Murder in the Mews (15 Jan. 1989)
"Agatha Christie's Poirot" Murder in the Mews (original title)

When a woman is found shot in her flat after Bonfire Night, Poirot is enlisted to decipher whether the victim died by her own hand, or by someone else's.

Director:

Edward Bennett

Writer:

Clive Exton (dramatized by)

Stars:

David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
David Suchet	...	Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser	...	Captain Hastings
Philip Jackson	...	Chief Inspector Japp
Pauline Moran	...	Miss Lemon
Juliette Mole	...	Jane Plenderleith
David Yelland	...	Laverton West
James Faulkner	...	Major Eustace
Gabrielle Blunt	...	Mrs. Pierce
John Cording	...	Div. Insp. Jameson
Barrie Cookson	...	Dr. Brett
Christopher Brown	...	Golfer
Bob Bryan	...	Barman
Beccy Wright	...	Maid
Nicholas Delve	...	Freddie
Moya Ruskin	...	Singer

Storyline

Poirot is enlisted by Japp to help solve a mystery that took place on Bonfire Night in a mews flat. A Mrs. Allen was found shot, apparently a suicide, but she was holding the gun that killed her in the wrong hand, and foul play is suspected. Furthermore, the ash-tray in the room contained the stubs of Turkish cigarettes smoked by one Major Eustace, a disreputable acquaintance.The victim was engaged to be married and seemingly had no cause to take her own life. Did she? Or was it murder in the mews?

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Plot Keywords:

murder mystery

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Crime | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 January 1989 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Twickenham Studios, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

51 min 50 min (36 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

Right before the camera moves away from the blonde murder victim for the last time, her fingers are twitching.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Hercule Poirot: Hastings, my friend, tell me: to blow up the English Parliament, was it a sin or a noble deed?
Captain Hastings: Oh, it's no good asking me, old son. I was never much of a one for politics. Where's Mrs Japp tonight, then?
Chief Inspector Japp: She can't abide fireworks.
Hercule Poirot: Ah, the noise disturbs the delicate sensibilities of many ladies.
Chief Inspector Japp: Maybe, maybe. I think it's more that she doesn't like to see people enjoying themselves.

User Reviews

Murder in the Mews...

This is a solid, well-made episode as usual. It is the second episode of the overall series, so everything is still settling. However there is so much to like, including a typically compelling story with one of the most different and clever final solutions Agatha Christie ever wrote. Murder in the Mews is also elegantly made with splendid period details and an evocative atmosphere. The music is as hauntingly beautiful as ever, and the writing is intelligent and entertaining. Solid pacing and direction also help, as does the great acting. Everybody seems to be settling in quite nicely, with David Suchet still managing to embody Poirot and Hugh Fraser, Phillip Jackson and Pauline Moran just as good. Juliette Mole and James Faulkner give good support. Overall, not one of my favourites, with the sense that things are still settling, but as solid as you would expect, elevated by the acting, production values and final solution. 8/10 Bethany Cox