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Poirot's Accoutrements d'homme

knottyceltic 10 Oct 10 at 8:59 a.m. GMT

Halloween is coming for us North Americans but could be a costume party for those across the pond.  If we were to dress as Poirot for the evening what would we need?  If you think of all the things that M. Poirot carries in canon and in film, the man must be laden like a pack mule!

I'll start with a couple items:

His little silver "vase" lapel pin

His little silver cigarette case with tiny black cigarettes

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MissQuin 09 Jan 11 at 10:44 a.m. GMT

I was reading The Adventure of The Christmas Pudding at xmas. I don't know if this has been mentioned before, as it is a long post. But Poirot was wearing a nightcap! So this can be added to the list. I'm not sure why people used to wear them. I guess to keep their heads warm.

I love the idea of List of Poirot items he has at Whitehaven Mansions. You should post it Mr Graves.

knottyceltic 25 Nov 10 at 11 p.m. GMT

Ooooh!  that sounds like a fantastic fun activity Mr. Graves!  I love it!  You should advertise it as it's own topic if you haven't already.  In the meantime I'm still collecting pictures of all the lovely accoutrements that we have listed and I will make a big collage that we can use as "DESKTOP" decoration for our computers.  To help me out, I wonder if anyone can tell me what dimension it should be.  I've never done this before so I have no idea what I'm doing but I promise you all I will do my best  :o)

Mr_Graves 25 Nov 10 at 9:39 p.m. GMT

Poirot makes smoking so fashionable again! Yes, we must have matches and a sterno pot. I was wondering what his little trinket was called...

And now I fear that we have listed every possible accessory Poirot is ever likely to need! But I had a "little idea", as Poirot would call it, or maybe and idea fantastic! What I thought was, maybe now that we have discussed his apparel, the next thing would be his flat at 56B Whitehaven Mansions! What sort of things would Poirot have...

knottyceltic 13 Nov 10 at 8:50 p.m. GMT

oh goodness and we added mustache wax but we didn't add that little gadget (a sterno pot we call it here, not sure what it's called in England) that he lights with a match to melt the wax.  And I suppose we have to add a box of wooden matches since he never uses his fancy pocket lighter to light the flame.

knottyceltic 13 Nov 10 at 8:46 p.m. GMT

I'm thinking he must have  travelled with at least 2 TRUNKS darknight.  Even his carry-on train bag must have been ENORMOUS!!!  hahaha!  And did poor Georges do all this "lugging" of luggage?  The poor man must have died an early death.  :o(

NightRayDuck 13 Nov 10 at 8:32 p.m. GMT

How large is M. Poirot's luggage so far? Do you think he'll be charged very much extra fees for the luggage weight by the modern airlines?

knottyceltic 13 Nov 10 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

I could be wrong but I don't think we've added "cufflinks" yet.

MissQuin 07 Nov 10 at 10:54 a.m. GMT

Do you mean a fantasy casting for Chrisite? Pongo did an excellent Then There Were none cast using Hitchock actors.

Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman,Leo G. Carroll,Farley Granger or Anthony Perkins and  James Stewart suggested.

Mr_Graves 07 Nov 10 at 8:18 a.m. GMT

Unfortunately, no Ustinov on the Orient Express... I think he sort of replaced Finney.

I would love to get into these old adaptations...I like old movies anyway, but seeing people other than Suchet and McEwan and McKenzie slip into the roles of AC's much-loved sleuths could be interesting...

NightRayDuck 05 Nov 10 at 5:52 p.m. GMT

I am feeling the same way about these decades-old Poirot adapts, MissQuin...

MissQuin 05 Nov 10 at 2:32 p.m. GMT

knottyceltic

 I'M sure but he would have that HIDEOUS mustache BRACE that Albert Finney wore when he portrayed a rather lunatic looking/acting Poirot.  I wince even at the thought of his portrayal and that ridiculous THING he strapped to his face/stache!

Ive not seen this film, so I'm a bit mysterfied here... I'm quite curious enough to watch it now. Wasn't there ever a Ustinov version of Orient Express?

