.m. GMT

The Case of The Clapham Cook (Might have got the Title slightly wrong).

MissQuin 27 May 11 at 3:01 p.m. GMT

Ummm, I think it's a early hour long Poirot? It's been some years since I saw some of the adapts. I thought there was one where Poirot goes to the barber and is told his hair is thinning or going grey? and Poirot won't face facts! It might have been The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim?

Mr_Graves 25 May 11 at 10:02 p.m. GMT

Not as recent as the newest "Murder on the Orient Express", GKCfan.

GKCfan 25 May 11 at 5:43 a.m. GMT

Murder on the Orient Express, where the doctor claims there are fifteen or so stab wounds, and Poirot only counts twelve?

Mr_Graves 25 May 11 at 1:19 a.m. GMT

Not "And Then There Were None" or "One, Two, Buckle my Shoe" I'm afraid, but Miss Quin is closest as this is a Poirot adapt.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 May 11 at 4:30 p.m. GMT

Is it the version of ATTWN withe Maurice Chevallier? I haven't seen it for Years but I remember a scene where he sits at a Piano

MissQuin 24 May 11 at 3:54 p.m. GMT

Is it One Two Buckle My Shoe? It's been a while since I saw it, so I may be way off the mark. But I know Poirot goes the dentist. He's rather fond of sweet treats, so I think he may have been told his teeth need some work on them. Poirot may have denied this!

I was watching Murder In The Mews (I think) and Poirot put off the dentist at that time too!

Mr_Graves 19 May 11 at 11:38 a.m. GMT

Not from 1978 "Death on the Nile", this adapt featuring Poirot is more recent...

HerculeJC 19 May 11 at 5:59 a.m. GMT

Long-Shot: Mia Farrow, as Jacqueline, is warned, repeatedly, by Peter Ustinov, as Poirot, to let things go and leave Simon and Linnette alone.

This is in the 1978 film version of DEATH ON THE NILE.

Mr_Graves 18 May 11 at 10:10 p.m. GMT

I shudder to think, Nofret! Not this adaptation, but you're on the right sort of lines for what I had in mind...

Nofret 18 May 11 at 9:38 a.m. GMT

Oh dear! Is it the scene from Evil under the Sun where Poirot's pride is badly wounded by being told that he is obese?

Mr_Graves 17 May 11 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

The invalids can always walk! But no, it is not Timothy's ability of walking... It is, however, a fact of a physical nature.

Nofret 16 May 11 at 6:56 a.m. GMT

Is this Timothy Abernethie from After the Funeral? Poirot reveals that this supposed invalid is perfectly capable of walking unaided.

Mr_Graves 15 May 11 at 10:01 p.m. GMT

I hoped for your sake that it would not be right, being the very first guess! But here is my clue...

Somebody's pride is damaged when told by an expert of some hard facts. Despite the clear evidence, they dismiss it. 

HerculeJC 15 May 11 at 12:17 a.m. GMT

Correct, Mr. Graves.  It is NEMESIS, and it was the version that starred Joan Hickson.   The Joan Hickson version begins with the character of Jason Rafiel remembering when he last saw Miss Marple,from A CARIBBEAN MYSTERY.

Your turn, Mr. Graves.

Mr_Graves 14 May 11 at 11:29 p.m. GMT

I have rather an idea that this goddess is Nemesis, the Spirit of Divine Retribution. In the Miss Marple novel, "Nemesis", Miss Marple is referred to as this spirit by Jason Rafiel. As for the adaptation, I am gong to guess that it's the 1987 BAFTA Award-Winning version with Joan Hickson.

HerculeJC 14 May 11 at 8:46 p.m. GMT

Nofret, I remember when one of the TV stations in my area used to show the 1945 film version of ATTWN at least once a year.  

The only other film version I saw was TEN LITTLE INDIANS, where the action takes place in a desert; that was a poor modern version, IMO.

Anyway, here is the next adaptation clue:

A gentleman is reflecting on the name of a Greek Goddess, and how that Goddess was said to have appeared to others.

This man, though, remembers a different image, as he equated that Goddess to HER.

NightRayDuck 14 May 11 at 8:08 p.m. GMT

oh, Nofret, that does sound like a fun adapt! :D

I was thinking of the 1945 version, umm I forgot to write in that the character was singing with a marked foreign accent. anyway, so HerculeJC guessed the correct version. congrats, Hercule.

Nofret 14 May 11 at 5:46 p.m. GMT

Or could it be the 1965 film version of the same story, in which the pop singer Fabian played the Anthony Marsden character?

HerculeJC 14 May 11 at 5:10 a.m. GMT

I think this was from AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, the 1945 version: Prince Nikita Starloff is the one singing the tune, then swallowing the poisoned drink.

NightRayDuck 14 May 11 at 4:49 a.m. GMT

ah, somehow I had missed all of the outdoor scenes of the Marple Ordeal by Innocence. yikes.

next adapt up for guessing!

A man sits at a piano, plays it enthusiastically though hesitatingly, refers frequently to the score propped up on the piano. He also sings according to the score, quite happily and with some amusement. Several other people in the room look annoyed.

Nofret 12 May 11 at 8:33 a.m. GMT

Yes, Ray, it is Ordeal by Innocence. The first outdoor scenes show snow on the ground, then we have the thundery rain when Calgary arrives at Sunny Point, indicating a sharp rise in temperature. But by the time Miss M leaves the ground is once again covered in snow! (Obviously the snow scenes were filmed at the same time before the rain machine was brought in!)

Your turn.

NightRayDuck 11 May 11 at 8:03 p.m. GMT

o.O The more recent Marples are so difficult to watch, aren't they? Although, from the "musak? in a Poirot?" post in the Miscellaneous section, perhaps the recent Marples are not so difficult as the more recent Poirots.

I am thinking of the Marple "Ordeal By Innocence". I think one of those "sitting around in the Argyle house and listening to boring Dr. whathisname" scenes had the curtains away from the windows, at night, lots of noises of thunderstorm, but the view from the windows was entirely dark, no lightning was seen.

I might be wrong. It's extremely difficult to be certain about weather continuity when my telly-n-antenna set was some 20 miles outside of the stated broadcast range. Was it the crackle of static rather than sound effect for thunder? Did my whole screen go black while pretty depictions of lightning were in the show? hmm.

Nofret 11 May 11 at 6:50 p.m. GMT

You're right about it being a Marple adapt, but not By the Thumbing of my Prick

The novel did not have any Christie regular in it.

MissQuin 11 May 11 at 3:42 p.m. GMT

I'm wondering about Pricking Of My Thumbs? I know it was cold in one scene, when the old ladies sleep in the car. They commented on thermal vests. If anyone who hasn't seen it, is wondering what was going on, I can explain this!! The old ladies car broke down and they were cold!

  Miss Marple and another woman... forget who. But I think that it seemed sunny at other times. But wasn't there a storm? A projection show and it went off? or had been so bored I nodded off and dreamt that?! some spoilt brat was whinging in it. Oh how annoying! why wasn't she bricked up in the fireplace? no one would have missed her!

I have a feeling it's a Marple adapt. You see, they don't pay alot of attention to finer details. If I'm wrong, please give us a clue Nofret!

Nofret 11 May 11 at 1:27 p.m. GMT

Well, you're right about lack of continuity, but this adaptation was set in good old England, and the weather was certainly impossible!

NightRayDuck 11 May 11 at 2:03 a.m. GMT

I've been thinking that an adapt featuring one of those Oriental or Caribbean locations would also be likely to have impossible weather.. Either the filming crew might have difficulty maintaining continuity of weather from scene to scene, or the producer might be asking for an exotic-weather look that turned out to be unrealistic. :p

Nofret 09 May 11 at 8:05 a.m. GMT

Not Towards Zero, but you're on the right lines.....

MissQuin 08 May 11 at 4:02 p.m. GMT

Is it the Marple adapt of Towards Zero?? There was a storm one day. The next clear sunny skies and still sea waters! Plus the addition of Miss Marple, which didn't work for me at all.

Nofret 07 May 11 at 8:36 a.m. GMT

No ideas, folks? There's another similarity with the Sittaford Mystery, both adaptations suffered from an additional character not present in the book!

Nofret 02 May 11 at 4:36 p.m. GMT

Not the Sittaford Mystery, although the snow was about the only thing in common with the original book!

MissQuin 02 May 11 at 10:28 a.m. GMT

Now that's interesting! Quite tricky. I'll take a wild guess- I think that Sittaford Mystery had bizarre weather! Although it was mainly made up of fake looking snow.  But then I can't remember the adapt too well as I was bored ridgid.

Nofret 02 May 11 at 7:24 a.m. GMT

Thank you, GKCfan.

I know all you folk from outside the UK think our weather is odd and very unpredictable. Well, the meteorological conditions in this adaptation are very peculiar, if not downright impossible!

GKCfan 02 May 11 at 6:20 a.m. GMT

You are very, very right!  Great work!

Nofret 01 May 11 at 7:46 a.m. GMT

Poor old Poirot! He was looking forward to a dish of tasty morel mushrooms, but Colonel Race wasn't too familiar with French cuisine, and ordered him Moray eel! From the 1978 film of Death on the Nile.

GKCfan 01 May 11 at 1:58 a.m. GMT

"A man looks for fungus but instead find remnants of aquatic life.  He is disappointed, but soon his mind goes on to other things..."

Mr_Graves 01 May 11 at 1:30 a.m. GMT

No getting past you, is there, GKCfan! It is indeed the last scene of "The Pale Horse". Your turn for clues now.

GKCfan 29 Apr 11 at 11:15 p.m. GMT

The final moments of the 1997 version of "The Pale Horse," where Mark and Kate's romantic scene is interrupted by a surprise party?

Mr_Graves 29 Apr 11 at 10:44 p.m. GMT

Hurrah! Back into the game again... Here is my clue.

A moment of intimacy is anticipated. Momentary disappointment follows, but a good time is still had.

Good luck!

NightRayDuck 29 Apr 11 at 6:22 a.m. GMT

Yes, Mr. Graves! Excellent work there, identifying the exact item and cause for comment and owner of item and film and year of film release~~! Your turn~!

Mr_Graves 29 Apr 11 at 6:13 a.m. GMT

Ho ho! Sneaky, aren't we? But I agree we have been long enough trying to get a reply. As for your clue, NightRayDuck, I can only think of one of the early scenes in the 1945 film "And Then There Were None", where the initials "C.M" on Lombard's suitcase are queried...

NightRayDuck 29 Apr 11 at 2:29 a.m. GMT

umm.. we don't seem to have heard from Bunch Marple. I'll just sneak in a little adapt scene, so if people would like to play or have some adapts for guessing we can get going?

Several persons gather their things and start to go upstairs. One man comments on the hand luggage of another man.

NightRayDuck 25 Mar 11 at 11:19 p.m. GMT

hi Bunch Marple.. are you ok? are we guessing along ok? please let us know.

Nofret 07 Mar 11 at 11:33 a.m. GMT

Christie used the "fake car crash as an excuse to gatecrash" both in Evans and Three Act Tragedy - it was Oliver Manders who staged the crash on that occasion. Was it the American version with Tony Curtis, rather than the recent adaptation with Martin Shaw?

NightRayDuck 06 Mar 11 at 9:57 p.m. GMT

Maybe an adaptation of "Crooked House", the scene depicting the car crash of Miss de Haviland and Josephine?

MissQuin 03 Mar 11 at 2:53 p.m. GMT

Bunch_Marple

A nice little car lies in a ditch, its' owner has a curiously pleased look on their face..

Ok, so if it's not Evans, then can we have another clue? It's not sleeping Murder is it?

NightRayDuck 15 Feb 11 at 1:45 a.m. GMT

May I ask if there's any dead or injured person in the nice little car in the ditch, or nearby?

Bunch_Marple 07 Feb 11 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

Good guess about it being staged...

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Feb 11 at 3:13 p.m. GMT

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Tuppence stages a Crash so she can get in to the Bassington-ffrench House.

Bunch_Marple 07 Feb 11 at 2:52 p.m. GMT

It's a real car, quite sporty. cream with green seats. The driver makes a telephone call

NightRayDuck 07 Feb 11 at 2:10 p.m. GMT

I have no ideas either way, but I do feel like checking on this point. Is the nice little car a real motor vehicle? Or is it some sort of toy / model car? Thank you.

Bunch_Marple 07 Feb 11 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

Well I wouldn't call it an accident...

ivi21 07 Feb 11 at 10:02 a.m. GMT

Hm, was there a car accident?

Bunch_Marple 06 Feb 11 at 7:40 p.m. GMT

Umm...

A nice little car lies in a ditch, its' owner has a curiously pleased look on their face..

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Feb 11 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

Well done Bunch_Marple, you are right, Cars like the one they were driving always make me smile, and I know it might be streching it but I was describing Simon and Jaqueline as Pretty young Things, they pass a school where a Teacher played by Barbara Hicks is teaching Children, she is uncredited but she is one of 4 people in Death On The Nile and Evil Under The Sun. your turn. 

MissQuin 06 Feb 11 at 3:29 p.m. GMT

Would the word pretty would suggest girls?  It sounds like a vibrant adapt, maybe the old version of Evans?

Bunch_Marple 06 Feb 11 at 1:57 p.m. GMT

Is it the start of Death on the Nile, when Jackie and Simon are on their way to visit Lynette?

