Poirot (TV Series) Dead Man's Mirror (1993) User Reviews

Is this the best Poirot short story?

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 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.

Dead Man's Mirror

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 10 May 2012]

For me, Dead Man's Mirror is one of the better short-story Poirot adaptations, and all of them range from pretty good to outstanding. I do have a soft spot for the story itself, as it was one of my first ever exposures to Agatha Christie, and overall I was impressed with the adaptation of it. My only real complaint was while the background is well-composed and fitting with the tone and drama of the episode, there are a few scenes such as in the build up to the final solution where it is rather obvious and overplayed. But other than that, Dead Man's Mirror has much to recommend, such as the elegant production values, very authentic atmosphere, intelligent writing and well-paced and clever- loaded with small details and moral complexity- story with a final solution that is just as well-done as that of the original story. Plus of the short-story adaptations, I can think of only two victims that were even more detestable than Gervase Chevenix, Harrington Pace from Mystery at Hunter's Lodge and especially Reuben Astwell from The Underdog. The acting is fine, David Suchet has never disappointed as Poirot and here is no exception, while Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson are amusing contrasts. Of the support cast, who are consistently eagerly played, Iain Cuthbertson and Fiona Walker stood out. Overall, a great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

one of the better Poirot episodes

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 26 January 2015]

Hercule Poirot is hired by a man who just outbid him on an antique mirror. The man, Gervase Chevenix, invites Poirot to his country home and explains that he believes his business partner, John Lake, has committed fraud against him.

What he doesn't know is that his daughter Ruth is secretly married to Lake. Poirot accepts his offer to travel to his country home and take on a case.

It's evident observing the household that Gervase is powerful, manipulative, and that no one can stand him. His nephew Hugh wants his uncle to invest in a new project, but Gervase wants him to marry Ruth first. Besides the fact that Ruth is already married, Hugh is engaged to someone else, Susan.

So no surprise when Gervase is found dead, but at first, it appears to be a suicide. Poirot thinks differently. Gervase had a new, unsigned will, which convinces Poirot that it is murder.

Excellent story, with a fine performance by Iain Cuthbertson as Gervase. Hugh Frasier is on hand as Hastings. One of the stronger stories, with color characters, strong production values, and the usual wonderful work by Suchet as Poirot.

Great mystery would be better in a full length movie

[SimonJack · 9/10 · 24 February 2018]

"Dead Man's Mirror" is too complex a plot to cover well in a 50-minute film. This great mystery needed a full-length movie to do more justice to the number of interesting characters. Still, it's a tremendous story in the Agatha Christie tradition. Both Captain Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp accompany Poirot on his sleuthing - although no one else really has a clue (including we of the audience) until right at the end.

This is another mystery that has some of the occult in the plot. It strikes one as funny that in such films, the background music takes on a distinctive eerie sound. I suppose it's the Hollywood effect of trying to build buy-in to the occult notion. All that would be to raise speculation as to what mysterious forces might be at work. For most viewers though, such nonsense immediately smells of a red herring. That's okay - it's all part of the fun.

At one point, Poirot says, "Poirot interests himself always in matters of the occult." One wonders how many people thus might think that Poirot or Agatha Christie (or both) believe in the superstitions of the occult. Rather, Poirot knows of the power that belief in sorcery and such can hold over a person's sanity and senses. Again, for the movies it's all fun and adds to the story, if only with distraction.

Here is a favorite exchange of dialog from this film.

Captain Hastings, "Oh, I take it you'll refuse?" Hercule Poirot, "To refuse, yes, it is my first instinct. But you know, Hastings, a man with so much arrogance as this - even he may be vulnerable in ways he cannot see." Hastings, "And, he did offer you that mirror." Poirot, "That too." Hastings, "I'll get the tickets tomorrow."

"Saffra's dead... she's Vanda's spirit guide."

[bensonmum2 · 8/10 · 21 August 2015]

Poirot is asked by Gervase Chevenix to investigate possible fraud in a business relationship. Poirot arrives at Mr. Chevenix's home only to find a houseful of people who can't stand the man. It comes as no surprise to anyone when he's found dead. Inspector Japp initially calls is suicide, until Poirot starts asking questions. Once again, Poirot sets out to uncover a murderer.

While I don't necessarily enjoy Dead Man's Mirror as much as some of the others on IMDb, I readily admit it's very good. My complaint is that certain key points in the story are made way too obvious to the viewer. SPOILERS - Take Miss Lingard's relationship to Ruth Chevenix as an example. Was anyone really surprised when Poirot announced they were mother and daughter? I'm sure most saw it coming a mile away. And because of that, it's easy to spot the killer and the motivation behind the murder. - END SPOILERS

Still, as I said, it's a very good episode. While there's certainly a lot to enjoy, I'll focus on the supporting cast. Iain Cuthbertson is absolutely outstanding as the arrogant Gervase Chevenix. I'm not sure there's a more vial, pompous ass of a human being in any of the Poirot episodes. Also worth noting is Jeremy Northam. He's good. I thought he was great in The Tudors, so I enjoyed seeing him here.