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 9:38 p.m. GMT

My favourite Bacall line from Orient express was

Bianchi: You mean you saw the man? You can identify the murderer?Mrs. Hubbard: I mean nothing of the kind. I mean there was a man in my compartment last night. It was pitch dark, of course, and my eyes were closed in terror...Bianchi: Then how did you know it was a man?Mrs. Hubbard: Because I've enjoyed very warm relationships with both my husbands.Bianchi: With your eyes closed.Mrs. Hubbard: That helped.

lol!  Her comedic delivery was as you folks say "spot on" 

Mr_Graves 04 Nov 10 at 7:55 p.m. GMT

Kathy Bates in Titanic!!!! I loved her performance, too! Both she and Bacall had some great lines, I agree. She did the comedy so well. Of course...

I particularly like it when she says that her handkerchiefs are sensible things, not expensive, frilly affairs. "One sneeze and it has to go to the laundry!" 

That movie simply screamed 1970s. Not too pretty.

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 11:36 a.m. GMT

LOL!  Your posts are so funny Mr. Graves.  And I agree...Finney's portrayal overall is "cringe-worthy" to say the least.  I too don't understand all the raving about the '74 adaptation.  I'm a big Bergman fan but I have to say my favourite in that *cough* *cough* adaptation was Lauren Bacall as Mrs. Hubbard.  She gives some good "one liners" and does the stereo-type "American" of the era very forcefully similar to how Kathy Bates does the unsinkable Molly Brown in Titanic 

Mr_Graves 04 Nov 10 at 8:24 a.m. GMT

Please don't remind me of Albert Finney! So many people harp on about the 1974 MOTOE, but I couldn't bear him. His accent was cringe-worthy, and as for that hair! Of course, they had to slick him down with black boot-polish... As for the strange moustache contraption, it is a possibility. There's is nothing more displeasing than deranging the symmetry of one's moustache whilst in bed. But Mr Finney, he wears it with no sincerity. Poirot would be very serious about the neatness of his moustache... The saving grace of that movie, I think, was Ingrid Bergmann...

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 3:56 a.m. GMT

Ooops!  Mea culpa I put that last one in the wrong thread  ;o)  No hair pins on Poirot's dressing table I'M sure but he would have that HIDEOUS mustache BRACE that Albert Finney wore when he portrayed a rather lunatic looking/acting Poirot.  I wince even at the thought of his portrayal and that ridiculous THING he strapped to his face/stache!

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 3:13 a.m. GMT

TV/Movie Miss Marple wears her hair up in the back so I think her dressing table would have HAIR PINS on it.

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 3:11 a.m. GMT

VERY WELL SAID about Poirot, Mr. Graves.  Couldn't have described his manner with words as well as you have. 

Mr_Graves 04 Nov 10 at 1:52 a.m. GMT

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Such an enigmatic remark... Poirot loves to stir up intrigue with his words, when it is the easiest thing in the world to simply say "He is also Lord Dawlish!"

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 12:21 a.m. GMT

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Mr Graves, regarding signet rings... I love the scene in DotN where Poriot/Suchet finds Mr. Ferguson's ring in his jewel case.  Colonel Race says "Mr. Ferguson is a Bolshi" to which Poirot with the ring says "that's not all he is".

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 12:20 a.m. GMT

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Mr Graves, regarding signet rings... I love the scene in DotN where Poriot/Suchet finds Mr. Ferguson's ring in his jewel case.  Colonel Race says "Mr. Ferguson is a Bolshi" to which Poirot with the ring says "that's not all he is".

knottyceltic 04 Nov 10 at 12:07 a.m. GMT

I watched "Cards on the Table" very early this morning and in the scene where Poirot has an epiphany about the photo processing company and checks out the huge photo portrait over Shaytana's dining table (a GORGEOUS Angus McBean portrait) Poirot uses a tiny magnifying glass on a cord to see the studio information.  Prior to this I didn't think Poirot (book or movie Poirot) used a magnifying glass, but I was wrong.

NightRayDuck 03 Nov 10 at 7:06 p.m. GMT

...then, does M. Poirot need to carry some kit for the cleaning and shining-up of the signet ring, also? 