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Feb 11 at 1:45 p.m. GMT

No, tell me when you want a clue.

Bunch_Marple 05 Feb 11 at 6:39 p.m. GMT

The start of A pocket full of Rye (Joan Hickson) or The Moving finger (Geraldine McEwan)?

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Feb 11 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

2 Pretty young things come cheerily down a Hill in the sort of car makes you want to smile at, while they are tralking of a job Prospect they pass a woman talking to a room full of children.

NightRayDuck 26 Jan 11 at 12:33 p.m. GMT

Oh dear! wow.  now that's definitely an adaptation I want to watch.

I have run out of adaptations to use for puzzles... If anyone has an interesting adaptation, please go ahead and post it.

(My head is currently too full of various Sherlock Holmes and other detectives and isolated stories bearing resemblance to "And Then There Were None".)

MissQuin 26 Jan 11 at 11:49 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Correct! It's the B&W version of Then there Were None. It is very good actually funny, in a black comedy style. The end was altered because of censorship yet it's still a great film.

The keyhole scene is a little odd. Philip Lombard goes for a bath, locks the door. Then Blore goes and peers through the keyhole. Blore say's later he was asked to keep an eye on things by Mr U N Owen. Well he certainly did that! I suppose Blore may have been checking to see if Phillip had a weapon concealed about his person!

NightRayDuck 24 Jan 11 at 8:11 p.m. GMT

found a possible answer in my incomplete reference book... "And Then There Were None" movie in 1945 (is that early enough to be black-and-white?). the original novel doesn't have much comedy, but supposedly this movie version contained an interesting portrayal of the Judge and the Doctor suspecting one another. and followed the happier ending of the stage version.

NightRayDuck 24 Jan 11 at 7:27 p.m. GMT

Does this man look into just this keyhole, or does he keep on looking into other keyholes? I mean, is he quite certain that this room is the one he wants to keep an eye on, or is he checking through an assortment of possible rooms for whatever he's looking for?

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Jan 11 at 4:55 p.m. GMT

Both versions are Good Miss Quin

MissQuin 24 Jan 11 at 4:51 p.m. GMT

No, not seen that one though I really want to.

Clue: You have to ask why a man would want to keep a close eye on someone.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Jan 11 at 4:38 p.m. GMT

Witness For The Prosecution

MissQuin 24 Jan 11 at 4:34 p.m. GMT

No it's not a Poirot of any kind.

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Jan 11 at 4:14 p.m. GMT

The Alphabet Murders

MissQuin 24 Jan 11 at 4:07 p.m. GMT

No -clue this in black and white.

Tommy_A_Jones 23 Jan 11 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

Is it Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

MissQuin 23 Jan 11 at 3:44 p.m. GMT

No, not Rutherford. Although oddly this film has many comic scenes, despite the actual book having little humour (not that that's a bad thing).

Ok clue 2: behind the keyhole was....a man having a bath!

Bunch_Marple 23 Jan 11 at 1:10 p.m. GMT

Is it a Margaret Rutherford film with her male companion seeking out evidence?

MissQuin 23 Jan 11 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

No it's on old film! The man comes across as being voyeristic peering through keyholes. But later on there might be perfectly logical explanation for his behaviour.

Through the keyhole is... actually I might save that one for another clue!

Bunch_Marple 23 Jan 11 at 12:17 p.m. GMT

Oh, sounds salacious! Is it a Miss Marple recent adapt?

MissQuin 23 Jan 11 at 11:54 a.m. GMT

No it's not Poirot. I wolud have been greatly amused if it had been Poirot perring through the keyhole! Because of what was going on on the other side of the door!

Bunch_Marple 23 Jan 11 at 11:11 a.m. GMT

Ha, if Curtain had been made it could be this!

Its from a Poirot, he's doing something Hastings would disapprove of?

MissQuin 23 Jan 11 at 10:18 a.m. GMT

Ok I give you somethnig to puzzle over. I'll make it easier this time.

A man is standing by a door. He leans down and peers through the keyhole.

Bunch_Marple 23 Jan 11 at 9:29 a.m. GMT

Please someone else feel free to set the next puzzle, all I come up with is too obvious!

NightRayDuck 21 Jan 11 at 5:37 a.m. GMT

Yes, Bunch Marple! This being guess-the-adaptation game, please remember to identify a specific version if possible, for example, in this case it would be useful to identify which well-known actor portrayed Poirot in this adaptation.  Your turn to set the next puzzle.

I've always thought it quite clever of the writers for that episode to spin the short story "Yellow Iris" into an hour-long episode, and managing to stick Poirot near the scene of "the first suicide of a lady".

Bunch_Marple 20 Jan 11 at 8:20 a.m. GMT

Is it the goings on at the hotel Poirot is staying at, during a power failure in The Yellow Iris?

NightRayDuck 20 Jan 11 at 3:59 a.m. GMT

thank you!

note: the following scene description may be slightly garbled due it being a long time since I've seen it.

On a dimly lit stairway. Two middle-aged gentlemen have some sort of disagreement. Some time later, one of these men has an argument with a lady on the same stairway. Yet another gentleman is about one flight away on the stairway, and finds himself listening to the argument.

MissQuin 19 Jan 11 at 2:59 p.m. GMT

*cheers* Darknight you are correct! It is The Manhood Of Edward Robinson- an adventure/romance set at Christmas. I believe it was Rupert Everett's character who was running round with a girl on his shoulder!! The group of young people were roaring drunk and very rowdy.

So it's your turn darknight, how you found out about an adapt you didn't watch is pretty good sleuthing.

NightRayDuck 18 Jan 11 at 11:40 p.m. GMT

I think I haven't watched the adapt in question. I went and looked up episode listings. Is this the "Agatha Christie Hour" version of "The Manhood of Edward Robinson"? That story takes place in deep winter, and most everyone that Edward Robinson meets on that night is reveling.

I was thinking perhaps a Miss Marple portrayed by McEwan or McKenzie would bring laughter and happiness to the Lee household if there's a Marple version of "Hercule Poirot's Christmas", what with there being Stephen and Pilar and Harry in the house... but I couldn't find one.

Tommy_A_Jones 18 Jan 11 at 4:25 p.m. GMT

It was just a guess, I haven't seen it and again I didn't look far back enough at Posts, I can only think of one set at Christmas and that is a Poirot so it isn't that one.

MissQuin 18 Jan 11 at 4:15 p.m. GMT

I really wouldn't term Endless Night as having a good deal of high spirits  Nor is it set at Christmas.

Tommy_A_Jones 18 Jan 11 at 4:11 p.m. GMT

Endless Night

MissQuin 18 Jan 11 at 3:54 p.m. GMT

No it's not a Poirot or Sprakling Cyanide or They Came To Baghdad.

I feel rather guilty as you may not have seen this one Darknight.

In one scene a man runs around with a woman on his sholder. There's a great deal of laughter and horseplay.

NightRayDuck 17 Jan 11 at 6:19 p.m. GMT

Umm... this is not a recent Poirot. is this a Poirot adapt at all? or can this be, for example, Stephen Farraday when he was courting Lady Alexandra, in any adapt of "Sparkling Cyanide"?

if there's espionage, I was thinking of Edward flattering up Victoria Jones in any version of "They Came to Baghdad", but being in the U.S., I have not the least notion if the non-serial espionage thrillers get adapted very often at all. 

MissQuin 17 Jan 11 at 5:23 p.m. GMT

darknightofrays

A very random guess, because I really have no adaptations left in my brain. Are these two friends some sort of espionage agents? or perhaps secret investigators meeting up to exchange information?

I'm afraid there's no espionage involved. Also there's no baots involved here. Nor is it Market Basing Mystery.

Remember it's set at Christmas and we do see a Christmas tree in one scene.

Tommy_A_Jones 17 Jan 11 at 4:54 p.m. GMT

Is it The Market Basing Mystery?

Bunch_Marple 16 Jan 11 at 6:55 p.m. GMT

Is it that episode of Poirot where Hastings builds a model boat and they take it to the park at the end?

Bunch_Marple 16 Jan 11 at 6:55 p.m. GMT

Is it that episode of Poirot where Hastings builds a model boat and they take it to the park at the end?

NightRayDuck 16 Jan 11 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

A very random guess, because I really have no adaptations left in my brain. Are these two friends some sort of espionage agents? or perhaps secret investigators meeting up to exchange information?

MissQuin 16 Jan 11 at 2:06 p.m. GMT

ROFL no! Different scene that one.

We see two friends sitting on a park bench.

This adapt is set at Christmas time.

This episode contains a good deal of high spirits- I think you can guess it's not a recent Poirot, few of those are really jolly are they?

Bunch_Marple 16 Jan 11 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

2 drunks in the park...

MissQuin 16 Jan 11 at 11:23 a.m. GMT

Good guesses but no. Well you all have such good memories it seems, I thought I'd make this one hard!

In common with Xmas Pud- This episode contains a good deal of high spirits.

Nofret 16 Jan 11 at 11:15 a.m. GMT

Is it two of the children from The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding?

MissQuin 16 Jan 11 at 10:56 a.m. GMT

Sorry it's not that one.

This adapt is set at Christmas time.

Mr_Graves 15 Jan 11 at 8:14 p.m. GMT

Could it be Megan Dodds and Jamie de Courcey as Henrietta and Edward from the 2004 adaptation of "The Hollow"? I thoroughly enjoyed Anthony Horowitz's writing in this one!

MissQuin 12 Jan 11 at 3:44 p.m. GMT

I'll try to see that version sometime, I'm sure it has to better than the recent one!

We see two friends sitting on a park bench.

Nofret 11 Jan 11 at 11:05 a.m. GMT

Well done, MissQ, it is the 80's adaptation of Sparkling Cyanide, which I enjoyed and thought remained very faithful to the original. The scene in question was in fact where the senatorial candidate is soliciting funds for his campaign.

Over to you.

MissQuin 10 Jan 11 at 3:43 p.m. GMT

I think it might be Sparkling cyanide. I think it was written in the 40's and was made 1980's.  Plus one of the character's is hard up for cash, which wolud explain the cheque.

Ive only seen the recent noughties adapt, which I found it pretty dire. Even the lovely Jonathan Firth coludn't save it for me!

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Jan 11 at 3:40 p.m. GMT

Is it The Nemean Lion from The Labours of Hercules?

Nofret 10 Jan 11 at 8:56 a.m. GMT

No, it's not from 4.50 from Paddington or The Moving Finger. Miss Marple doesn't appear in this story.

Bunch_Marple 09 Jan 11 at 7:51 p.m. GMT

Sorry, I was blind, is it Megan blackmailing Mr Symminyton is The Moving Finger?

Bunch_Marple 09 Jan 11 at 6:18 p.m. GMT

Oh is it from 450 from Paddington?

Nofret 09 Jan 11 at 5:58 p.m. GMT

No, it's not from Taken at the Flood.

The adaptation isn't the most recent one of this book, but IMO it's much better than the version that was broadcast a few years ago.

Bunch_Marple 09 Jan 11 at 5:24 p.m. GMT

Is it the updated Taken at the Flood?

Nofret 09 Jan 11 at 10:52 a.m. GMT

OK. This was an updated version of a Christie novel set in the 1940s.

MissQuin 09 Jan 11 at 10:46 a.m. GMT

Another clue please Nofret?

Nofret 07 Jan 11 at 10:26 a.m. GMT

Well thought out, MissQ and GKCfan. But neither is correct, and Poirot does not appear in this scene.

GKCfan 06 Jan 11 at 9:38 p.m. GMT

Yes, MissQuin, the Suchet episode you're thinking of is "The Lost Mine."  However, I'm thinking of the scene early in the Ustinov version of Evil Under the Sun, where the insurance agent gives Poirot a check to investigate the diamond insurance, and when the insurance agent offers a sum in pounds, Poirot tells him to make the check out in guineas.

MissQuin 06 Jan 11 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

I know there's a Suchet Poirot where he's at the bank and the amounts had be be the same number in each column. But I forget which episode, maybe The Lost Mine?

Nofret 06 Jan 11 at 10:01 a.m. GMT

Thank you, GKCfan.

A man is sitting writing a cheque. The payee, standing over him, suggests that the amount is insufficient.

GKCfan 05 Jan 11 at 8:20 p.m. GMT

Yes it is!  Great work!

Nofret 05 Jan 11 at 12:49 p.m. GMT

Aha! Is this Poirot in Death on the Nile (Ustinov version) who asked Race to order him a dish of morels (mushrooms), but because of Race's poor French got Moray eel?

GKCfan 05 Jan 11 at 5:46 a.m. GMT

"A man expects to find some fungus in a certain place, but instead he finds a creature from a damp spot instead.  He displeased, and he realizes this is due to a gap in a compatriot's education."

NightRayDuck 05 Jan 11 at 2:43 a.m. GMT

Yes! It is Christie's own adaptation of ATTWN for live acting on stage. Over to you GKC...

GKCfan 04 Jan 11 at 9:09 p.m. GMT

Could it be Christie's own stage play version of ATTWN?

GKCfan 04 Jan 11 at 9:09 p.m. GMT

Could it be Christie's own stage play version of ATTWN?

MissQuin 04 Jan 11 at 11:01 a.m. GMT

Ooh so close, I hope I get this one I have a good scene for you to guess.

