The Mystery of the Spanish Chest (17 Feb. 1991)
"Agatha Christie's Poirot" The Mystery of the Spanish Chest (original title)

Poirot is asked to protect a woman from her violent husband, but events take a turn when the husband soon becomes the victim of a gruesome murder.

Director:

Andrew Grieve

Writer:

Anthony Horowitz (dramatized by)

Stars:

David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
David Suchet	...	Hercule Poirot
Hugh Fraser	...	Captain Hastings
Philip Jackson	...	Chief Inspector Japp
John McEnery	...	Colonel Curtiss
Caroline Langrishe	...	Marguerite Clayton
Pip Torrens	...	Major Rich
Malcolm Sinclair	...	Edward Clayton
Antonia Pemberton	...	Lady Chatterton
Peter Copley	...	Burgoyne
Sam Smart	...	Smithy
Edward Clayton	...	Rouse
Metin Yenal	...	Umpire
Richard Cawte	...	Young Officer
Victoria Scarborough	...	Party Dancer
Christopher Lamb	...	Party Dancer

Storyline

Lady Chatterton asks for Poirot's assistance when she comes to fear for the safety of her friend, Marguerite Clayton. Specifically, she is convinced that Marguerite's husband Edward Clayton, known for his violent temper, will kill her. Poirot is invited to a party in order to meet Clayton, but he never shows up. The next day, Poirot finds himself being interviewed by Inspector Japp when Edward Clayton's body is found hidden in an elaborate Spanish chest located in the same room as the party the previous evening. When Marguerite's friend Major Rich is arrested for the murder, Poirot correctly deduces the true nature of the crime and the identity of the culprit.

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Plot Keywords:

jealousy | fencing | husband wife relationship | opera | stabbed in the eye | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Crime | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

17 February 1991 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Twickenham Studios, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

ITV Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (36 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Major Rich wears the necktie of the Brigade of Guards.

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Quotes

Hercule Poirot: You think it is wrong, Hastings, to enjoy the compliments, or the 'buttering,' as you say?
Captain Hastings: No, but, uh, do you have to show it quite so much? Not English.
Hercule Poirot: Perhaps it is Belgian. Hastings, why should I be the hypocrite, to blush when I am praised, and to say like you, "It is nothing." Hmph! I have the order, the method, and the psychology. There, I admit it. I am the best. I am Hercule Poirot.

User Reviews

"Firstly I am not a bloody little frog, I am a bloody little Belgian"

While one of the lesser Poirot adaptations it is still memorable. The pacing is a little uneven, Ken Grieve's direction is merely okay and I guessed the identity of the murderer halfway through too. However, it is beautifully filmed with a great background score, complete with a very chilling murder method, atmospheric opening sequence and the duel in the past. And I loved Poirot's indignation at being called a "bloody little frog" hence the review's title. The acting is typically fine with David Suchet outstanding, Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson solid and Caroline Langrische breathtakingly beautiful. Overall, good but not great. 7/10 Bethany Cox