Mr_Graves 03 Nov 10 at 4:57 a.m. GMT

Signet rings are must-haves! they sound so official and exciting.

knottyceltic 03 Nov 10 at 2:32 a.m. GMT

In at least one adaptation (possibly more, would have to watch closer) Poirot (Suchet) wears a signet-type ring on his left pinkie finger. 

Mr_Graves 02 Nov 10 at 6:52 p.m. GMT

In fact, why not a whole troupe of recurring Poirot characters! There'd be George, Miss Lemon, Hastings, Japp, Mr Goby...

I realise that suggestion was slightly absurd, but then I am stuck for ideas for Poirot accessories! Except, of course, some snazzy cuff links...

MissQuin 02 Nov 10 at 5:34 p.m. GMT

But you could persuade someone to dress as James Bond. But then tell everyone else "he's my valet!"

OR- Ask a friend to dress as Mr Benn, then he'd really look like a valet. Actually please don't blame me if you lose friends this way!!

or for those who might not remember Mr Benn in his natty suit: He's a cult cartoon figure

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Benn

Or ask them to go as Jeeves from Jeeves and Wooster. You see I can be very persuasive here

As for Miss Lemon it would be easy to ask a friend to wear Miss Lemon style clothes. Those are really interesting. I'm sure the book Miss Lemon was more downdy. But as I like Pauline Moran as Miss L, it's ok.

NightRayDuck 02 Nov 10 at 5:25 p.m. GMT

For a Halloween costume party though, it may be more difficult to persuade some friends to dress up as the valet and the secretary... 

MissQuin 02 Nov 10 at 3 p.m. GMT

I wonder how Poirot managed without a valet in the early books? Because we see him traveling around and he has no manservant with him. Who would press his trousers and take care of such equal important matters?!

I'd love servants too Mr Graves.  Of course it would be a ladies maid to take care of my clothes. But hiring a handsome butler would be high on my list of necessaties.  If only...

Puffinjill 02 Nov 10 at 7:11 a.m. GMT

If you include Georges, then I think Miss Lemon should be on the list too....

Mr_Graves 02 Nov 10 at 7:08 a.m. GMT

I would count George as an accessory... The English butler is, after all, an invaluable necessity. And so very fashionable! How I would love somebody to take care of me, to cook and attend to my every need...

knottyceltic 31 Oct 10 at 9:27 p.m. GMT

Absolutely!  Money is tres necessity pour Poirot.  I'll have to find pictures of English money.

MissQuin 31 Oct 10 at 9:50 a.m. GMT

What about money? Because Poirot has tipped people several times, for giving them clues. Like in Dead Man's Folly he gave the girl omney for infomation.

knottyceltic 30 Oct 10 at 7:32 p.m. GMT

Ah!  BON!  Rosary beads...yes!  Very good Miss Quin!

MissQuin 30 Oct 10 at 6:15 p.m. GMT

In the adapts he carries Rosary beads!

knottyceltic 30 Oct 10 at 5:44 p.m. GMT

list continued...

• And what about including his little Russian Dictionary and Grammar book in case he runs across his favourite lady, Countess Vera Rossakoff....
• His little notebook for recording of evidences.
• mufflers/scarves
• playing cards for building of houses
• rocker-style ink blotter
• expensive and very symmetrical travelling luggage/suitcases
• the Turnip Face pocket watch
• the little tin of mustache wax
• the Poirot business card the one with address and contact details. It probably say's The Worlds Greatest Detective: contact etc..
• The hair buffer/brush
• the little scissors that come in the fancy little metal sleeve. 
• the atomizer of scent/cologne.  compliments of Miss Quinn:  "(sexy voice over) Eau Du Poirot- The Ulitmate Fragrance For Dandies"
• Spats for over the fancy shoes
• Hair pommade
• Starched collar/cuffs
• Cow hair whip for the flies
• chocolate cocoa powder
• tissane and russian tea/coffee cup
• pince-nez with string secured neatly over a button and tucked in his breast pocket
• lighter for lighting the cigarettes of his own or of the

