Hercule Poirot is hired by the London and Scottish Bank after one of their senior staff, Mr Shaw (played by David Quilter), was nearly killed in an attempted hit and run incident, which was clearly a murder attempt upon the banker. Shaw is due to transport $1,000,000 worth of Liberty bonds to New York on the Queen Mary ocean liner on its maiden voyage. Poirot is told that three people are to be entrusted with a key to the security case: Mr Vavasour (played by Ewan Hooper), the General Manager, Mr McNeil (played by Paul Young), the bank's head of security and Shaw. However, another attempt is made upon Shaw's life after someone laced his morning coffee with strychnine. Thankfully, he survives but is confined to his bed at home under the care of Nurse Long (played by Lizzy McInnery). Therefore, the Assistant Manager, Philip Ridgeway (played by Oliver Parker), is chosen to transport the bonds. Poirot and Captain Hastings accompany him on the voyage and his fiancée, who also happens to be Vavasour's secretary, Esmee Dalgleish (played by Natalie Ogle), implores them to make sure that he comes to no harm. Ridgeway happens to be the prime suspect for the murder attempts since it transpires that he had owned a car matching the description of that involved in the attempted hit and run on Mr Shaw. He is also revealed to be a gambler with substantial debts and has loan sharks pursuing him for money. On board the Queen Mary, Poirot meets a glamorous American lady called Miranda Brooks with whom Hastings has become fond of. However, due to his suffering from seasickness, he cannot keep a date with her. Later Ridgeway returns to his cabin following a card playing session to find the security case empty and the bonds gone. Hastings had seen Miranda on the deck and thought he had heard a splash as if something were being dumped overboard, which she denied. The Queen Mary docks in New York and the crew are surprised when Poirot tells them that a search of the ship will be useless. Back in England, all of the keys to the security case have been accounted for apart from Vavasour's and he is duly arrested. But, Poirot is unconvinced of his guilt and presents the solution to this puzzling mystery.
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery is a joy to watch. There is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period thanks to the superb sets and the lifelike photography of Chris O' Dell. Black and white newsreel footage documenting the Queen Mary's maiden voyage is used to enhance an air of authenticity. Acting is first rate throughout with Ewan Hooper, Oliver Parker, Paul Young, David Quilter and Lizzy McInnery all being of note. The latter is particularly good in a double role. The chemistry between Suchet and Fraser is splendid adding light touches to the plot. Andrew Grieve's direction is excellent, employing the use of clever visual touches including a close up of a poisoned coffee cup being propelled on a tea trolley to highlight its significance.
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery is a joy to watch. There is a strong feeling for place and the 1930's period thanks to the superb sets and the lifelike photography of Chris O' Dell. Black and white newsreel footage documenting the Queen Mary's maiden voyage is used to enhance an air of authenticity. Acting is first rate throughout with Ewan Hooper, Oliver Parker, Paul Young, David Quilter and Lizzy McInnery all being of note. The latter is particularly good in a double role. The chemistry between Suchet and Fraser is splendid adding light touches to the plot. Andrew Grieve's direction is excellent, employing the use of clever visual touches including a close up of a poisoned coffee cup being propelled on a tea trolley to highlight its significance.