Now I know it's not the 1945 version of TTWN. It's the only version Ive seen, so this is tricky. It sounds like it has the orignal ending so it could be Desyat Negrityat ?? This is purely guess work.

NightRayDuck 03 Jan 11 at 10:02 p.m. GMT

MissQuin is very close! It is indeed based on that story and between those characters. Would you care to guess which version of the play script? I am, as usual, without access to rare materials. What type of playwright would have a piece of work ending up on my book shelf? hmm. 

MissQuin 03 Jan 11 at 10:32 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

A wild guess: It sounds like it might be from a version of Then There Were None. Not one that Ive seen but I can imagine it been acted out with Vera and Phillip.

NightRayDuck 03 Jan 11 at 4:55 a.m. GMT

Ah, the gents' club! I can see gender lines being upheld there far more stiffly than at a public bathing beach, or among the jurors at a court trial. 

Next adaptation up for guessing! Disclaimer: Due to darknightofrays running out of visual memories of adaptations, the following may or may not be from a play script based on a well-known Christie novel.

A man and a woman yell at one another, each accusing the other of being a very accomplished liar, a diabolical murderer, a very clever trap-setter. The woman fires a revolver at the man. The man falls and stops moving. The woman is horrified by her own doing, but is only further petrified when she hears a low laugh from somewhere else.

GKCfan 03 Jan 11 at 1:47 a.m. GMT

It is from The Blue Geranium!  The scene is when Miss Marple goes to see Sir Henry Clithering at his club– a club employee says that women aren't allowed in the club, but Sir Henry says that they can make an exception for Miss Marple's case.  By doing so, an innocent man is saved from being convicted of murder.

NightRayDuck 02 Jan 11 at 11:35 p.m. GMT

I looked up Marple Collection #5 (starring McKenzie). "The Blue Geranium" is actually a Marple story where one could put in a court trial scene, especially since live action in an adaptation works better than sitting around coffee and puzzling over someone's narration of a tricky case...

I don't see Marple #5 DVD in the shop on this website... odd.

GKCfan 02 Jan 11 at 11:15 p.m. GMT

It's a McKenzie adaptation, but not Murder is Easy!

NightRayDuck 02 Jan 11 at 11:03 p.m. GMT

Could it be the McEwan version of "By the Pricking of My Thumbs"? only guessing...

Oops, you also already mentioned it's not a McEwan version...

Perhaps Julia McKenzie version of "Murder Is Easy"? It looks like a story where the episode producers could try to stick in a court trial scene...

GKCfan 22 Dec 10 at 9:43 p.m. GMT

Sorry, no.  It's not Nemesis, or any other Miss Marple starring Joan Hickson.

MissQuin 22 Dec 10 at 10:28 a.m. GMT

whay! So we know it's Miss Marple. I can't remember that particular scene though. I know Nemesis revolves around Justice a great deal. Plus there was the discussion with the two lawyers. Could it be Joan Hickson's Nemesis?

GKCfan 21 Dec 10 at 10:05 p.m. GMT

MissQuin is very close with her ideas about gender discrimination!  Miss Marple is not played by Margaret Rutherford in this adaptation, although MissQuin is very close when she mentions the Murder Most Foul trial.  Because Miss Marple wasn't taken seriously, a criminal trial may very well produce a miscarrage of justice.

MissQuin 21 Dec 10 at 9:50 a.m. GMT

darknightofrays

Does this scene take place in or near a bedroom? Or does it take place anywhere in a private residence?

Interesting ideas you have! I'm not sure, but I think that it might be First person suggests something which might be desciminating against someone because of their gender. Then second person is willing to see things differently.

I thought Miss Marple might be involved because often there seems to be be a bit of rule bending when she's around. Letting her see dead bodies, talk to witnesses and such, then she solves the case and justice prevails!

One man insists that certain gender barriers need to be maintained, another man is fine with a brief violation of these rules, and as a result a miscarriage of justice is prevented.

NightRayDuck 21 Dec 10 at 9:21 a.m. GMT

I've been puzzling over the term "miscarriage of justice". Does it mean that someone attempts to carry out justice, but does it the wrong way around? Or does it mean that someone attempts an action that is disapproved by justice? 

Does this scene take place in or near a bedroom? Or does it take place anywhere in a private residence?

MissQuin 21 Dec 10 at 9:20 a.m. GMT

Is it Margaret Rutherford adapt of Mrs McGinty's dead? Murder Most Foul? Because Miss M was on the jury. It might be to do with her being a woman that she wasn't taken seriously.

GKCfan 21 Dec 10 at 9:04 a.m. GMT

No, not Towards Zero...  It is a Miss Marple adaptation, but it does not star McEwan.  The scene is not set in or next to a washroom or bathroom.

NightRayDuck 21 Dec 10 at 8:41 a.m. GMT

I've been thinking of situations such as Andrew McWhirter grabbing Audrey before she gets over the cliff edge, in Towards Zero, but I can't think of anyone around to argue with McWhirter. Possibly a McEwan edition of Miss Marple starring in Towards Zero...

Another possible situation could be... "keeping surveillance" on the ladies' washroom or the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex? 

GKCfan 19 Dec 10 at 6:38 a.m. GMT

Ummm... the situation I'm describing isn't like that.    None of the characters in this scene are married or related (at least that we know), and there's no water.

NightRayDuck 18 Dec 10 at 11:09 p.m. GMT

Sounds like the classic dilemma of "should I get in the water and have close bodily contact with my brother's wife, so to rescue her from drowning?"

GKCfan 18 Dec 10 at 7:29 p.m. GMT

One man insists that certain gender barriers need to be maintained, another man is fine with a brief violation of these rules, and as a result a miscarriage of justice is prevented.

MissQuin 18 Dec 10 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

Sorry I couldn't come up with anything better!

Your turn GKC

GKCfan 18 Dec 10 at 5:01 a.m. GMT

The McEwan Ordeal by Innocence?

MissQuin 17 Dec 10 at 11:22 a.m. GMT

Ok think think think..

We see a woman in her wedding veil though she looks sad.

Tommy_A_Jones 15 Dec 10 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

That's right Miss Quin, I bought the DVD this year and it struck me that might be why AC named Hastings and Battle as she did.

NightRayDuck 14 Dec 10 at 8:01 p.m. GMT

 ah, like "St. Leonard" in the novel?

MissQuin 14 Dec 10 at 4:30 p.m. GMT

Captian Hasting talking about why he's called Battler in the Suchet adapt of Dumb Witness. Turns out Battler is a reference to Battle Of Hastings.

Tommy_A_Jones 14 Dec 10 at 1:32 p.m. GMT

Is no-one interested in doing my Poser or is too hard?

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Dec 10 at 4:57 p.m. GMT

I hoe I do this right, I don't think I have set one before, Here Goes anyway. I am going to do it as if someone is thinking aloud but it should work, Apologies if it doesn't.

"I must tell my Friend why Our Host calls me what he does, and explain it's the Good old British Sense of Humour"

GKCfan 09 Dec 10 at 12:06 a.m. GMT

Correct!  It's an early scene where Miss Marple talks to Mr. Stringer about the hung jury, and as they talk the play is rehearsed, and the vicar is "stabbed" with a prop trick knife.

GKCfan 09 Dec 10 at 12:06 a.m. GMT

Correct!  It's an early scene where Miss Marple talks to Mr. Stringer about the hung jury, and as they talk the play is rehearsed, and the vicar is "stabbed" with a prop trick knife.

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Dec 10 at 3:41 p.m. GMT

Is it Murder Most Fowl where Margaret Rutherforde plays Miss Marple in a Film based on the Poirot book Mrs McGinty's Dead?

GKCfan 07 Dec 10 at 9:32 p.m. GMT

No to all guesses, sorry.  Here's a hint: The adaptation is in black and white.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Dec 10 at 3:46 p.m. GMT

Ordeal By Innocence

Nofret 02 Dec 10 at 10:24 a.m. GMT

It's a while since I watched it, but could it be from Hickory Dickory Dock? Sounds like the sort of silly joke that Nigel Chapman might play!

Come on everyone, join in our jolly games, it's helping to take my mind off the awful weather and the fact that I'm snowed in here!

MissQuin 16 Nov 10 at 4:13 p.m. GMT

Can we have another scene clue please?

biggles_aristide 09 Nov 10 at 2:26 a.m. GMT

Sorry that was a stupid answer, I hadn't read the whole hint.

biggles_aristide 08 Nov 10 at 7:43 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it the scene from three act tragedy where Poirot gets Cartwright to fake his death?

ivi21 08 Nov 10 at 7:10 p.m. GMT

That sounds strange, I probably didn't see it.

GKCfan 02 Nov 10 at 3:52 a.m. GMT

Two people worry about a miscarriage of justice.  A man screams, and it looks like he has been murdered, but everyone is pleased, especially the "victim."

MissQuin 01 Nov 10 at 4:07 p.m. GMT

GKC is correct!! I'm sorry it was too easy

Your turn GKC

GKCfan 31 Oct 10 at 8:54 p.m. GMT

I think it's the opening "movie" from the Angela Lansbury version of The Mirror Crack'd. 

NightRayDuck 31 Oct 10 at 8:10 p.m. GMT

Umm... could this black and white scene with a woman and pearls possibly be some scene from an old black and white movie that is being viewed by the characters in the adaptation? Just a thought...

Mr_Graves 31 Oct 10 at 7:55 p.m. GMT

How curious! Now, where would there be a black and white scene within a colour production? Perhaps it is "Death on the Nile", and the woman is Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle, played by Emily Blunt?

MissQuin 31 Oct 10 at 7:49 p.m. GMT

Good guess but no. I forgot there was two adapts with pearls! This scene is in black and white, though the rest of the feature isn't.

christie_greece 31 Oct 10 at 1:09 p.m. GMT

Could this woman be Letitia Blacklock from A murder is announced?

MissQuin 31 Oct 10 at 10:26 a.m. GMT

The Pale Horse was v good, but there was only the one bit that wasn't needed. Pocket Full of Rye I thought was good, but then again I missed the start!!

I woman sits looking tense and nervous. She fiddles restlessly with her pearls.

Mr_Graves 31 Oct 10 at 3:57 a.m. GMT

I personally agree with you, Miss Quin. All of the recent adaptations seem to be a bit.. synthetic. I mean fair's fair, they aren't costume dramas, but if you're going to set a movie in another period, at least make an effort to make it genuine, rather than altering dialogue and even plot to relate to the contemporary market. It seriously detracts from the thrill of the book- that you are reading another time as it is happening. Can't wait to hear your clue!

MissQuin 30 Oct 10 at 11:08 a.m. GMT

I wasn't paying attention during that scene. I think that little quote sums up why alot of people felt the adapts had been dumbed down. Although I like some of the McEwan adapts, but hey, that's another topic altogether.

Right! I'll have to think up a scene then.

Mr_Graves 30 Oct 10 at 10:46 a.m. GMT

Yes, I think I will give it to you, Miss Quin. It was 4.50 from Paddington.

I was talking about the scene with the Ballet Maritska, when Celia Imrie was Madame Joilet. She was the person specking French, demonstrating Olga's dancing. The piano music is Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", and the course joke was when Celia Imrie says to a male ballet dancer "Watch out, or I'll crack your nuts!"

MissQuin 30 Oct 10 at 10:20 a.m. GMT

I can't remember all that! I certainly don't know the music. Lucy Eyesbarrow ( Amanda thing) is singing, Noel Coward is playing piano. Miss Marple (McEwan) is seen (mistakenly) as a doddery old dear. Isn't that enough detail?!

The adapt was for me very bland and I don't remember so well.

Mr_Graves 27 Oct 10 at 10:35 a.m. GMT

It is indeed from 4.50 from Paddington, the 2004 adaptation... But to which scene am I referring? What was demonstrated correctly? What music is being played? What was the coarse joke being made? Who was speaking French? 

MissQuin 27 Oct 10 at 9:38 a.m. GMT

When you say I'm close it's in 4.50 From Paddinton?

I didn't know much about Noel Coward til I watched blithe Spirit, then decided to look him up. He did have a very risque' sense of humour, so probably so.

Then in Bertrams hotel there's a band and I think Louis Armstrong was there. Piano scene in that one too. They did feel the need to add celebrities of te era, for some reason or other.

Mr_Graves 26 Oct 10 at 8:48 p.m. GMT

It is not the scene with Noel Coward. Speaking of that scene, though, I think he may have been about to tell a coarse joke. Something about the Sultan's wife...

You are very close, Miss Quin.

MissQuin 26 Oct 10 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

There's a scene in Marple where Noel Coward (played by an actor) is playing the piano. It's in 4.50 From Paddington.

Mr_Graves 25 Oct 10 at 8:54 p.m. GMT

Very well... This is an adaptation of a Marple story. The music is being played on the piano, and the French is spoken by a woman. 

MissQuin 22 Oct 10 at 9:03 a.m. GMT

MMM. I think I would like a hint please.

Mr_Graves 22 Oct 10 at 2:01 a.m. GMT

Does anybody want a hint?

Mr_Graves 21 Oct 10 at 4:25 a.m. GMT

Hooray! This is the first time I have ever guessed one of the guessing games correctly... Here's my scene...

Something done wrong is demonstrated correctly. There is music in this scene. A coarse joke is made, and French is spoken.

I hope this isn't too easy for you to guess, fans! Good luck.

GKCfan 21 Oct 10 at 3:45 a.m. GMT

Yes!  Correct!  Well done!