knottyceltic 30 Oct 10 at 5:43 p.m. GMT

• His little silver "vase" lapel pin
• His little silver cigarette case with tiny black cigarettes
• little snuff/trinket/pill box that Poirot puts his cigarette ashes and cigarette butts into.
• He has that cane. It's not used as a walking stick, but as a Dandy accesrory! Of course on TV it had a little pull out telescope, how handy.
• Once he had a pin in his pocket in Murder In Mesopotamia.
• He has a handkerchief to mop his brow in hot climates. Their are probaly monogrammed!
• He also has a little brush to make sure his clothes are spotless.
• Oh and a mirror (he's so vain!). Also for checking the state of his mustaches
• A tache trimmer/comb.
• he has (in the movies) monogrammed napkins that have a tiny hole in them so that he can neatly button it "bib style" to his shirt when he is eating.
• He must have patent leather shoes- he must!
• And gloves are another thing, too. Leather for winter, and kid for summer.
• And then there are his hats!
• I doubt he would go far without his little bottle of so-called 'Hair Tonic' (which states it is 'not a dye' and yet so obviously is!) that is mentioned in The ABC Murders.
• Also, he must have his little shoe cleaning kit (mentioned in Appointment With Death to Lady Westholme who travels with one too) to look maintain his patent leather shoes.ladies

knottyceltic 30 Oct 10 at 5:41 p.m. GMT

Our list of Poirot's things is TRES MAGNIFIQUE! 

But did we forget one thing at least?  How should he light his little european cigarettes.  He surely needs a handsome lighter in his pocket to light up for himself or the 'ladies'.

Mr_Graves 28 Oct 10 at 8:55 p.m. GMT

I do enjoy it when little things like that make it into the television series.

NightRayDuck 28 Oct 10 at 6:47 p.m. GMT

About the house of cards habit- yes, it appeared in canon. I've recently read one instance in Peril at End House, where the narrator Hastings doesn't get to see Poirot building the house of cards but definitely knows he's been building one. See "Guess object" game page 5 puzzle posted by cameronjhw, and the ensuing guesses and discussions.

Although, probably M. Poirot would say the habit is done to "clear his mind" rather than "steady his nerves"... I am not sure, but it's so in Peril at End House.

knottyceltic 28 Oct 10 at 6:23 p.m. GMT

Suchet's Poirot also uses a blotting gadget in Hickory Dickory Dock.

knottyceltic 28 Oct 10 at 5:52 p.m. GMT

In Mysterious Affair at Styles adaptation poirot says he steadies his nerves by building houses of cards.  Does this habit ever appear in canon?  Or is it strictly an adaptation bit of literary license?

knottyceltic 28 Oct 10 at 4:42 p.m. GMT

In M. Poirot's desk (in adaptations) he has a rocker ink blotter which could be added to our list of a "gentleman's things".  I saw him use one in one adaptation and saw a lady use one in another.  I think the lady was Mrs. Ferrars???  I think but now I'm not sure.  Didn't she blot her suicide note she had written to Roger Ackroyd?  Poirot uses his while talking to Hastings at his apartment and then slips the letter (or maybe a bill) into his desk drawer.  Can't remember which adaptation that would have been.  Anyone remember those two? 

NightRayDuck 28 Oct 10 at 5:50 a.m. GMT

Possibly M. Poirot is of too fine a taste for clothes, that he has not purchased any shoes other than patent leathers?? ;o)

knottyceltic 28 Oct 10 at 12:55 a.m. GMT

Oh!  Mr. Graves..that reminds me of Suchet in "Murder of Roger Ackroyd" where he is cursing his vegetable marrows and steps out of the garden to make his apologies in his gardening atire and finely polished patent leather shoes  ;o))  Who gardens in patent leathers???

Mr_Graves 28 Oct 10 at 12:36 a.m. GMT

I don't know that I want to picture it.. Of course, Poirot's delicate stomach would not be able to handle the untidy motion of the waves...

