Hercule Poirot is frustrated at not having had a case for a long time conceding that the criminal underworld are behaving themselves. However, Chief Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson) tells him about a raid on a jewellery shop in the Burlington Arcade where the thief was apprehended by members of public. But, it became clear that the thief had passed on the jewels to a confederate who could have only been one of the 'good citizens' who detained him since the gems found on the man's possession at the police station were fake. Poirot is then approached by Lady Millicent (played by Frances Barber) who asks him to retrieve a compromising letter from a man called Lavington (played by Terence Harvey) who is blackmailing her. Poirot, accompanied by Captain Hastings (played by Hugh Fraser), breaks into Lavington's home in Wimbledon and retrieves a trinket box with a complicated opening mechanism, which was cleverly concealed in a log in the fireplace. However, the box contains something far more valuable in one of its secret compartments and Poirot goes on to uncover the truth behind the Burlington Arcade robbery in which a criminal gang is exposed along with a case of blackmail that lead to murder. But is Lady Millicent as lovely and vulnerable as she appears to be? And who is Lavington?
The Veiled Lady is a highlight in this well-loved series acted and directed with a splendidly light touch by the cast and Edward Bennett. The chemistry between David Suchet as Poirot and his regular co-stars Philip Jackson and Hugh Fraser as the Yard man and Captain Hastings is still there and is a joy to watch. In this case, Poirot dons a disguise as a Swiss locksmith to 'case the joint' as he prepares to break into the blackmailer's house. However, the resident housekeeper (charmingly played by Carole Hayman) isn't deceived by him and calls the police as he and Hastings embark on their subterfuge. Hastings escapes by jumping through a window whilst Poirot is arrested and spends the night in the cells. Hastings alerts Japp who goes along to the station to get Poirot out and he jokes with the custody sergeant that his friend is a notorious criminal known as 'Mad Dog'. There is an amusing showdown between Poirot, the Yard and the crooks in a museum at the finale. Pauline Moran is also here as Poirot's secretary, Miss Lemon, but she doesn't have much to do here, although with what she has to do she does magnificently. The rest of the cast including Frances Barber and Terence Harvey all act their parts with distinction. As ever, the feeling for the 1930's period is strong and all the technical aspects are up to the series' usual high standards.
The Veiled Lady is a highlight in this well-loved series acted and directed with a splendidly light touch by the cast and Edward Bennett. The chemistry between David Suchet as Poirot and his regular co-stars Philip Jackson and Hugh Fraser as the Yard man and Captain Hastings is still there and is a joy to watch. In this case, Poirot dons a disguise as a Swiss locksmith to 'case the joint' as he prepares to break into the blackmailer's house. However, the resident housekeeper (charmingly played by Carole Hayman) isn't deceived by him and calls the police as he and Hastings embark on their subterfuge. Hastings escapes by jumping through a window whilst Poirot is arrested and spends the night in the cells. Hastings alerts Japp who goes along to the station to get Poirot out and he jokes with the custody sergeant that his friend is a notorious criminal known as 'Mad Dog'. There is an amusing showdown between Poirot, the Yard and the crooks in a museum at the finale. Pauline Moran is also here as Poirot's secretary, Miss Lemon, but she doesn't have much to do here, although with what she has to do she does magnificently. The rest of the cast including Frances Barber and Terence Harvey all act their parts with distinction. As ever, the feeling for the 1930's period is strong and all the technical aspects are up to the series' usual high standards.