Mr_Graves 20 Oct 10 at 8:33 p.m. GMT

Was it the 2008 adaptation of "Cat Among the Pigeons"? i think it might be, because the mother and daughter would be Jennifer Sutciffe and her mother, Joan. Julia Upjohn had hoped to be given some rubies for her work on the case, but Poirot ends up giving her gobstoppers instead. So her hope is turned to disappointment. Then she finds a ruby in the bag, (an emerald in the book) and there is Euphoria!!! I can't believe I did not think of this before- how clumsy!

GKCfan 20 Oct 10 at 5:42 p.m. GMT

No, it's a Poirot (with David Suchet) released less than five years ago.

MissQuin 20 Oct 10 at 1:28 p.m. GMT

It could be Marple?

I know there was a teenage girl Lettice and her mother in Murder At The Vicarage. But I don't remember the food or gift.

GKCfan 19 Oct 10 at 5:34 p.m. GMT

No, the adaptation is a recent British production.  It is the closing scene of an adaptation. 

I didn't know this would be so hard... The daughter is a teenager.  That should narrow it down a lot.

Tommy_A_Jones 19 Oct 10 at 2:40 p.m. GMT

Is the fact you mention Candy a Clue? What I mean is, Is it a Prduction with Americans?

MissQuin 19 Oct 10 at 1:32 p.m. GMT

I must say I'm quite baffled! I can't think of anything at all. Is there another scene we can guess?

GKCfan 19 Oct 10 at 4 a.m. GMT

Yes, the candy is a popular form of sweets, served in a paper bag.

NightRayDuck 18 Oct 10 at 6:31 p.m. GMT

I think candy is sweets, indeed...

I wonder what the gift is, though, and whether it's still in a box or wrapper or such.

MissQuin 18 Oct 10 at 2 p.m. GMT

Candy is sweets? Sorry I'm a Brit and we don't say candy. I did wonder if it was a ustinov?

GKCfan 16 Oct 10 at 9:57 p.m. GMT

The family members are a mother and a daughter.  The food is candy.  The color change is from green (in the book) to red (in the film).

MissQuin 16 Oct 10 at 8:39 a.m. GMT

I'm rather stuck, can I have another clue?

GKCfan 12 Oct 10 at 2:42 a.m. GMT

First there is hope, then disappointment, then euphoria.  Two family members are standing close to each other.   This scene involves food.   It also includes a gift that is the exact opposite color on the color wheel in the film than it is in the book.

NightRayDuck 11 Oct 10 at 7:32 a.m. GMT

Hi GKCfan, that's the perfect answer! Well done! Over to you for the next one. 

GKCfan 11 Oct 10 at 4:18 a.m. GMT

The identification of the killer in "Yellow Iris?"

NightRayDuck 11 Oct 10 at 2:27 a.m. GMT

Sorry, it's not The Million Dollar Bond Robbery.

fiona_m 09 Oct 10 at 7:19 p.m. GMT

Is it The Million Dollar Bond Robbery? I seem to remember a scene in that adapt where Ridgeway is on the ship, playing cards with other men in dinner suits, looking very troubled. That's the only one that's springing to my mind right now!

NightRayDuck 09 Oct 10 at 3:33 p.m. GMT

Would anybody like a hint? I do happen to remember more than one moment of this adapt, if anyone wants to know what goes on in an earlier scene or later scene. 

NightRayDuck 07 Oct 10 at 6:02 a.m. GMT

I did just think of an adapt... here it goes.

Several middle-aged men, wearing crisp white shirts and nice shiny black jackets, sit around in a room that looks slightly too drab and too small for their dining attire. The men also look nervous or uneasy. There is a younger man sitting with them; this young man looks upset. And there is a young woman in a maid / waitress type of outfit; she quietly and unobtrusively goes about her waitress type of work.

MissQuin- thanks very much for the comments on Partners in Crime episodes. I think I'll get the book first (No, I still don't remember anything from it if I've ever read it. Yes, it's still on my reading list). Also, I seemed to count 16 or 17 short stories in the Partners in Crime book? Yet, within all the DVD sets that I can find right now, I only see a total of 11 stories. I don't know what might be missing, but I figure if I watch the series with some missing episodes, before I read the book, I might get confused.

MissQuin 06 Oct 10 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

who wants to chose an adapt for use to guess?

I will warn you darknight, Partners In Crime is NOT everyone's cup of tea! To use an English phrase. But it's one of those adapts people love or hate. If you like them light hearted and at times comical, then great. There's lot's of high spirited japes, jazz and melodramatics. Ive taken to the series, because it's pure escapim. It makes me laugh and I love the costumes. Particuarlly the masked ball episode.

On the other hand, I guess some people find them too frivolous.

NightRayDuck 05 Oct 10 at 7:10 p.m. GMT

I am still stuck in the States with few Christie adapts on air... the local bookstore is having a sale of DVDs of mystery series, I wonder if I should snatch a box of Partners in Crime? hmm.

MissQuin 04 Oct 10 at 1:24 p.m. GMT

Now who wants to go next?

BTW I recorded the Partners In Crime episode off ITV3 a fun, froliking series. Anyway, hope you feel better soon Jill.

Puffinjill 04 Oct 10 at 1:10 p.m. GMT

I'm amazed I was right as it was a complete guess!! It must be well over 20 years since I've seen those episodes. Blimey, I'm getting on.....

Anyway, would one of you darling AC fans out there please help me out and set the next puzzle? I'm not feeling my best at the moment and can't think of a new one. Bless you!!!!!

ivi21 01 Oct 10 at 5:58 p.m. GMT

So now I know why I couldn´t remember. I haven´t seen Tommy and Tuppence series :-)

MissQuin 01 Oct 10 at 10:18 a.m. GMT

YAY!! Your correct! It was Tommy and Tuppence in Finessing The King. Having an interest in Commedia dell'Arte made me notice Pierrot and later a man dressed Harlequin turned up with Columbine.

Your turn Jill!

Puffinjill 01 Oct 10 at 6:06 a.m. GMT

It's not from the Partner's In Crime series, is it? I haven't seen them in years so I can't remember them well but the story Finessing The King features a fancy dress party and maybe one of the guests has on Pierrot garb.

MissQuin 28 Sep 10 at 1:37 p.m. GMT

Good try, but no. Clue

This episode is an hour long, including time for adverts.

ivi21 27 Sep 10 at 7 p.m. GMT

Could it be Lord Edgvware Dies? I did´t remember this one very well, I´m just guessing. But Jane Wilkinson was an actress, so someone could appeared dressed in the costume.

ivi21 27 Sep 10 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

It sound familiar, but I can't remember.

MissQuin 27 Sep 10 at 2:06 p.m. GMT

It's not Affair At The Victory Ball. Plus Mr Quin hasn't been adapted in recent years, (WHY NOT??!!) so it's not that. The person dressed as Pierrot was only in the background, but costumes play a part in this adaptation.

In another scene we see people sitting around a table, drinking from tea cups.

NightRayDuck 26 Sep 10 at 6:18 p.m. GMT

My head's been swimming in this topic. Harlequinade characters that Christie used most often - Pierrot, Harlequin, Columbine... People in "The Affair at the Victory Ball" dressed up that way for the ball. People in the Mr. Quin short story "Harlequin's Lane" put up a play adapting the Harlequinade. But I have a horrible feeling that there's another Harlequinade event in Christie canon or another "classic mystery", one that I can't remember... O.o

ivi21 26 Sep 10 at 1:35 p.m. GMT

I thought it would be too easy.

MissQuin 26 Sep 10 at 11:07 a.m. GMT

Yes, Chris did dress as Pierrot,. But this is another person and another adaptation!

ivi21 26 Sep 10 at 9:59 a.m. GMT

The Affair at the Victory Ball? Christopher Davidson had the costume of Pierrot.

MissQuin 26 Sep 10 at 9:52 a.m. GMT

Ok, here goes, hope this is tough enough..

We see someone dressed as Pierrot who goes upstairs, then holds hands with a woman in fancy dress.

ivi21 26 Sep 10 at 9:45 a.m. GMT

Exactly, MissQuin! That was quick. I will find something more difficult next time .

It's time for you now.

MissQuin 26 Sep 10 at 9:02 a.m. GMT

Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb! The young man is wearing white gloves indoors.

ivi21 25 Sep 10 at 6:43 p.m. GMT

Try this:

Hasting is going up the stairs. He knocks at the door and a young man open it. He looks nervous and distressed and wears something uncommon.

You know it´s Poirot´s story, so good luck.

NightRayDuck 24 Sep 10 at 4:11 p.m. GMT

congrats christie and ivi21! between you, you have listed the details of the adaptation: "Nemesis" with Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple. any of you with a good description of an adaptation in mind, please go right ahead and set the next puzzle!

also, thanks Tommy for the comment. wasn't it curious the way that the murder(s) did not occur on the bus, and yet the characters were most often nervous while on the bus? :p

Tommy_A_Jones 24 Sep 10 at 3:14 p.m. GMT

Like someone said it was more like Murder On he Bus.

ivi21 24 Sep 10 at 9:07 a.m. GMT

The ITV version with Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple? So much things were changed. I don´t understand why they did it.

NightRayDuck 24 Sep 10 at 3:35 a.m. GMT

hi Heisei, good to see you're ok!  for me, too, there's been server error in the last few days, otherwise I might have stolen the puzzle spot even earlier. :p

hint on this particular puzzle: this adaptation was one of those that might be regarded as "atrocious" or "disastrous" by Christie fans who are devoted to the canonical storyline and details. as far as I can recall, this adaptation had a storyline (that people got together thusly and went around to such and such places~~) quite similar to the original story, but several names and most character backgrounds were changed. if you feel a story is a likely answer, please go ahead and guess which version / series the adaptation might have been, for example if you can name the actor or actress for the famous sleuth. 

HeiseiHolmes 23 Sep 10 at 1:53 p.m. GMT

Ack, I'm sorry... I haven't been able to log in lately! I thought of a good question, but if there's one on the go I'll save it till later.

I can't really think of what adaptation that is, gah!

christie_greece 23 Sep 10 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

The first adaptation I thought was Memesis. But it can't be so easy...

NightRayDuck 23 Sep 10 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

I'll take it up...

A young woman in a tour guide uniform draws herself up and speaks sternly as she stands in a tour bus, which is driving to some place. The "tourists" on the bus, among whom are a thin young man who looks anxious and defiant, and an elderly lady with a serious manner, now all appear alarmed by the announcement of the tour guide.

christie_greece 23 Sep 10 at 10:01 a.m. GMT

Heisei hasn't show up lately. I hope everything's ok. Does anybody want to go next?

christie_greece 12 Sep 10 at 8:40 a.m. GMT

ok, Heisei is your turn.

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 10 at 4:39 p.m. GMT

Heisei should go next.

christie_greece 11 Sep 10 at 3:11 p.m. GMT

Yes, Margaret Tyzack plays Clotilde! However, I meant the actress that plays Miss Marple. Anyway, Joan Hickson is the answer. So who sould be next???

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 10 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

Margaret Tyzack

christie_greece 10 Sep 10 at 2:21 p.m. GMT

Yes, it's Nemesis!!! Congratulations!!!! Can you name the actress??? That's the game...You go next anyway.

HeiseiHolmes 10 Sep 10 at 1:44 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it one of the "Nemesis" adaptations? Where Clotilde is taking poison?

christie_greece 10 Sep 10 at 1:35 p.m. GMT

No, it's not Sad Cypress..

hint 2: It's based on a Marple book.

ivi21 10 Sep 10 at 10:54 a.m. GMT

What about Sad Cypress? When Mary Gerard drinks tea with Elinor Carlisle and then she's found dead lying on the sofa.

christie_greece 10 Sep 10 at 9:53 a.m. GMT

I'm afraid it's not from Wasp's Nest.

hint: A woman drinks from it, and then she goes to sleep.

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 5:13 p.m. GMT

Wasps' Nest? At the end John Harrison wants to commit suicide by drinking the poisoned tea but Poirot changes the poison. 

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 5 p.m. GMT

Ok. We can see a beutifull china cup with roses (or cloves) that contains poisoned tea. Someone drinks from it, aware that there is poison in it.

Good luck!!!!

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:51 p.m. GMT

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'm exausted...but happy!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow..

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 4:45 p.m. GMT

Yes!! Congratulation! Finally you get it! Itś also called The Theft of the Royal Ruby and the scene is after Christmas dinner when  Poirot shows how to serve the mango. By the way I try it on my own, and itś really good way.

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:35 p.m. GMT

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding?

sorry if I'm annoying but I want to find it...

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 4:30 p.m. GMT

No. But Poirot investigates theft.

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:27 p.m. GMT

The Incredible Theft???

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 4:21 p.m. GMT

Sorry, none of it. Try another cule: there wasn't Haistings in that part.

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 4:16 p.m. GMT

The Adventure of the Cheap Flat,The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge,The Case of the Missing Will.

That's all I can think of....

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

Suchet is right, the title not. But you are close, the plot in the story  is similar.

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 3:50 p.m. GMT

Is it from The Adventure of the Weastern Star? Suchet as Poirot.

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 3:05 p.m. GMT

Poirot

christie_greece 09 Sep 10 at 11:06 a.m. GMT

Is it Poirot or Marple???

ivi21 09 Sep 10 at 9:06 a.m. GMT

Mine is also too easy, but I really like this scene, so:

You can see a right way how to serve a mango.