An apron would be useful for tending to his shrubs. Not that an apron would be a neccesity in such a case, but it would look nice. He would apply his pair of secateaurs and form neat cubes from miniature hedges. Most artistic!

knottyceltic 27 Oct 10 at 11:18 p.m. GMT

Oooh I don't know about that Mr Graves.  Suchet's Poirot seems to loathe the water even MORE than Ustinov's Poirot and how silly Suchet's Poirot would look in a bathing costume with black patent leather shoes and spats ;o)  eeek! what a mental image! 

Mr_Graves 27 Oct 10 at 8:57 p.m. GMT

LOL, Miss Quin! He would definitely check up on it during the day, too...

Another idea for Poirot's wardrobe could involve the sea. I mean, for a fancy dress party by the sea, one could don a swimming costume similar to Peter Ustinov's in "Evil under the Sun". It was a good choice- certainly one Poirot would choose...

MissQuin 26 Oct 10 at 2:53 p.m. GMT

Mr_Graves

I should imagine it felt odd... But then I would not know, Miss Quin; I have yet to kiss a moustache with wax on it...

Me neither! I have this image of Poirot racing to find a mirror, in case his tache was looking rather dishevelled.

knottyceltic 25 Oct 10 at 9:36 p.m. GMT

Giggles at Mr. Graves.

Mr_Graves 25 Oct 10 at 8:59 p.m. GMT

I should imagine it felt odd... But then I would not know, Miss Quin; I have yet to kiss a moustache with wax on it...

MissQuin 25 Oct 10 at 3:20 p.m. GMT

mustache wax? Eesh!  I wonder what the Countess made of it at the end of Labours Of Hercules?!

knottyceltic 22 Oct 10 at 2:21 a.m. GMT

Yes, the shape of suitcases would be much much  more pleasing to Poirot than something so undisciplined in shape as a carpet bag  ;o)

How nice that you have received "Sparkling Cyanide"!  I'm envious.  Here in Canada it is just coming into print so we are on waiting lists through book venders to "pre-order".  I think my copy is due for Delivery some time in the beginning of December if I remember correctly ( but maybe I don't).

I always get a chuckle out of all the cues to Poirot's...mmmm...how do you call it... desire to have things (especially his own things) "just so".

Mr_Graves 21 Oct 10 at 11:28 p.m. GMT

Some sacrifices are very worth it! Whenever I buy yet another Agatha Christie, I don't even feel like I'm spending money... Speaking of which, my "Sparkling Cyanide" just arrived!

Meanwhile, on the topic of Poirot, I just had a thought. While a carpet bag would be unsuitable for a man who loves squares and cubes, his set of expensive travel cases would be perfect! "The Big Four" mentions his luggage... Imagine Poirot mincing along a train platform, his big hat and coat on, tapping his cane on the ground, and carrying a pristine suitcase, of the finest quality....

knottyceltic 21 Oct 10 at 8:58 p.m. GMT

"Ah, it is true, mon ami, I will be immodest. I am the greatest detective in the world! Here is Hercule Poirot! The great, the unique!"

LOL! Mr. Graves.  I love how Suchet's Poirot speaks and sometimes in my head I will hear Poirot's voice repeating things people say only saying it in his most unique Poirot way. 

OH!  lol!  Make no mistake.  I lead no "charmed life".  I sacrifice to treat myself to the box sets once per month.  I give up going to a movie and treating myself to a meal at restaurants, buying clothes and many others to buy my beloved movie adaptations  :o) 

Mr_Graves 21 Oct 10 at 8:48 p.m. GMT

You lead a very charmed life, Knottyceltic! Buying Suchets and Hicksons... I must see about the "Evil under the Sun" DVD, I doubt that I could get it from my own library. Maybe a larger one in a city would be helpful... I love watching the adaptations to books you've already read... It's fun seeing what bits from the book they kept.

Wikipedia has been unable to tell me anything new about the turnip pocket watch, I'm afraid! So I apply the problem to the little grey cells, and eh bien! I deduce that the turnip pocket watch is of a shape rotund. Ah, it is true, mon ami, I will be immodest. I am the greatest detective in the world! Here is Hercule Poirot! The great, the unique!

knottyceltic 21 Oct 10 at 7:42 p.m. GMT

Oh?  What is a turnip-face?  Is it convex?

