Poirot: Dead Man's Mirror (1993)
Season 5, Episode 7
9/10
Is this the best Poirot short story?
8 August 2015
Of all the hour long episodes I think this one particularly stands out, it's a fine example of adapting a book into a drama. I believe Christie wrote some of her characters as bold and slightly over the top, Ian Cuthbertson, fits that bill perfectly, as does Zena Walker, playing his on screen wife Vanda. He has a crass, bold obnoxiousness, whereas she has a delicate absence, both are brilliant. Standout performance for me is Fiona Walker, who sadly retired a year later, shame, she's a great actress. I think the closing scene when Vanda is lured down to the noose is wonderfully dark and atmospheric. The music is excellent throughout and the scenery, particularly the house used is stunning. Captain Hastings does the 'good lord' thing a little too often, and dare i say is a little over the top, that's the only minor criticism, all in all though an excellent episode. This particular Series of 1 hour specials was exceptional, I can't decide if this or Tragedy at Marsdon Manor is the best short.
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