MissQuin 08 Sep 10 at 8:59 p.m. GMT

Ivi21 Correct! Yes the water from the overfilled bath dripped out of the ceiling out of the cherubs... ahem! Rather naughty!

Sorry, it was too easy. Your turn.

ivi21 08 Sep 10 at 6:26 p.m. GMT

Maybe At Bertram's Hotel with G. McEwan ? There was a scene when the water dropped from the beautiful painted ceiling.

MissQuin 08 Sep 10 at 4:57 p.m. GMT

I'll set one that's not too hard.

We see a very ornate celling (possibily Baroque)  decorated with cherubs.

If anyone wants more clues, just ask.

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Sep 10 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

Someone else can have a go, I am not too hot in setting things, I am better at Guessing.

christie_greece 08 Sep 10 at 10:26 a.m. GMT

Oh, I haven't seen it. The title makes me curious...

NightRayDuck 07 Sep 10 at 11:52 p.m. GMT

Tommy is correct! Yep, I am afraid that's all I can remember from the David Suchet episode of "How Does Your Garden Grow". Your turn. 

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 10 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

How Does Your Garden Grow?

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 10 at 9:38 p.m. GMT

christie and Tommy- both answers are close, but not correct. It is a Suchet adaptation, indeed. If you could take a few minutes to look up episode lists within DVD sets, this episode is in the same set as one of the stories you have mentioned. Hope that helps. 

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Sep 10 at 4:53 p.m. GMT

Is it the short story Wasps Nest

christie_greece 06 Sep 10 at 11 a.m. GMT

Is it Peril at End House with David Suchet???

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 10 at 7:30 a.m. GMT

ah.. it's been years since I watched the adaptation that I am going to put up. I remember the particular scene in a few details, but I am afraid I won't be able to give any other hints pertaining to the specific adaptation rather than the original story.

A foppish, well-dressed man of middle age pauses at a small garden gate. His egg-shaped head tilts a little while he stares down at the plantings near the garden fence. This is in daylight, and his mustache is superb, as usual.

Pongo 06 Sep 10 at 5:01 a.m. GMT

You are correct, darknightofrays!  The answer is "Murder on the Orient Express" with Albert Finney from 1974. 

Mrs. Hubbard (played by Lauren Bacall) comes to Poirot's table, at which time Poirot replies that he would like to be alone.

During the denouement, Poirot takes a moment to quench his thirst with a glass of water.

Your turn, darknightofrays!!!!

NightRayDuck 06 Sep 10 at 4:39 a.m. GMT

I would randomly guess that it was an adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express". That's the only story I can think of where Poirot might want an American woman to leave him alone. Of course, I might be quite wrong and this scene might have taken place at the end of a story, where Poirot perhaps beneficently explains to a puzzled American woman the whys and wherefores of someone else who had wanted to be left alone. Oh well..

Pongo 06 Sep 10 at 12:48 a.m. GMT

OK!  Then, shall I give another question? 

MissQuin 04 Sep 10 at 4:27 p.m. GMT

Ok, so I'm out the game. Ive not seen any non Suchet Poirots. If Nofret was here (on hols) she'd have it one guess I think!

Pongo 04 Sep 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

It is NOT a Suchet adaptation.  

MissQuin 04 Sep 10 at 11:24 a.m. GMT

Is it a Suchet adapt?

Pongo 03 Sep 10 at 4:58 p.m. GMT

OK!  Three hints:

In the scene where Poirot quotes Greta Garbo, he says something like "Some of us in the words of the divine Greta Garbo want to be alone".  When he says this, his back is to the camera, and he is speaking with an American woman.  

In another scene from the same adaptation, Poirot drinks from a glass of water in one long gulp.  

Final clue, in yet another part of this same adaptation, Poirot quotes a line from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

MissQuin 03 Sep 10 at 4:47 p.m. GMT

Can i have another please, I'm so stuck!

Pongo 03 Sep 10 at 2:51 p.m. GMT

Good guess, but the answer is not PERIL AT END HOUSE.

MissQuin 03 Sep 10 at 11:02 a.m. GMT

I don't known my Garbo stuff and thought it was Camille! I just checked and your completely right and It's Grand Hotel. You know your old movie trivia, which is great.

I don't eat crisps, but yes Walkers are still around. Kinder eggs too, Although I don't eat those either! Buy me a box for Thorntons though, then I'll love you forever!

Is it Peril At End House, when he's (SPOILERS!!!) pretending to be sad over Nick's "death"?

Pongo 03 Sep 10 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

And let me credit Bundle for the genesis of this thread  Well done Bundle!  Thank you very much!!!!!

Pongo 03 Sep 10 at 10:52 a.m. GMT

MissQuin,

Wow!  Polo mints!  It's been ages since I had one.  Are Walkers Crisps still around?  Or those Kinder Chocolate eggs with the little toys inside?

To answer your question, Poirot refers to the Garbo line from Grand Hotel (it is Grand Hotel, right?) where she says "I want to be alone". 

That is all I will say for now....

MissQuin 03 Sep 10 at 10:49 a.m. GMT

Thank you Pongo, although this game was Bundle's idea. I would like to sit back and enjoy adapts, but sometimes my brain gets in the way!

There's also the infamous polo mint scene in Pricking Of My Thumbs!! I don't think they'd been invented!

Did Poiro say "I want to left alone"? Or simular? Although I can't think which one. Is it a Suchet Poirot?

Pongo 03 Sep 10 at 2:04 a.m. GMT

christie greece, thank you! 

By the way, I love Joan Hickson's episodes and have watched most of them bunches of times.  However, I don't know anything about the new Marple series as I do not at all watch those episodes  

And, to MISSQUIN, the original poster, my knowledge of Christie adaptations is nowhere near as good as yours to be able to spot certain mistakes!  I am so impressed!!! 

Anyway, here is my question:

In one scene, Poirot quotes Greta Garbo.  Name the adaptation. 

christie_greece 02 Sep 10 at 9:34 a.m. GMT

Oh, I thought it was quite difficult but Pongo found it!!!!Well done Pongo!!!!

Your turn!!!!!

Pongo 02 Sep 10 at 1:21 a.m. GMT

Is the answer 4:50 to Paddington, the Joan Hickson version?  If I recall, that scene is where the lawyer is tying his tie in his office while explaning in detail what a tontine is. 

Is that correct?

christie_greece 01 Sep 10 at 3:27 p.m. GMT

I'm afraid not...

A hint: the man is preparing to go to a big house (the house were the body was found)

MissQuin 31 Aug 10 at 3:40 p.m. GMT

The rules are whoever guess right goes next.

Hmm, could it be after the funeral??

christie_greece 31 Aug 10 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

Can I go next??? I'm not sure if I have totally understand the game but I'll try. If I'm doing something wrong, please, correct me.

ok. There is a scene where a lawyer is looking at himself in a mirror, tying his bow tie (or tie, I can't rememder) and he is answering to someone behind him.

MissQuin 30 Aug 10 at 4:13 p.m. GMT

christie_greece

In fact I haven't seen that adaptation but I've read almost every Miss Marple so..... Is it from sleeping murder???Doctor's sister send that letter (or that's what they thought). She was considered dead and this letter proved the opposite.

Yes correct! It's Sleeping murder. It's the McEwand versio nwhich is rather a loose version of the origanl. Jackie Afleck? had a drugs problem. There also that mistake with the stamp on the letter!

christie_greece 30 Aug 10 at 3:56 p.m. GMT

If I'm not mistaken, Miss Marple was played by either Joan Hickson, or Geraldine McEwan.

christie_greece 30 Aug 10 at 3:52 p.m. GMT

In fact I haven't seen that adaptation but I've read almost every Miss Marple so..... Is it from sleeping murder???Doctor's sister send that letter (or that's what they thought). She was considered dead and this letter proved the opposite.

MissQuin 28 Aug 10 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

This must be very difficult if you haven't seen the adapt. Well it's not 4.50 from Paddington, Ive just realised there's more than one forged letter plot.

clue: There's a doctor in this one as well.

NightRayDuck 27 Aug 10 at 8:14 p.m. GMT

I think I have seen too few Marple adapts that adhered to the original stories! I am going to take a shot in the dark.

Letter allegedly from the French ballerina Anna Stravinska, saying that she's having a good time vacationing around the world with her new male friend, while in reality she has been murdered by her estranged English husband Dr. Quimper, in 4.50 from Paddington?

If so, I'd feel really, really curious about which character the drugs plot had been added onto. :p

MissQuin 26 Aug 10 at 10:22 a.m. GMT

Sorry I missed your reply. Well, I'm struggling to remember the adapt , I wasn't paying complete attention.

I think the letters were shown to Miss Marple. The letter made believe that a person was alive, when really they weren't.

There, quite a big hint!

NightRayDuck 22 Aug 10 at 8:40 p.m. GMT

I haven't finished re-reading all original Marple stories yet, so I don't have any idea about drugs plot in adapt but not in original story, either. 

Allow me to request a hint for everybody: you have mentioned that "We see a letter with a Queen Elizabeth stamp on it." What else would we have seen at this particular moment of this adapt? Was the letter in someone's hand? or sitting on a table or desk? or on top of a heap of letters and papers? or??

Thank you. 

MissQuin 19 Aug 10 at 9:23 a.m. GMT

Ok, here's another clue: There was a drugs plot added that wasn't in the original story.

If you need help knowing which Miss Marple's have been adapted just look at the list.

http://www.agathachristie.com/about-christie/christie-on-screen/marple-on-screen/

NightRayDuck 19 Aug 10 at 12:59 a.m. GMT

Not to worry. Whether 20 years previously was exact or not, was not a problem with me since I'd been quite bad at the chronology in Miss Marple's world, in any case. 

The short story "Strange Jest" also has a letter seemingly posted long, long ago.. also no idea which adapt it could have been.

The stage play "Spider's Web" also featured some envelope and stamp. I don't know if any adaptation brought in Miss Marple, but that appears to be the impression that some fan sites and "compendium / companion" book writers have got.

(Wandering on to the topics of Marple short stories, and Christie stage plays that didn't originally feature Miss Marple. You can tell I haven't caught up with all of the Marple novels yet.) 

MissQuin 18 Aug 10 at 8:55 p.m. GMT

Yes Miss Marple is in it, but it's not Murder is Announced. It's about 20 years previously, that's not an extact date.

NightRayDuck 18 Aug 10 at 7:44 p.m. GMT

My guessing based on "letter posted 20 yrs previously" is Sonia Goedler's letter to either Belle Goedler or Letitia Blacklock, in "A Murder is Announced". no idea which adaptation.

MissQuin 18 Aug 10 at 9:26 a.m. GMT

It wasn't JH Body In The Libary.

Clue: The book does contain a letter too.

InspectorGrant 18 Aug 10 at 8:57 a.m. GMT

Well spotted, MissQuin!  I have never noticed this and will be interested to find out in which episode it occurs.  I am going to take a stab at it and guess that it is 'The Murder at the Vicarage' .  Incidentally, talking of goofs and things, in the Joan Hickson version of this story she is selling flags for the Vicarage Appeal and they are ones which you just peel off and stick on, not the way it was, when they actually used a pin.

Enjoyed your potted guide to the McEwan and Mckenzie Marples - I am inclined to go to sleep during all of these (including 'Sleeping Murder' darknightofrays, which is appropriate) , so haven't seen a few of them, but quite enjoyed The Body in the Library (except for the changes) and also The Murder at the Vicarage.  The guest casts in these were excellent.

MissQuin 17 Aug 10 at 4:31 p.m. GMT

Ok, Ive thought of a scene, it's probably quite easy. It's actually a mistake!

We see a letter with a Queen Elizabeth stamp on it. The letter must have been posted about 20 years previously meaning 1930's!!!

NightRayDuck 16 Aug 10 at 6:02 p.m. GMT

I am currently in the US west coast. I can try finding the adapts on the channels here that make a habit of importing UK tv shows.

I remember my father very much liked watching David Suchet as Poirot when one of the channels here in the US was having it on every weekend night! My father hasn't read any Christie works, but had read through all Sherlock Holmes short stories when he was a kid, so he didn't mind if and when any adapt didn't follow the original Christie writing, he simply enjoyed watching the rather foppish Poirot, who's very much a contrast to Holmes. :)

MissQuin 16 Aug 10 at 10:08 a.m. GMT

 The fact that Ive seen all these makes me look very sad! My excuse is that.. um.. I don't know! Well I can discuss them here, that might be the only good that cam of watching them. I couldn't wacth Sitaford to the end, it was too awful. I mean everythnig was bad. Even the acting seemed dodgy, yet there was good actors in it.

During Sleeping Murder I belive I was tidying my file folder at the same time. That's how gripped I was! Ditto Bertrams, thumbs. I  watched the start then pottered off.

Sparkling Cynadide adpt is pretty odd in places. Ok, so it's modern day and they changed stuff. But making a pair of grandparents secret agents was quite odd!!

What country are you from Darknight? We have Poirot and marple on everyday in the UK< so theres lot's of oppunities to see the adapts.