Oh yes, I love the Suchet adaptation of Evil under the Sun.  Poirot is so adorable when he says "It is true".  Only Suchet could take a comment that should sound arrogant and make it endearing.  There is a change in this adaptation too but I won't tell you so you can be surprised.  Can you borrow it from your local library?  That's how I first saw it.  Then I've been on a purchasing spree this year treating myself to a new box set of Suchet and Hickson adaptations each month.  I think I prefer most Joan Hickson's the best but there are a few that I want to buy of the same adaptations by McEwan.  "Murder at the Vicarage" is one McEwan that I want to get as well as "The Moving Finger".

Mr_Graves 21 Oct 10 at 7:22 p.m. GMT

Moustache wax! Of course! How else will his moustaches look proud and stiff and military? A very good suggestion, knottyceltic. I have not yet seen the 2001 "Evil under the Sun". Did he really say that to Miss Lemon? What a card! He is absolutely priceless....

One item we have overlooked: His turnip-faced pocket watch!!!! 

knottyceltic 20 Oct 10 at 4:15 p.m. GMT

Yes Miss Quin! :o)  When I had the idea for this thread I was thinking that Poirot's pockets must be awfully heavy when he's walking about with all these "things" and "gadgets".  Suchet's portrayal of Poirot is so amusing to me.  When he says things such as in Evil Under the Sun where Miss Lemon says how nice he looks dressed up to go to the grand opening of Hasting's Argentine restaurant.  He says "Do you think so Miss Lemon?" and then he answers to himself "It is true"  LOL!  And when in Death on the Nile when Col. Race says they will catch the murderer, Poirot replies "Oh I know I will".  :o)  So arrogant but so cute at the same time. 

Did we mention a tin of mustache wax yet? 

MissQuin 20 Oct 10 at 2:46 p.m. GMT

Reading this long list makes me wonder how Poirot can travel anywhere alone. His valet must be lugging all his suitcases around. Oh and had anyone mentioned the Poirot business card? the one with address and contact details. It probably say's The Worlds Greatest Detective: contact etc..

knottyceltic 17 Oct 10 at 4:59 a.m. GMT

LOL Mr Graves!  Yes, the measuring of eggs tickles me every time  ;o))

Tell me, what is a "buffer"?  I do remember the thing you are talking about.  To me it looked like the item you brush a horse with.

Yes, the little scissors that come in the fancy little metal sleeve.  I hope I can find a picture ot correspond to those.

Mr_Graves 17 Oct 10 at 1:38 a.m. GMT

He certainly would wear scent! It would complete the look. As Poirot himself would say- "Ah... Nothing here offends the eye- or nose!"

Now, there was a nifty little device he used in "Death on the Nile", to smooth down his hair. What is that called? It was like a buffer, only for the head. I can't think of the name, but that would be ideal for neatening a hairdo. Also, and this is probably a less interesting accessory, but those little scissors he uses to prune his moustaches. Those would be so cool! Unfortunately, the moustaches must come with them...

(P.S. Would it be too much trouble to cart around two eggs exactly the same size, and measure them with a knife?)

knottyceltic 16 Oct 10 at 3:10 p.m. GMT

LOL!  That is exactly what Poirot would be saying!!!!  So funny Miss Quin!  :o))

Often when I'm reading to myself I will chuckle at some similar annoyance of Poirot and my daughter will say "what's funny?" and I'll try to explain to her but first I have to remind her of Poirot's annoyance of anything that is not in precise order, exacting behavior and complete symmetry. 

MissQuin 16 Oct 10 at 2:59 p.m. GMT

Actually Poirot would complain about the beach. But they seem to be a staple part of adverts for  Fragrances.

"Mon Dieu! This sand- where is the order and method I ask? All the grains, they are of the different sizes! My shoes, Hastings they are ruined."

knottyceltic 16 Oct 10 at 2:50 p.m. GMT

LOL!  Magnifique Miss Quin!!! 

MissQuin 16 Oct 10 at 2:48 p.m. GMT

 We get a advert with a shot of grainy beach in black and white. All very arty and sophiscated. Then we see Suchet's Poirot shuffle into the view, doing his fabulous walk!

