Hercule Poirot is consulted by the arrogant, multi-millionaire pie manufacturer Benedict Farley (played by Alan Howard) who tells him that he suffers from a recurring nightmare in which he goes to his office window and shoots himself. Soon after Farley is found dead in his office by his secretary Hugo Cornworthy (also played by Alan Howard) in exactly the way his nightmare described. Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) believes that it was suicide, but Poirot is convinced that Farley was murdered. Certainly there are plenty of people who would have liked to see him dead. They include his daughter, Joanna (played by Joely Richardson), the main beneficiary of his will, who wants to marry the penniless Herbert Chodley (played by Martin Wenner) whom her father had disapproved of and got fired from his job. Meanwhile, his young widow Mrs Farley (played by Mary Tamm) has inherited £250,000 tax free. However, Poirot struggles to work out how the hated tycoon could have been murdered in a seemingly impregnable room - the killer could not have entered the office unseen and there is only a thick wall for a view out of the window. It is when his secretary, Miss Lemon (played by Pauline Moran), leans dangerously out of the window in order to see the clock tower for the time that he finally works out how it was done. Poirot assembles the entire Farley household in Farley's office where he reveals the solution to the affair.
Enormously enjoyable installment into ITV's acclaimed series based on the stories and characters of Agatha Christie. Alan Howard is excellent in the dual role of the despised Benedict Farley and his secretary Hugo Cornworthy. The characterizations in Clive Exton's script are well drawn too. At the start of the film we see Farley, accompanied by the local mayor, politicians and press, opening a new wing of his production plant with his staff down below on the production line. "My friends! "I hope I may call you my friends; after all I pay your wages", he addresses them much to the amusement of his distinguished, well-heeled guests whereas the staff aren't impressed at all. This shows the divide and disconnect between the wealthy, the powers that be and the hard pressed working classes who no doubt toil away in his factory for a pittance. Later, we see Farley's hostility towards those seeking trade union recognition describing them as "politically motivated" and anti-success whilst keeping them waiting outside of his office for ages for a meeting he clearly has no intention of holding. Howard's portrayal of this unpleasant individual contrasts nicely with that of the mild mannered Cornworthy. Yet, he may not be as meek and loyal as he seems. It has to be said that the acting is of a high standard by all concerned. Suchet is his usual impressive self as Poirot who gets excellent support from his regular co-stars Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran. There is an amusing scene at the end where Poirot presents Miss Lemon with a clock as a gift for providing him with the clue that was vital to his solving the case. But, really, all she wanted was a new typewriter since her old one has worn out and he didn't listen to her when she requested a replacement. Poirot proudly says he will never be a millionaire because he is "too considerate towards his employees". As we have come to expect from these films, there is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period. Costumes, settings, lighting and music are all impressive as is the direction by Edward Bennett.
Enormously enjoyable installment into ITV's acclaimed series based on the stories and characters of Agatha Christie. Alan Howard is excellent in the dual role of the despised Benedict Farley and his secretary Hugo Cornworthy. The characterizations in Clive Exton's script are well drawn too. At the start of the film we see Farley, accompanied by the local mayor, politicians and press, opening a new wing of his production plant with his staff down below on the production line. "My friends! "I hope I may call you my friends; after all I pay your wages", he addresses them much to the amusement of his distinguished, well-heeled guests whereas the staff aren't impressed at all. This shows the divide and disconnect between the wealthy, the powers that be and the hard pressed working classes who no doubt toil away in his factory for a pittance. Later, we see Farley's hostility towards those seeking trade union recognition describing them as "politically motivated" and anti-success whilst keeping them waiting outside of his office for ages for a meeting he clearly has no intention of holding. Howard's portrayal of this unpleasant individual contrasts nicely with that of the mild mannered Cornworthy. Yet, he may not be as meek and loyal as he seems. It has to be said that the acting is of a high standard by all concerned. Suchet is his usual impressive self as Poirot who gets excellent support from his regular co-stars Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran. There is an amusing scene at the end where Poirot presents Miss Lemon with a clock as a gift for providing him with the clue that was vital to his solving the case. But, really, all she wanted was a new typewriter since her old one has worn out and he didn't listen to her when she requested a replacement. Poirot proudly says he will never be a millionaire because he is "too considerate towards his employees". As we have come to expect from these films, there is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period. Costumes, settings, lighting and music are all impressive as is the direction by Edward Bennett.