NightRayDuck 15 Aug 10 at 8:34 p.m. GMT

 Thanks Miss Q for the lighthearted guide to the adapts! I guess I should try to find the McEwan Body in the Library some time and tune in to it. I did see the McEwan "Murder Is Announced" when I was rather younger, and since it was truer to the book, I could swallow the story and I rather became a fan of McEwan's Marple in the favorite aunt aspect of the elderly spinster. ;)

I enjoyed the McEwan "Nemesis". As an adaptation of Christie work it was bad, I agree! But it's bad as in, it's presented in a consistent way that it couldn't possibly have been Christie's own writing. It was like watching a fan-fiction of "what would it be if Mr. Rafiel tried to get Miss Marple to do a Mission: Impossible? and we present the result in a style and pacing rather like Monty Python?"

I tried watching the McEwan "Sleeping Murder', but lost track of all the circus-performer characters when I got half an hour through the episode. I guess I am lucky for not having tried to watch all of the adaptations.. :p

MissQuin 15 Aug 10 at 7:55 p.m. GMT

Way! I'll try and think of a scene from an adapt soon.

darknight, you pretty much summed up my feelings towards Ordeal, becuase it started off v well ,then sank down. I think when Miss Marple appeared, the plot started to fray. All the actors (apart from the ones playing mickey and Tina) were really good. The story and plot's a good one too, so i don't know where it went wrong.

I peronally think the best Mc Ewan adapts are I think Body in the library (if you can get over the murder being changed!). Murder Is Announced, The moving Finger is good. Those are rather truer to the books and have less cheese!

Miss Quin's lighthearted guide to the Mc Ewans and McKenzie summed up in on sentence or word!!

4.50 from paddington- is rather bland with some bad acting!

Pricking of my thumbs- boring

The Sitaford Mystery the WORST EVER!

Sleeping Murder- not that great. Has none of depth the book has.

Towards Zero- only saved from blandness for me by Greg Wise!

At Bertram Hotel- Cheesey!

Nemesis- bad but we but it's one you can laugh at for being so bad.

Murder At The Vicarage- Good, bit too frothy apart from the end which is a shock.

Murder Is Easy- Dreadful.

Pocket Full Of Rye- The one one in ages, but not perfect.

They Do It With Mirrors- Boring and annoying.

That's it. ;)

NightRayDuck 15 Aug 10 at 6:07 p.m. GMT

Miss Quin got the right guess! Yes, the scene that I could picture in my mind but couldn't describe very well, was McEwan as Miss Marple, with Dr. Calgary, at the Argyles' residence, in adaptation of "Ordeal by Innocence".

Random discussion: Personally, I quite liked McEwan version of "Nemesis", where almost all of the characters' backgrounds were changed, but the mystery worked out as shown on TV, as it were. Its story was clearer than some adaptations that adhered to the original story but didn't give enough time to show every necessary clue..

Confession: I didn't so much watch McEwan version of "Ordeal by Innocence". I tuned in at the beginning of the episode, got bored and did something else, tuned in some half hour or an hour later, and it was again the heavily furnished yet dimly lit Argyle room. I was amazed..

MissQuin 15 Aug 10 at 10:48 a.m. GMT

Or it might be McEwan Ordeal By Innoence and the unkept man is the doctor.

yes Thumbs is dull, I left the room severa ltimes and was pottering about rather than watch it proprly I hardly remember it. It has a soporific effect!!

InspectorGrant 15 Aug 10 at 8:20 a.m. GMT

Is it Geraldine McEwan in 'By the Pricking of my Thumbs?'  I went to sleep while this was on so I didn't really see it but seem to remember that there was a lot of heavy furniture around.

NightRayDuck 14 Aug 10 at 11:41 p.m. GMT

There may have been similar scenes in several adaptations, but I am afraid the specific one I was thinking about was not from Towards Zero. Let me try to describe it in some more detail.. The man who is speaking is wearing long, heavy coats. His hair is slightly unkempt. It's maybe more to the point to guess which actress was in this atrocious adaptation? Which portrayal of Miss Marple is usually so cheerful and smiling, that it is notable when she is very grim in this adaptation? ;)

MissQuin 14 Aug 10 at 4:54 p.m. GMT

Could be Towards Zero?

NightRayDuck 13 Aug 10 at 6:23 p.m. GMT

Nearly the correct answer, Miss Quin! The small old lady was Miss Marple, yes, looking unusually grim. It's one of the "atrocious adaptations" where Marple appeared in an episode based on a novel/story that did not originally contain her character. Hint: the middle-aged man, who's doing a lot of talking at the moment, was as lively and as clueless as he had been in the original story.

MissQuin 13 Aug 10 at 12:17 p.m. GMT

Is it the Marple Sitaford mystery? I remember there was a sitting room. The small old lady Miss Marple?

NightRayDuck 12 Aug 10 at 5:35 a.m. GMT

OK I could do one..

In a sitting room heavily furnished and lit with tones of brown and brick-red, several people sit around, agog as they listen to two people: one, a middle-aged man looking rather more lively than the people who are listening; another one, a small, elderly lady who, for some reason, is not smiling this time.

Hint: this was an adaptation into a TV episode.

However, please do tell me if it also resembles any adaptation into film or stage play. I would very much like to know. Thanks.

NightRayDuck 11 Aug 10 at 8:06 p.m. GMT

nooo I did not figure out which particular adaptation (film? TV? stage?) this scene was from. yikes.

I have really seen too few adaptations to set anything..

over to anyone who has a better idea than mine?

InspectorGrant 11 Aug 10 at 9:42 a.m. GMT

Well, you are absolutely right, darknightofrays ;)  Lorraine Wade greeted Jimmy Thesiger and Ronnie Devereaux in 'Seven Dials' when they came to tell her that her half brother had been killed.

I have two English Cocker Spaniels myself, so I know that the breed is right. 

Thanks for your post and over to you ...

NightRayDuck 10 Aug 10 at 7:41 p.m. GMT

I think Miss Wade in "The Seven Dials Mystery" did something like that, but I don't remember the dog breeds exactly, and I have seen too few adaptations to give an answer..

..just posting to let you know we're still here, Inspector. :)

InspectorGrant 09 Aug 10 at 12:48 p.m. GMT

Thanks, Nofred - yes, wish they would release this adaptation onto DVD.  It has a magnificent cast.

All right - here's mine:  A girl walks across a lawn with two English Cocker Spaniels on leads - one spaniel is black, the other is a blue roan.  She smiles and greets her guest/s.

Nofret 09 Aug 10 at 8:54 a.m. GMT

Yes, indeed it is, Inspector. Thought this adaptation was a real gem, wish they could repeat it for those who may have missed it first time round?

Nice to see a new player "on the game"! Your turn now.

InspectorGrant 08 Aug 10 at 4:03 p.m. GMT

May I join in?  Is it 'Witness for the Prosecution' with Diana Rigg as Christine Vole and Sir Ralph Richardson as Sir Wilfred Robarts?

Nofret 08 Aug 10 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

She's not blind. The light is reflected sunlight, and the woman then pulls the curtain across.

MissQuin 08 Aug 10 at 1:18 p.m. GMT

That's really odd. I thought PuffinJill had it there. Is the woman blind? I mean if someone shines I light it your eyes, she SHOULD blink. The only book with a bind woman I can think of is The Clocks, but that hasn't been screened yet.

Is it an error on the film makes part?

Nofret 08 Aug 10 at 11:04 a.m. GMT

No, the woman is very much alive!

NightRayDuck 07 Aug 10 at 9:15 p.m. GMT

I am guessing it must have been a scene like "Is she still alive?" but I have no idea which adaptation it could have been from..

Nofret 06 Aug 10 at 10:34 a.m. GMT

How about his one -

A man shines a light into a woman's eye. She does not blink.

GKCfan 05 Aug 10 at 8:17 p.m. GMT

Yes!  You are correct!

Nofret 05 Aug 10 at 1:39 p.m. GMT

Is it A Murder is Announced, when Miss Blacklock apologises to Miss Hinchcliffe for killing Miss Murgatroyd? (Hickson version)

GKCfan 04 Aug 10 at 8:51 a.m. GMT

An apology is not accepted, and a death threat is made.  A policeman leads the person who made the death threat away, but the person who apologizes is arrested.

Nofret 04 Aug 10 at 8:25 a.m. GMT

That's the one, GKCfan! Your turn.

GKCfan 04 Aug 10 at 12:19 a.m. GMT

I remember that in the Ustinov version of Dead Man's Folly, old Merdell the boatman stumbled about singing "There'll always be Folliats at Nasse House" before he collapses near the river and a mysterious hand drags him into the river.

MissQuin 03 Aug 10 at 5:26 p.m. GMT

Is it one of the Rutherfords?

Nofret 03 Aug 10 at 4:44 p.m. GMT

It's not a recent adaptation.

MissQuin 03 Aug 10 at 3:22 p.m. GMT

I'm puzzled by this one. I can't remember but I may have seen it.

What decade was it filmed in?

Nofret 03 Aug 10 at 10:10 a.m. GMT

Here's a quick one -

Elderly idiot does cringemaking song and dance. Later, elderly idiot is murdered!

MissQuin 31 Jul 10 at 2:45 p.m. GMT

Oh dear. I just saw his photo, yes lovely.. but sadly he's now no longer with us. Well his beauty will remain in out hearts and minds, I'm sure.

I'll try think of a scene, but if anyone else want to think of one that'd fine.

MissQuin 31 Jul 10 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

gone to have a look!!

Nofret 31 Jul 10 at 2:39 p.m. GMT

Yes, it was the McEwan 4.50 from Paddington, the scene where Cedric, the arty son, tells his father that at the time of the murder he was sitting the Civil Service exam having been a failure as a painter!

In the Hickson version I thought Cedric was quite hunky!

MissQuin 31 Jul 10 at 1:23 p.m. GMT

4.50 from Paddington? Lucy Eyesbarrow was played (quite poorly) by Amanda Holden. although I actually think Amanda is ok in the comic scenes, as a "serious" actress, she's no good. During the denoucement, she didn't raise an eyebrow. In fact there was alot of weak acting in that episode. It was rather dull, even noel Coward couldn't liven it up!!

Who was this hottie in the JH version then?

Oh I expect it'll be my turn again. I'll have to go peak at some Chrisite scenes

Nofret 31 Jul 10 at 11:26 a.m. GMT

It's blood relatives, MissQ.

Tommy - you've previously said that one of the female characters in this book is one of your favourites. Unfortunately in this adaptation she was played by someone from Britain's got no Talent!

MissQuin 30 Jul 10 at 5 p.m. GMT

You know how to get my interest then Nofret. (grins) Mmm dishy men? Well there's plenty of those.

Two male family members (not brothers), been made into McEwan and Hickson. So it could be

The Body In The Library (Ive never seen that)

A Murder Is Announced (not seen)

Murder At The Vicarage (no dishy men in that!)

4.50 From Paddington (not seen the Hickson version)

Sleeping Murder  (can't think of any)

The Moving Finger (not seen JH)

 Nemesis, can't think of any..

Is it blood relatives, or relatives by marriage?

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Jul 10 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

I didn't understand your referring to me Nofret, I didn't like the Casting of Bess Sedgewick in  the McEwan version.

Nofret 30 Jul 10 at 4:23 p.m. GMT

Well, I wasn't keen on either of the adaptations of Bertrams!

Yes, it is a McEwan Marple! And IMO the younger of the two characters was MUCH dishier in the Hickson version!!!!

MissQuin 30 Jul 10 at 3:16 p.m. GMT

I didn't like Bertams, but there, we'll different. Is it a McEwan Marple?

Nofret 30 Jul 10 at 9:55 a.m. GMT

No, it's not from Bertram's hotel. This adaptation was quite well done, apart from two awful miscastings, one being of a favourite female Christie character (Tommy A Jones!), and the other, of course, being the sleuth!

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Jul 10 at 4:33 p.m. GMT

At Bertram's Hotel

Nofret 27 Jul 10 at 2:47 p.m. GMT

No, it's not an Ustinov either.

MissQuin 27 Jul 10 at 10:55 a.m. GMT

I hope it's not Ustinov? Ive not those.

Nofret 26 Jul 10 at 8:53 a.m. GMT

A very family-oriented book, but no.

Clue - David Suchet does not appear in this adaptation.

MissQuin 25 Jul 10 at 12:38 p.m. GMT

Is it Hercule Poirot's Chritmas? The Lee family.

Nofret 24 Jul 10 at 9:03 p.m. GMT

No, not They do it with Mirrors, and the characters aren't brothers.

MissQuin 24 Jul 10 at 11:36 a.m. GMT

I don't drool, I go dewy eyed. :)  

Is it the brother's in JH They Do it With Mirrors?

Ive not seen that Ordeal By Innoncene. I hat sazaphones, so will stay well clear!!

Nofret 24 Jul 10 at 10:52 a.m. GMT

Stop drooling, MissQ! No,it's not from 5 Little Pigs, but both people are male.

(My worst ever was an atrocious adaptation of Ordeal by Innocence from the mid-eighties!)

MissQuin 24 Jul 10 at 9:45 a.m. GMT

Five Little Pigs? The two brothers. On played by the sexy Toby Stephens!

Ive started a post on Sparkling Cyanide, it was pretty bad. Have a good old moan!!

Nofret 23 Jul 10 at 2:56 p.m. GMT

No, it's not After the Funeral.

MissQuin 23 Jul 10 at 10:23 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Is it After the Funeral? SPOILERS!!!

Because Giles? is disgusted as he knows he was with Susan  (Naughty Susan!)