I almost forgot, but I wanted to mention the score in Dead Man's Mirror. I think hauntingly beautiful and otherworldly are words I'd use to describe it. Really nice.

Overall, despite the problems I have with some of the staging, an 8/10 from me.

Short and sweet

[grantss · 7/10 · 31 May 2016]

Hercule Poirot is outbid for a mirror at an auction by a rather obnoxious man, Gervase Chevenix. After the auction Mr Chevenix approaches Poirot, wanting to hire him to investigate a man he believes has defrauded him out of a large sum of money. Poirot accepts and, with his friend Captain Hastings, travels to Mr Chevenix's estate to discuss the case and investigate. There he discovers that Mr Chevenix was trying to meddling in the romantic affairs of his adopted daughter and his nephew, and was generally disliked by everyone around him. That night he is found dead, shot, with a gun in his hand and the door and windows to the room locked. To Chief Inspector Japp it is clearly suicide but Poirot knows better.

Probably the shortest episode in the series, at about 50 minutes. Reasonably intriguing and baffling. It does feel rushed and too short though. Still, quite entertaining.

Awkward Anomaly

[khatkinson · 6/10 · 13 January 2023]

Having enjoyed almost all of the Suchet episodes, I was expecting this to be another pleasant escape. An immediate annoyance was the offputting and loud background music, which seemed to be an overwrought attempt to promote an eerie mood; sound effects also had a jarring effect. Lighting was unnatural, and close-ups out of frame; acting was overdramatic, and familiar characters that usually have a warm and comfortable relationship behaved like distant strangers. The small touches of humor and glimpses of contemporary life and Poirot's fastidious habits were missing.

This was filmed four years into the series, so it's a mystery why it is so different from the rest of the episodes. Though director Brian Farnham had been one of the three directors during the first season, the undertone of awkwardness permeated the production.

One of the best short entries in the series

[gridoon2024 · 7/10 · 25 March 2011]

Right after being beaten at an auction for a mirror by an arrogant and rich art collector, Hercule Poirot is invited to his mansion to investigate a matter of possible fraud. However, when he and Hastings get there something more serious than fraud awaits them - murder! Actually, it appears to be suicide, but Poirot is not so easily convinced.

Clever plot (the fun is in the details, like the bottle of champagne that is opened but not consumed) and complex morality (about which I can say no more, so as not to spoil anything) make "Dead Man's Mirror" one of the best short (50 min) "Poirot" entries, from one of the show's strongest periods (this episode was preceded by "The Chocolate Box" and followed by "Jewel Robbery At The Grand Metropolitan"). Only two minor issues: a) the two young male and the two young female characters look so much like each other that it's almost hard to tell them apart, at least on the first viewing, and b) that weird otherwordly music meant to suggest that there might be something "supernatural" going on (Agatha Christie fans know better, of course) gets a bit overplayed. *** out of 4.

Dead Man's Mirror

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 28 April 2018]

Hercule Poirot has his eye on a valuable mirror at an auction but is outbid by the wealthy Gervase Chevenix (Iain Cuthbertson) who is arrogant and obnoxious with his wealth. After he has outbit Poirot for the object he desires, Chevenix invites Poirot to see him as he believes he is being swindled. He offers the Poirot the chance to have the mirror. Despite the rudeness, Poirot goes down to see him.

Chevenix thinks a business associate has defrauded him, Poirot and Hastings discovers that he is an unpopular man. Unwilling to invest in his nephew's business idea for avantgarde furniture and Chevenix meddles in both his nephew's and adopted daughter's romantic interests.

Later in the evening everyone in the household hears a noise and rush to find that Chevenix is dead with a pistol in his hand with all the windows and doors locked. To Inspector Japp it looks like a suicide but Poirot is unconvinced.

This is an episode where everyone could be a suspect and there are some red herrings laid down by Poirot himself when he initially has a suspect in mind.

The episode leaves the viewer with little clues which points to the murderer, just a little hint here and there. It is pacy and wonderfully photographed.

Poirot -- A Murderer?

[rmax304823 · 6/10 · 4 June 2014]

The story begins with Poirot and Hastings at a high-end auction. Poirot is interested in an "iron-gate mirror" that would look good in the vestibule. He's prepared to go as high as ninety pounds. When the bid reaches eighty, Poirot nods and gives his bid. Somebody else continues to outbid him and Poirot leaves the auction in a low dudgeon. It had become a matter of personal honor with him, far outweighing any aesthetic or material considerations. That's why bargains on eBay are so rare. ("I WANT that thing and nobody else is going to get it!")

