All of you Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie's Belgian private detective) fans are more than likely already aware of David Suchet's wonderful portrayal of the rather prim, always correct detective. For those of you very few people who have not yet experienced any of the Agatha Christie's Poirot delightful shows, you will be glad to know that you have many hours of entertainment to look forward to.
The setting is London in the 1930s. The scenery is perfect. I love the outside shots of the London streets: the architectural detailing is exactly how I imagine it must have been back then. As a lover of art deco, I love seeing the "modern" furniture, the clothes, and cars.
The long running British series starred four regulars: David Suchet as Poirot, Hugh Fraser as Capt. Hastings (his not-so-astute side kick), Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp, and Poirot's very capable, always correct secretary Miss Lemon was played by Pauline Moran. All of them "became" the characters they portrayed for this series. (I have since seen two of the actors in other projects, and was surprised to see one of them playing the evil villain!)
What a treat it is to watch these shows… from Poirot's penguin-like walk to Poirot trimming his waxed moustache. The attention to detail really pays off for the viewer. Miss Lemon's bobby pin curls, Capt. Hastings' car fetish, and even Inspector Japp's overcoat… the detailing is perfect. It's all a treat to watch! And, the friendship between Inspector Japp and Poirot goes so much farther than the predictable rivalry that "modern day" shows depict.
This Poirot series is as cozy as you can find. I truly believe that Agatha Christie would have been very happy with this series… no gore, plenty of humor, great ambiance, quirky characters (Poirot being the quirkiest! – a model for today's "Monk" character) and no need for "adult" situations. Poirot is able to solve all of the cases with the use of his "little gray cells" so that Inspector Japp is able to close the cases, and retain his dignity.
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I love David Suchet as Hercule Poirot. I think for most fans, he will be the ultimate model for Poirot. I recently read that he was continuing to make new shows. That's definitely good news for us fans. I also like Hugh Frasier. Whoever cast the show did a great job in choosing these actors.
Yes, Edie, the casting is superb. Something I noticed in the last few Poirot shows, though…. Inspector Japp, Captain Hastings, and Miss Lemon are missing!
Where have Captain Hastings-Miss Lemon- Inspector Japp gone from the Poirot series? Are they paying David Suchet that much money they cannot put them in? I do not watch the new series now. It is rubbish without them.
Hi Harry,
I haven't watched the latest Poirot shows in a while, but I remember when I watched them the last time, I was very disappointed that those three characters were no longer with the show. I really don't know why they decided not to include the three of them… I think that they added so much character to the show. What a shame!
The books that they have been adapting for the latest movies do not include Inspector Japp, Captain Hastings or Miss Lemon. I am very fond of all three of them myself but I am glad that they are not changing the stories in order to fit them in anyway. They make enough changes as it is.
This is one of my favourite shows as were the books, I watch all repeats and never get tired of them
Does anyone know of a website that tells where the shows were filmed? I would love to find out the location of some of the buildings especially the one episode with the "Art Deco" style hotel.
I look forward to future shows.
That would be great to know, Susan. I love those Art Deco buildings!
Since the other 3 characters have been left out, I have found a change in the sense that it just is no longer the same, its almost boring without them. Who's great idea was that? Well it doesn't much matter as I no longer watch Poirot, since those have been taken out. I think a lot of other people feel the same as I do. Still I suppose someone must not give a d–n about those who watch the series, as long as they get their way with the production.
I also very much miss the characters of Captain Hastings, Miss Lemon, and Chief Inspector Japp–and think it would be a mistake not to bring them back in the new series. David Suchet is a masterful Poirot, no question about it. However, without his trusted friends he is a rather odd, isolated figure–rather than a lovable eccentric. The secondary characters provide a social niche for Poirot (and for them) that renders the great detective more human and more endearing–much in the same way that Sherlock Holmes is more humanized by his relationships with Dr. Watson, Mrs. Hudson, and Inspector Lestrade. Please bring Poirot's "family" back to the series–along with their London digs! That setting has become almost as recognizable as 221b Baker Street!
Hi Jill,
I have been a little "under the weather" the past two weeks, so haven't done much more than post comments… I'm sorry that I didn't respond to any of your VERY insightful comments about some of the TV and Movies entries that are posted on the site.
My husband actually pointed out to me that your comments covered a lot of things that I had talked about with him (actually, "to him" would probably be more accurate!) when we watched the shows together. He said that he would have thought I had written your comments, if he didn't know better! (Great minds… and all that!!!)
You have a great point saying that Poirot appears more like a "lovable eccentric" with Hastings, Lemon, and Japp around… instead of a "rather odd, isolated figure."