Nofret 21 Jul 10 at 5:45 p.m. GMT

Quie agree - we should open a new thread on worst ever adaptations! Anyway -

When a person gives their alibi for the time of the murder a relative is disgusted.

MissQuin 21 Jul 10 at 4:02 p.m. GMT

*fanfare* Hurrah! You have if Nofret! It was indeed Sparkling Cynadide.

SPOILERS!! Rosemary fell to the ground, Pauline Collins and Colonel Reece (not Race!!) are in the taxi. Eye candy- some handsome men plus some vacant eyed females sanding around not wearing much. Why? I have no idea!  I wasn't paying any attention by then and had left the room. Victor's name was changed to Mark, Jonathan Firth and the other actor had been in Poirot. Pauline collins was in it and is due to appear in The Pale Horse.

I confess I only watched bits of it for Jonathan. It was very bad.

Nofret 21 Jul 10 at 2:33 p.m. GMT

Was it the terrible 2003 play very loosely based on Sparkling Cyanide starring Pauline Collins? (It completely left out the clever trick with the round table)

MissQuin 20 Jul 10 at 9:03 p.m. GMT

Good guess but no. Yeah, Ive had a good old moan about Murder Is Easy on here.

This mystery adaptation is very loosely based on a book. I found it dreadful.

Clue One of the murderers names were changed.

Nofret 20 Jul 10 at 7:07 p.m. GMT

It wasn't that awful travesty that they called Murder is Easy, was it? Don't think I watched it to the end, it was nothing like that excellent book.

MissQuin 19 Jul 10 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

No, it's not a Marple. Clues so far:

A woman falls to the ground in slow motion

Two of the main characters are seen in a taxi cab discussing the case.

Also this adapt has some eye candy!

This adapt made alot of changes

Two of the actors is this adapt have been in other Chrisite adapts

An actress who appears in this adpt, is due to play a character in a up and coming Christie dramatisation

Nofret 19 Jul 10 at 12:19 p.m. GMT

Just a guess, but is it the McEwan adaptation of Nemesis?

MissQuin 19 Jul 10 at 9:55 a.m. GMT

No guesses?

Another clue: An accrtess who appears in this adpt, is due to play a character in a up and coming Christie dramatisation.

MissQuin 16 Jul 10 at 10:08 a.m. GMT

I thought the adpt of Taken At The flood was dreadful too. But it's not the one I was thinking of.

Clue: Two of the actors is this adapt have been in other Chrisite adapts.

Puffinjill 15 Jul 10 at 8:04 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

It isn't the dreadful adaptation of Taken At The Flood, is it? There were a HUGE amount of changes made in this adaptation and, from what I can remember (I haven't seen it in a while as I find it disappointing), there is a slow motion scene when Gordon Cloades' house is blown up and the (real) Rosaleen was dressed in evening dress before her untimely end.

MissQuin 14 Jul 10 at 8:41 p.m. GMT

Good guess but no. There is nice males (great for me to look at!.) But  there was some women put in it, which I can only vaguely assume was to try and add female eye candy. I just saw them as bimbos!!

Sorry that's not a great answer. But to understand some of the changes to the stories is hard! This adapt made alot of changes. That's another clue for you!

Nofret 14 Jul 10 at 5:18 p.m. GMT

The McEwan Sleeping Murder? It had yummy Paul McGann in it!

MissQuin 12 Jul 10 at 4:40 p.m. GMT

is it too hard?

Well here's more clues:

Two of the main characters are seen in a taxi cab discussing the case.

Also this adapt has some eye candy!

MissQuin 11 Jul 10 at 10:04 a.m. GMT

OOoooh! Which one?

No it's not Triangle at Rhodes.

If anyone wants more clues then just ask.

Nofret 11 Jul 10 at 8:08 a.m. GMT

Sounds like it could be Triangle at Rhodes, though I haven't watched it for a long time as I personally know one of the actors in it and he ia a real b*****d!

MissQuin 10 Jul 10 at 6:28 p.m. GMT

Ok here's one

A woman falls to the ground in slow motion. She's in evening dress.

MissQuin 05 Jul 10 at 5:15 p.m. GMT

Well, in A Carribean Mystery, Adrian Lukis (playing Tim) looks very nice in swimming trunks!! So much so, that even Miss marple leaned out of her deckchair to have a look at him as he went past. Seriously! You can all go and check if you like :)

Well maybe it's just me, I think it's because I love him in Pride and Preducice as the naughty Mr Wickham.

I'm going all coy now.. Styles to curtain, was much inamoured with Giles in JH Sleeping Murder. Although the actor didn't do it for me I'm afraid.

To all the hetrosexual males lurking about, Ok, I'm done now. Said my piece  Shame on Miss Q for turining this into a hot hunks discussion!

ampman 05 Jul 10 at 5:04 p.m. GMT

Are there any other goodlooking men in the Joan Hickson adaptations? Yet again I feel I must remind readers that I am female. Not that there would be anything wrong with it if I wasn't of course!

Puffinjill 05 Jul 10 at 6:45 a.m. GMT

Possibly.........

MissQuin 04 Jul 10 at 12:26 p.m. GMT

Hehheh. I watched that episode this year and compleley forgot about that scene. He wasn't on my hot hunks list I'm afraid. If I picked a scene with some attractive men, would you scuttle to your DVD players etc extra fast?

Puffinjill 04 Jul 10 at 7:28 a.m. GMT

Another dishy young man that has caught your eye, ampman?! yes, having a bit of a wash and brush up DID make a huge difference in his appearance, didn't it. And you are right, the dog looked much better too!!

I shall have to try to think of the next one but if anyone out there has one they want to see if people can guess, then feel free to jump in or you may be waiting a little while for me!!

ampman 03 Jul 10 at 11:04 a.m. GMT

Quite right Puffinjill!   It stuck in my mind because I thought the chap who played Michael Rafiel was quite dishy and scrubbed up very well. As did the dog.

Puffinjill 03 Jul 10 at 7:10 a.m. GMT

Is it the Joan Hickson adaptation of Nemesis? I think it might be Michael Rafiel as I seem to remember he had a dog with him in this episode.

ampman 02 Jul 10 at 5:38 p.m. GMT

They could both do with a good wash.

MissQuin 02 Jul 10 at 3:36 p.m. GMT

From cats, to dogs.. I'm stumped.. Can I have another clue please?

ampman 30 Jun 10 at 8:22 p.m. GMT

Here goes.

A young man enters a railway station with a dog and buys a ticket.

MissQuin 30 Jun 10 at 3:14 p.m. GMT

 Correct. your turn ampman!

ampman 29 Jun 10 at 10:23 p.m. GMT

It must be the Joan Hickson one because they are the only ones I watch.

MissQuin 29 Jun 10 at 3:23 p.m. GMT

amp- yes youv'e got it! it's murder at the vicarage.. But which adaptation?

i_heart_mysteries 28 Jun 10 at 10:25 p.m. GMT

Is it The Moving Finger?

ampman 28 Jun 10 at 4:37 p.m. GMT

Is it Murder at the Vicarage? I seem   to   remember the murderer giving the cat some milk to keep it quiet while they attempted another murder.

MissQuin 28 Jun 10 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

Miss Marple is in it, although not in that scene.

i_heart_mysteries 27 Jun 10 at 5:43 p.m. GMT

It sounds familiar...is it from a Poirot or a Marple?

MissQuin 27 Jun 10 at 12:46 p.m. GMT

Is it too hard?! Ok, this scene is bit strange, but it's so incongruous with the events going on at the time.

MissQuin 24 Jun 10 at 9:27 p.m. GMT

Ive tried to make this hard, as I think you clever folks are up for the challenge!

We see someone put down a saucer of milk for a cat.

GKCfan 20 Jun 10 at 7:36 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

In the book, Mark also lost interest in her because she refused to believe that all those deaths were murders!

MissQuin 20 Jun 10 at 9:44 a.m. GMT

GKCfan

  The man actually had a respectable, moral reason for sleeping in the bathtub, and he slept there deliberately.  That's why the woman complained–  because he acted decently, not because she disapproved.

That's what jogged my memory.  Rather different to Mark in the book, less academic and intellectual, more hands on man of action. But obviously still a gentleman. Or maybe he just didn't like Hermia. But, no none of the scenes with Hermia making passes at hiim were in the book. In fact the reason Mark feelings cooled towards Hermia, is that she was too boring.

I will have to go away and think up whats hopefully a good scene.

GKCfan 19 Jun 10 at 8:49 p.m. GMT

Excellent work!  Yes, it's the 1997 Pale Horse adaptation, and the jacket we've been talking about is made of black leather.

Which clue (or combination of clues) led you to the solution, MissQuin?

MissQuin 19 Jun 10 at 8:43 p.m. GMT

The Pale Horse adapt 1997!! Mark wears a leather jacket. He slept in the bath to escape the amorous advances of that awful grasping woman, played by Hermonie Norris!

GKCfan 19 Jun 10 at 8:07 p.m. GMT

Well, I'm afraid that all guesses and suppositions are wrong.  I don't think that the man was drunk, although he is woozy from an uncomfortable night of sleep.  The man actually had a respectable, moral reason for sleeping in the bathtub, and he slept there deliberately.  That's why the woman complained–  because he acted decently, not because she disapproved.

It is not The Seven Dials Mystery.

The jacket in question is neither a dinner jacket nor a safari jacket (and the man does not have a disease).  It's a very different type of garment, one that doesn't often appear in a Christie story, and in fact, it doesn't appear in the original book, but they added it because it suits the changes that they made to the character.  I was about to say that the jacket isn't really important and that I didn't know why we were talking about it so much, but then I remembered that the jacket becomes a plot point that drags the main character into the action, so it IS important.  It's not a rare or unusual kind of jacket, I wear one all the time, and a lot of my friends do, too.

Nofret 19 Jun 10 at 10:48 a.m. GMT

I'd be bl**dy complaining if my other half came home paralytic and passed out in the bathtub!

I think we're assuming that it's a dinner jacket behind him - though could it be a safari jacket and the poor guy's suffering from malaria or a tropical disease?

MissQuin 19 Jun 10 at 9:14 a.m. GMT

I really don't think Ive never seen this adapt. The person in bath is probably hungover or drunk. Maybe the woman complainig disaproves. I wonder if it could be a film of The Seven Dials Mystery? Because although Ive not read it,  I can imagine some of the characters having a night out on the town. Thenone of them slumping in the bathtub!

GKCfan 19 Jun 10 at 7:07 a.m. GMT

I don't believe that this scene is actually in the book, although some portions of the dialogue are based on lines from the book.

Do you need a hint?  I edited my description before I posted it, because I realized that if I actually described the jacket that was hanging behind him, it could be a major spoiler if you were familiar with the adaptation.  Also, you may want to think about why the woman was complaining.

MissQuin 18 Jun 10 at 12:22 p.m. GMT

I don't think Ive ever seen this one! Is it a scene that isn't actually in the book?

GKCfan 17 Jun 10 at 8:04 p.m. GMT

I've seen a bit of her work, and I can say unequivocally that I am a Liz Smith fan.

Here's the next adaptation:

A man wakes up in a bathtub.  He is fully dressed, although his jacket hangs about a foot behind his head.  A woman prepares two cups of a hot beverage in mismatched mugs, and hands one to him.  She then starts to complain to him.

MissQuin 17 Jun 10 at 2:22 p.m. GMT

spot on GKC. The wonderful Liz Smith played the lady, a familuar face on British TV until a few years ago when she retired from acting.

your turn GKC

GKCfan 17 Jun 10 at 6:36 a.m. GMT

That's from Partners in Crime: "The House of Lurking Death."

MissQuin 16 Jun 10 at 5:56 p.m. GMT

None of those.

hint- The old lady wears a large Crucifix necklace.

cameronjhw 15 Jun 10 at 9:13 p.m. GMT

A Murder is Announced with Geraldine McEwan or Taken at the Flood with David Suchet or Sad Cypress again with Suchet

MissQuin 15 Jun 10 at 5:07 p.m. GMT

Nope, sorry Bundle. Recently it's been just me and Nofret guessing between us!

Bundle_ 15 Jun 10 at 4:39 p.m. GMT

Is it from How Does Your Garden Grow? or pehraps A Pocket Full of Rye (McKenzie)?

MissQuin 15 Jun 10 at 4:34 p.m. GMT

A stern faced woman sits at a kitchen table. She looks disaproving at a young maid. The maid's heavily make upped, and pouting at her refection in her compact. The old lady refers to the maid as a painted harlot!

Nofret 15 Jun 10 at 7:59 a.m. GMT

Spot on, MissQ! Your turn!

MissQuin 13 Jun 10 at 10:37 a.m. GMT

The adapt is Body In The Library with Geraldine McEwan. She played the girl guide who was strangled. That was indeed a very tragice moment and I actually can't bear to watch the strangling scene. Yes, it's fake, but it was just too horrible.

The actress was also in the world war 2 epsidoe of Doctor Who. A strange gas mask creature roamed around after her crying "Mummy"!!!! Very unnerving.

Nofret 13 Jun 10 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

Thank you. I love the Hound of Death stories - so clever of Christie to include this one, but I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it!

Try this one.

A young girl is lured to her death. It's doubly tragic, as the same actress had us in tears in Doctor Who.