The winner invites Poirot and Hastings to the usual country mansion, where Poirot meets the rest of the family, family wannabees, and servants. Did someone hear a shot? The household bursts into the lord's study and finds him with a pistol in his hand and a bullet through his head. The question immediately arises: Did Poirot somehow engineer this "suicide" in a fit of pique? Probably not. The camera is on Poirot and his associated when the shot is heard from the study. Or was it a shot? Poirot finds an opened bottle of champagne from which no one has drunk. Another character claims she thought it was a car backfiring. This "backfire" business shows up repeatedly in mysteries and courtroom dramas -- but when is the last time anyone heard a car backfire? I'll tell you. It was eleven minutes before noon, October 3rd, 1921, in Hoboken, New Jersey.

In any case, you get the picture, and a familiar one it is. A rich man dies and there are half a dozen suspects, all of them with solid motives for doing him in. There is a fake scene near the end, a kind of ante-climax, in which Poirot seems to pin the dirty deed on a character I rather liked. There is a half-loony elderly woman who believes she's in touch with the spiritual world and channels a priestess of Ancient Egypt named Safra. I was once able to achieve the third Astral Plane, greeting Madame Blavatsky as I passed, and channeled an Ancient Egyptian too, only instead of a priestess I wound up with a lowly bus boy whose tongue had been cut out for wearing white after Labor Day.

I don't want to get into the plot in any more detail. Most of the details can be conjured up by the experienced fan quickly enough. I'll just add that Poirot's little gray cells might be been fused if only the person who opened the bottle of champagne had chug-a-lugged the whole thing.

The musical score sometimes closely resembles the music by which the apes discover the monolith at the beginning of "2001: A Space Odyssey," and it's just as unnerving here as it was there.

Ok but not great

[donlessnau-591-637730 · 6/10 · 19 July 2021]

It's an entertaining adaptation. They could have stayed faithful to the story and it would have been great but they chose to add stupid, silly, modern twists that were not in the original and added nothing to the story. Not bad but not great.

Too simplistic explanation forb a messy murder with a gun

[Carpe_diem_ · 12 November 2021]

Shouldn't the blood on the wall and window and maybe on the ground outside the window have alerted the police? A gun shot is alway ls messy and of the murderer shot the victim when he was standing near the window blood would have sprayed outside the window. Hence police.would have come to know that the suicide.was staged.

It lives up to the high standards we expect from this series.

[jamesraeburn2003 · 7/10 · 12 August 2023]

An arrogant art dealer called Gervase Chevenix (played by Iain Cuthbertson) outbids Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) for a pretty antique mirror at an auction. The detective is flabbergasted when Chevenix asks him to investigate a fraud case on his behalf in a manner that suggests he thinks he can order people around as though they are mere servants. His initial instincts are to refuse, but Poirot is intrigued and, accompanied by Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser), he goes to Chevenix's country house. That night Chevenix is found dead in his study, apparently having committed suicide since he was found with a gun in his hand, the said mirror smashed and the doors and windows locked from the inside. However, it isn't long before Poirot convinces Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) that Chevenix was murdered because he was right handed and the gun was found clenched in his left hand. In addition, the mirror was out of the line of fire and the bullet is nowhere to be found. Poirot discovers that just about everybody had a motive for murder. They include Chevenix's adopted daughter, Ruth (played by Emma Fielding), who has secretly married John Lake (played by Richard Lintern), an architect who Chevenix had suspected of defrauding him over a non-existent development project. In addition, Chevenix wanted Ruth to marry his nephew Hugo Trent (played by Jeremy Northam), and threatened to cut them both out of his will if they did not do as he wished. Poirot, in his usual way, sets a trap for the killer...

Dead Man's Mirror, adapted from an Agatha Christie short story, measures up to the high standards of the other episodes in this marvellous series. As ever, production values are high and the screenplay by Anthony Horowitz plays fair with the audience piling on the red herrings and clues before neatly tying them all together for a satisfying denouement. The cast are impressive with Zena Walker shining as the murdered man's superstitious wife, Vanda, who is into ancient Egyptian mythology. She has a "spiritual guide" in the form of Safra who was a servant to an ancient god called Amenhotep. She tells Poirot that Safra had predicted death within the Chevenix household. Walker's dreamy performance, complemented by Christopher Gunning's incidental music and Norman Langley's photography give the proceedings a genuinely creepy atmosphere. Iain Cuthbertson is excellent as Chevenix while Fiona Walker also deserves praise as the latter's research assistant, Miss Lingard, who is more involved in the case than her job role would imply evoking a real depth of feeling. The very assured direction is by Brian Farnham who made several outstanding contributions to this series.