(sexy voice over) Eau Du Poirot- The Ulitmate Fragrance For Dandies

knottyceltic 16 Oct 10 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

Yes!  Yes Inspector, how could we forget his "spats"!!!  Good Lord!  hahaha!

And Miss Quin...I wonder too.  I haven't read near enough books to know if he is stated in canon to wear scent but certainly in the Suchet movie adaptation of "Nile" he is seen to be using an atomizer and wincing  as he drowns himself in it  ;o)  So yes, lets add an atomizer of scent to the list.

MissQuin 16 Oct 10 at 2:38 p.m. GMT

Do you reckon Poirot wears scent?

InspectorGrant 16 Oct 10 at 2:36 p.m. GMT

The pomade for the hair to give it that patent leather slicked down look, and don't forget his spats!

In Cat Among the Pigeons Julia Upjohn giggled with her schoolfriend, and said that he looked exactly like a penguin, which is a most perfect description ;)

knottyceltic 16 Oct 10 at 2 p.m. GMT

Mr. Graves, absolutely the starched collars and cow-hair whip are "must-adds" to the dressing table of M. Hercule Poirot.  I sometimes wish to have one of those whips myself.  Here in southern Ontario, Canada we have numerous variety of pesty biting and stinging insects that I would love to *WHACK* with that ox or waterbuffalo tail!  ;o)

Mr_Graves 16 Oct 10 at 7:43 a.m. GMT

(I love those pince-nez!!!!)

I'm not sure if this can be counted as an accessory as such, but I noticed it in the television series quite a bit- His perfectly starched collars! Not so impressive at the Chinese dry-cleaners, mind you- "Him collar no very good starchy!". But I love the way they satnd so stiff and proud- with the impeccable triangluar folds- and the bow tie! If Poirot himself saw them, he would be very impressed. Suchet's necks are most certainly well-presented.

Another thing- his cow-hair whip, which he so enthusiastically brandished in "Murder in Mesopotamia" and "Death on the Nile". Such a must-have accessory for warmer climates.

knottyceltic 15 Oct 10 at 2:42 p.m. GMT

Mais oui!  The "muffler" it is of such nécessité, n'est pas?  ( my imitation at Poirot)  ;o)

I'm afraid I don't know what a "tissane" is although I do recall reading that word at least once in AC's book(s).  I'll have to look it up to know what it is as it's not a word used here, that I'm aware of. 

By all means the chocolate must be added to the list.  How ever would Poirot rest the little grey cells if he did not have his cup of chocolate?  :o)

Let me see now if I can offer an additional item...hmmm...

Ah yes, there is the pince nez that are so carefully worn and the string looped over a button on the waist coat so that the appearance is a v-shape parfait, comme ça "V".  So much tidier than allowing it to hang loosely, n'est pas?

Puffinjill 15 Oct 10 at 1:13 p.m. GMT

How did we forget that, knotty? His notebook is a must!!! How about including a spare muffler or two (scarves in mordern-day parlance!) as the poor man seems to feel the cold in any climate that isn't tropical. Just incase he is thinking of taking a trip, I would recommend he pack a travel sickness remedy as he doesn't travel well by sea or air. And where would he be without his tissane or his cup of chocolate? We had better include some of these too!!!

knottyceltic 15 Oct 10 at 7:35 a.m. GMT

His little silver "vase" lapel pin

His little silver cigarette case with tiny black cigarettes

little snuff/trinket/pill box that Poirot puts his cigarette ashes and cigarette butts into.

He has that cane. It's not used as a walking stick, but as a Dandy accesrory! Of course on TV it had a little pull out telescope, how handy.

Once he had a pin in his pocket in Murder In Mesopotamia.

He has a handkerchief to mop his brow in hot climates. Their are probaly monogrammed!

He also has a little brush to make sure his clothes are spotless.

Oh and a mirror (he's so vain!).

A tache trimmer/comb.

he has (in the movies) monogrammed napkins that have a tiny hole in them so that he can neatly button it "bib style" to his shirt when he is eating.