MissQuin 12 Jun 10 at 9:32 a.m. GMT

(fanfare) You got it Nofret, indeed the Agatha Chrisite Hour's Mystery Of The Blue Jar. Over to you.

Nofret 12 Jun 10 at 6:41 a.m. GMT

Is it The Mystery of the Blue Jar?

MissQuin 11 Jun 10 at 3:06 p.m. GMT

Close, but not that one. You'll have it soon Nofret!

Nofret 11 Jun 10 at 12:39 p.m. GMT

Quite a few - I've got the feeling that this may be from one of the non-Poirot/Marple short stories broadcast many moons ago so I can hardly remember them - is it from a story from The Hound of Death, I think it was called The Red Signal?

MissQuin 10 Jun 10 at 5:07 p.m. GMT

 No. But your getting so warm...how many Chrisite adapts have you seen Nofret?

Nofret 10 Jun 10 at 4:17 p.m. GMT

Is it the TV adaptation of In a Glass Darkly?

MissQuin 10 Jun 10 at 2:45 p.m. GMT

Good guess IHM and you got it right in the fact the man believes he's going insane. But this man's much youger and  it's not a Poirot story.

i_heart_mysteries 07 Jun 10 at 12:01 a.m. GMT

Hmmmm...would that be the ABC Murderer's? *shiver* Cunt or Cusp or whatever-his-name always freaked me out.

MissQuin 06 Jun 10 at 11:58 a.m. GMT

Ok, here goes

A young man is looking in the mirror. He looks very trouble. We hear his thoughts, a woman's voice screams "MURDER!". He looks fearful.

Guess that adapt!

MissQuin 05 Jun 10 at 12:04 p.m. GMT

Well, I'm planning to watch a Chrisite later, so I can pick a scene out.

MissQuin 02 Jun 10 at 9:33 p.m. GMT

Ive not seen anything recently, so I think to keep the game fresh, anyone whose seen a Chrisite adapt and want to post a scene on here, for us to guess, is welcome to... if not I'll post one myself in a weeks time.

Can't see Poirot downing a fanta orange! LOL

Nofret 02 Jun 10 at 3:14 p.m. GMT

Well done, MissQ! Poirot and Japp trudge through the snow to the local pub, where Poirot asks Japp for a white wine. Japp looks very dubious and says they might have cider - when Poirot sips his drink he is horrified and puts it aside!

Actually, having lived in England for so long I can't believe that Poirot would be so ignorant of the bevvies on offer in a pub!

Over to you now.

MissQuin 28 May 10 at 3:37 p.m. GMT

Hercule Poirot's Christmas?

I wasn't sure about Hickory. I mean I watched it recently, but the only scenes I really remember in detail are the ones with Jonathan Firth!

Nofret 28 May 10 at 3:35 p.m. GMT

Not Hickory Dickory Dock. Hurry up, I'm feeling quite chilly thinking about the weather outside!!!!!

Tommy_A_Jones 27 May 10 at 4:42 p.m. GMT

Yes, I think so, It was either that or another one.

MissQuin 27 May 10 at 4:33 p.m. GMT

Well Japp was in it wasn't he?

Tommy_A_Jones 27 May 10 at 4:21 p.m. GMT

Hickory Dickory Dock?

MissQuin 27 May 10 at 3:55 p.m. GMT

Japp's in quite a few epsiodes, so I will have to guess. Hickory Dickory Dock, that might have the scene.

Nofret 26 May 10 at 5:36 p.m. GMT

You're right about the drinking companion being Japp, but it's not Death in the Clouds, and it's not Mrs Mcginty's Dead. 

MissQuin 26 May 10 at 2:27 p.m. GMT

Lower class than Hastings, well loved character... Japp? Could be Death In The Clouds?

HeiseiHolmes 26 May 10 at 10:14 a.m. GMT

Could it be Mrs McGinty's Dead?

Nofret 25 May 10 at 11:40 a.m. GMT

This was an adaptation of a full-length novel, and Poirot was socialising with someone from a lower social class than Hastings.

MissQuin 24 May 10 at 12:07 p.m. GMT

Hastings? I feel it could be an hour long adapt.

Nofret 23 May 10 at 3:59 p.m. GMT

Not the Plymouth Express. But Poirot was socialising with another well-loved character.

MissQuin 22 May 10 at 9:49 a.m. GMT

Is it The Plymouth Express? I seem to remember a pub scene it it.

Nofret 22 May 10 at 9:39 a.m. GMT

Well, he isn't dining and the drink was not what he had ordered.

MissQuin 21 May 10 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

Can we have a another clue please Nofret? As we see Poirot dining quiet a few times.

Nofret 19 May 10 at 9:01 a.m. GMT

Good guess, HP2, I'd forgotten about the nettle water! But the drink in question is rather more palatable, although not what he ordered.

MissQuin 17 May 10 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

Oh now, I just notcied the word glass! It wasn't a glass of tea, I blame my headache!

It's usually other's grimacing at Poirot's sirrup.

m_hercule_poirot_2 17 May 10 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

Could it be Poirot in Evil Under The Sun (Suchet) when he sips the nettle water?

MissQuin 17 May 10 at 3:41 p.m. GMT

I think the beverage Poirot hates the most is tea (I love tea BTW!). It might be the kitchen scene in Sad Cypress?

Nofret 17 May 10 at 9:11 a.m. GMT

OK, how about this one:

Our favourite Belgian takes a sip from a glass. He grimaces and quickly puts it down.

MissQuin 16 May 10 at 6:05 p.m. GMT

Correct Nofret, your turn!

Nofret 16 May 10 at 11:15 a.m. GMT

Murder She Said (aka 4.50 from Paddington)? Wasn't Joan Hickson in the Rutherford one?

MissQuin 15 May 10 at 10:35 a.m. GMT

No, clue: an acctress in this adapt would appear in a later Chrisite series.

Nofret 14 May 10 at 5:08 p.m. GMT

Murder at the Gallop?

MissQuin 13 May 10 at 3:05 p.m. GMT

Very good Nofret, but which one?

Nofret 13 May 10 at 10:51 a.m. GMT

Sounds like one of the Margaret Rutherford adaptations.

MissQuin 12 May 10 at 3:57 p.m. GMT

I stern looking woman gets on her bicycle, only to find that it's been attached to an angry goat.

I fear it's too easy, but it was funny.

MissQuin 03 May 10 at 10:23 a.m. GMT

I'll go away and watch some Chrisites, then come up with a good scene, hopefully!

Nofret 03 May 10 at 8:14 a.m. GMT

Well done, it was Marc Warren as Meredith reading about the death of Socrates. Such a tragic story, and so well done by the Beeb (apart from wholly unnecessarily making Philip a homosexual, also I think that the young Elsa should have been much more beautiful or charismatic).

Anyway, your turn now.

MissQuin 02 May 10 at 8:13 p.m. GMT

I thought I had it there. I don't watch Enders, so I looked up Melissa Suffield, is that cheating?

Five Little Pigs Marc Warren was the bookish character. I love that episode and Toby Stephen's had me riveted. It is sad.

MissQuin 02 May 10 at 8:11 p.m. GMT

I don't watch Easterenders, so I'm afraid that's of no use! I really thought I had it there with Paul McGann.

Nofret 02 May 10 at 3:01 p.m. GMT

No, it's not the gorgeous Paul McGann. But it is a Poirot story, and you may have noticed a very young Melissa Suffield (Lucy Beale in EastEnders) in it.

MissQuin 02 May 10 at 2:07 p.m. GMT

Is it.....Paul McGann playing the bookish Dr Lord in Sad Cypress? He was in a comedy Withnail and I and I think he's played laddish characters. Plus it's a moving adapt and the story is sad.

MissQuin 02 May 10 at 1:55 p.m. GMT

"An actor, who is much better known for light comedy roles, plays a straight part in this excellent adaptation. He reads aloud from an old book."

If you're watching this one better have the Kleenex handy!

I'm guesing it Hickson or a Poirot role.

Nofret 01 May 10 at 1:36 p.m. GMT

Well, the character was quite a serious, bookish type. But the actor who played him was much better known in another series for a "Jack the Lad" role.

MissQuin 01 May 10 at 9:55 a.m. GMT

Mmm, that rules of the Margaret Rutherford adapts then!

None of the McEwans have made me cry. The Hickson's have and so has Suchet Poirot. There's quite a few that have people loking at books, so it's hard.

Nofret 30 Apr 10 at 6:36 p.m. GMT

If you're watching this one better have the Kleenex handy!

MissQuin 30 Apr 10 at 4:31 p.m. GMT

 yeah Megan was very good in McEwan TMF. Not sure about how whats his name was portrayed though, the ex army bloke. Rather sullen, but he got nicer though and the end was sweet.

Can we have another clue please?

Nofret 28 Apr 10 at 8:14 a.m. GMT

Good guesses, MissQ and Tommy. One of the better McEwan Marples, I loved the girl who played Megan as autistic, much better than the sulky miss in the BBC version.

Unfortunately the character I'm thinking of doesn't come from that book!

MissQuin 27 Apr 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

McEwan The Moving Finger- Ken Russel reads from a book, he's done comic roles.

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Apr 10 at 3:58 p.m. GMT

Thinking about it, that adaptation was better than some, Is the Person you mean John Sessions reading Horace?

MissQuin 27 Apr 10 at 3:25 p.m. GMT

I was watching the McEwan Moving Finger last night and various characters read from old books. Could it be that?

 Although to my mind, it was an excellent adaptation. But we all have our own views.

Nofret 25 Apr 10 at 11:30 a.m. GMT

Let's try another one as my last one was too easy!

An actor, who is much better known for light comedy roles, plays a straight part in this excellent adaptation. He reads aloud from an old book.

Nofret 27 Mar 10 at 8:51 a.m. GMT

Well done, you've got me bang to rights! Over to you.

Bundle_ 26 Mar 10 at 5:36 p.m. GMT

Yes, and Japp and Hastings caught them coming out of Pixie's cove w/ the drugs they had stashed in there.

MissQuin 26 Mar 10 at 5:30 p.m. GMT

Ah, I think I remember now. It was those drug dealers wasn't it?

Bundle_ 26 Mar 10 at 5:26 p.m. GMT

The Suchet version.

MissQuin 26 Mar 10 at 5:21 p.m. GMT

Which version is it? I don't remember that scene?

Bundle_ 26 Mar 10 at 5:20 p.m. GMT

Oh! I know Evil Under The Sun!

Nofret 26 Mar 10 at 9:15 a.m. GMT

Let's have a go:

Two geeky-looking lads are confronted by a police officer. To our amazement, one of them pulls out a gun.

Puffinjill 26 Mar 10 at 6:21 a.m. GMT

Then it must be Elvira and Ladislaus, MissQuin. Gosh, I am surprised I've got that right as I haven't seen that adaptation in quite some time. I will have to see if I can think of one but if anyone else out there has one already that they would like to set for us all then please, be my guest and have a go first or it may take me a while to get round to it!

MissQuin 25 Mar 10 at 4:49 p.m. GMT

Wow puffinjill! Quick work, was it too easy? It was indeed At Bertam's. If I hint that it's all youngster in the cafe, except Miss Marple. Plus which adapt is it? I know you do know, but I'd better ask, as it's part of the game :)

would you like to pick a scene for us?

Puffinjill 25 Mar 10 at 6:16 a.m. GMT

Would it be from At Bertrams Hotel and the couple would be Ladislaus Malinowski and either Bess Sedgwick OR Elvira Blake. This is a complete guess as I haven't had the time to watch any of these adaptations for ages. Oh, for more hours in the day!!

MissQuin 24 Mar 10 at 6:53 p.m. GMT

Ok, I'll have a go.

Miss Marple walks into a 1950's style cafe. There's rock and roll music playing, teddy boys sitting at the tables. She looks very out of place. She takes a tray and sits at a table. She looks at a couple nearby and listens to what they say...

Bundle_ 24 Mar 10 at 5:55 p.m. GMT

Yep it's Jane Wilkinson in LED! Good guess though, MissQuin!

Whoever wants to go next can!

Nofret 24 Mar 10 at 4:18 p.m. GMT

Dolled up like that it could be Jane Wilkinson in the Suchet adaptation of Lord Edgeware dies.

MissQuin 24 Mar 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

I'm going to guess at the Suchet adapt of Murder on the Links. The character in the pink dress might be Bella Duveen?

I'm really exercising my little grey cells this week what with all the puzzles that have been on here.

Bundle_ 24 Mar 10 at 11:27 a.m. GMT

Thanks MissQuin and Jill!

I guess we'll go w/ the second idea.

So here goes:

This character wore a silk pink dress and a fur stole when she spoke to Poirot and Hastings.

(You have to guess the characters and the adapt)

Puffinjill 23 Mar 10 at 6:06 a.m. GMT

Fantastc ideas, Bundle, whichever one you'd like to try. I love things like this that stretch my brain and my knowledge of all things Christie. Can't have enough quizzes or puzzles for me!! And trying to crack these would give me an excuse to watch all my Poirot DVD's again.

MissQuin 22 Mar 10 at 6:04 p.m. GMT

Forgot to add Bundle, Ive written a murder mystery under misc "my murder mystery" so if you'd like to have a read and guess, I'll be pleased.

MissQuin 22 Mar 10 at 3:12 p.m. GMT

Ooh, I love it Bundle. Count me in! I like the second idea of describing a scene from an adapt.