SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 51:00 Min.
First broadcast on January 22, 1989, Renny Rye directed this early episode that Clive Exton adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1923 short story. Both Scotland Yard and Poirot are baited ahead of time daring them to prevent the abduction of a country squire’s young son from his own home. Despite Poirot and the police’s best efforts, young Johnnie Waverly still mysteriously vanishes.
It’s up to Poirot and Hastings to track down the enigmatic kidnapper (or, quite possibly, kidnappers) to save the young boy.
Hercule Poirot: David Suchet
Capt. Arthur Hastings: Hugh Fraser
Chief Inspector James Japp: Philip Jackson
Felicity Lemon: Pauline Moran
Ada Waverly: Julia Chambers
Johnnie Waverly: Dominic Rougier
Marcus Waverly: Geoffrey Bateman
Jessie Withers: Carol Frazer
Tredwell: Patrick Jordan
Miss Collins: Sandra Freeman
Police Sergeant: Phillip Manikum
Policemen: Jonathan Magnanti & Jona Jones
Hughes: Patrick Connor
Rogers: Robert Putt
Barmaid: Samantha Beckinsale
REVIEW:
Remaining faithful to Agatha Christie’s weak source material invariably backs this TV adaptation into a corner. In spite of an initially ominous premise, the plotting then deteriorates into a rather flimsy excuse for a mystery. Still, Poirot’s production values are stellar, even if this particular storyline is easily forgettable.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