He must have patent leather shoes- he must!

And gloves are another thing, too. Leather for winter, and kid for summer.

And then there are his hats!

I doubt he would go far without his little bottle of so-called 'Hair Tonic' (which states it is 'not a dye' and yet so obviously is!) that is mentioned in The ABC Murders.

Also, he must have his little shoe cleaning kit (mentioned in Appointment With Death to Lady Westholme who travels with one too) to look maintain his patent leather shoes.

And what about including his little Russian Dictionary and Grammar book in case he runs across his favourite lady, Countess Vera Rossakoff....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oh, our list is coming along nicely!  I will add one more. 

His little notebook for recording of evidences.

knottyceltic 15 Oct 10 at 7:22 a.m. GMT

I love all Poirot's mincing and shuffling.  It gives me a laugh every time I read it or see it in an adaptation.  I find his character so funny despite his stiffness and needing to have everytihng "just so".  Life is just not made for people like that.  Life is just naturally "messy". 

Puffinjill 15 Oct 10 at 6:09 a.m. GMT

I'm not so sure that's vanity. I think that's just good common sense.

Mr_Graves 15 Oct 10 at 2:09 a.m. GMT

Yes! I especially love how in the adaptation of "Taken at the Flood", Lynn Marchmont is being attacked by Rowley, but Poirot is frozen to the spot because he's just stepped in animal muck! Oh, classic... And then in "Cards on the Table", he nervously shuffles around a pile of horse manure... Such vanity!

knottyceltic 13 Oct 10 at 10:14 a.m. GMT

Mr Graves... yes those shoes!  lol!  In the Suchet version of Evil Under the Sun I get a chuckle every time Poirot steps out of the car onto the sand with his perfectly shined patent leather shoes.  I'm sure "sand" is extremely annoying to him much like autumn leaves are to him in "the Hollow". 

Jilli, the only one I knew of was the hair tonic in ABC Murders.  That part of the book made me laugh out loud.  I haven't read the other books yet so I didn't know about his shoe cleaning kit or his little books.

Puffinjill 13 Oct 10 at 6:43 a.m. GMT

I doubt he would go far without his little bottle of so-called 'Hair Tonic' (which states it is 'not a dye' and yet so obviously is!) that is mentioned in The ABC Murders. His vanity would demand he appears perfect at all times. Also, he must have his little shoe cleaning kit (mentioned in Appointment With Death to Lady Westholme who travels with one too) to look maintain his patent leather shoes. And what about including his little Russian Dictionary and Grammar book in case he runs across his favourite lady, Countess Vera Rossakoff....

Mr_Graves 13 Oct 10 at 4:54 a.m. GMT

He must have patent leather shoes- he must! And gloves are another thing, too. Leather for winter, and kid for summer. And then there are his hats! So many wonderful things he wears, it makes me want to weep!

knottyceltic 12 Oct 10 at 4:59 p.m. GMT

You know I also adore how he has (in the movies) monogrammed napkins that have a tiny hole in them so that he can neatly button it "bib style" to his shirt when he is eating.  So I guess we can add "monogrammed bib/napkin" to the list  :o)

knottyceltic 12 Oct 10 at 4:56 p.m. GMT

Yes, I notice his walking sticks in the movies!  There is the one that is a sort of ribbed goat's horn (curled on the end), there is the one you mention that is a telescope and he also has one with a plain black handle and one with the silver swan which is my favourite aside from the telescope one. 

MissQuin 12 Oct 10 at 4:39 p.m. GMT

He has that cane. It's not used as a walking stick, but as a Dandy accesrory! Of course on TV it had a little pull out telescope, how handy.

Once he had a pin in his pocket in Murder In Mesopotamia. He has a handkerchief to mop his brow in hot climates. Their are probaly monogrammed! It's an ego thing.

He also has a little brush to make sure his clothes are spotless. Oh and a mirror (he's so vain!). A tache trimmer/comb.

knottyceltic 12 Oct 10 at 4:08 p.m. GMT

little snuff/trinket/pill box that Poirot puts his cigarette ashes and cigarette butts into.