A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery (TV Series) Strong Poison: Episode One (1987) User Reviews

It's a fairly good effort in all respects by the BBC to bring us the Harriet/Peter love affair

[fisherforrest · 8/10 · 15 January 2005]

Either from the novel or this film you might come away wondering why Lord Peter fell in love with Harriet Vane at first sight of her in the dock at the Old Bailey. Probably only Dorothy L. Sayers could explain that, and she tries throughout all three stories in this series. That he would be interested in the case, was his nature as Dorothy has presented him to us, but Harriet in the dock and afterward was such a "distant" woman to Peter's adoring advances. Would any normal suitor continue in the face of this "battlement"? Well, Lord Peter is not exactly normal. He says, repeatedly, that he admires her character and intelligence, even if she isn't "beautiful". Harriet Walter reflects all three throughout the series. Some commentators have said that Dorothy L. Sayers fell in love with "Lord Peter" and that "Harriet Vane" is a reflection of herself. It may be so, but luckily for us, Harriet Walter looks nothing like Dorothy.

The BBC has done a good job of giving us STRONG POISON (about which film these remarks are mainly directed), HAVE HIS CARCASE, and GAUDY NIGHT, with a "Harriet Vane" acted by a lady who would seem to have been born for the part. Petherbridge looks the part almost ideally, but his interpretation is somewhat more subdued than my conception of "Lord Peter" from having read the "canon" through at least half-a-dozen times since I first encountered Dorothy's sleuth about 1940. The "Bunter" we get seems a bit young, but these are minor cavils. A few strange changes were made from the novels in this otherwise faithful adaptation. For example, the action in the novel takes place around Christmas and after, with the murder having occurred in June. In the film, this sequence is reversed. I wonder why.

I suppose there are some who will see these films who have not read Sayers, so I must be careful not to spoil her rather clever denouement. My advice is, if such an one wants to play detective, to get a good poison reference source and read up on arsenic poisoning and its history. That might prove as fascinating as the film and novel!

Pretty Nice Adaptation

[fuzzycat · 9/10 · 11 May 2006]

I discovered Sayers' Peter Winsey stories, as many people in the US did, via the 1970s PBS series with Ian Carmichael in the title role for 5 novel adaptations. Very nice for the time (and still enjoyable in their DVD incarnation).

Went on to read the various Wimsey novels & short stories, only to discover, that in addition to numerous short stories and a couple weaker novels, there were 3 major novels in the series involving a love interest for Lord Peter: Harriet Vane, a mystery writer. Were these never to be filmed? Mr Carmichael was getting no younger! Then in the latter 1980s, they were released: _Strong Poison_, _Have his Carcase_, and _Gaudy Night_. Possibly due merely to the passage of time, the technical production of this latter set is simply much better. The sets look like what they are supposed to be, not like sets. And the annoying contrast between the video quality of real outdoor scenes - poor - and indoor (set) shots, so noticeable in the 70s stories is not evident in the later set. The characterization of Edward Petherbridge as Wimsey is also more true, I believe, to the majority of the Wimsey novels: He is a man supremely confident in his capabilities, but surprisingly vulnerable in many ways relating to WHO he is, especially in his relations to the lady. She is charmingly and assertively played by Harriet Walter, and I find no discrepancies in the way she plays the character when compared to the books. The director and scriptwriter for the latter set are also to be commended by the way they hint at much of the underlying personal turmoil, especially on Harriet Vane's part in the culminating _Gaudy_, without resorting to gimmicks such as added-on soliloquy or narrated voice-over. They, wisely I think, did not attempt to address Sayers' own conflict between the writing of 'detective novels' and writing serious academic material that was such an element of character Vane in the written _Gaudy_. It somewhat interfered with the novel and would have made the film a yawner.

I only regret -somewhat- the producers did not attempt to follow up with one additional Petherbridge-Walter production, _Busman's Honeymoon_, to give us one last chance at seeing Peter and Harriet Wimsey fully in harness and working together to forge a marriage and catch a crook. The 3 films from the 1980s are also available on DVD.

Great acting ...

[Menolly-3 · 9/10 · 3 November 1999]

The acting in this series is excellent; the episodes suffer from the usual problems of being abridged, and it is distinctly helpful to know the books - otherwise you may find yourself somewhat lost as the show gallops through the plot in three hours per story. You may also fall into the odd plot hole that has opened up.

Having said that, Dorothy L Sayers is delightful - no matter how mutilated by dramatisation - and the production and acting enhance that delight.

A suspenseful set of mysteries that challenge the mind.

[Jenn-47 · 10/10 · 25 September 1999]

The Lord Peter Wimsey special as seen on Mystery on PBS is fantastic and a great delight. The acting is superb and the characters are very much like the book characters created by Dorothy L. Sayers. There are three books which the series are based off of and each provides a delightful mystery that leaves you racking your brain trying to figure out "whodunit". The three titles within this series are "Strong Poison", "Have His Carcase", and "Gaudy Night". Unfortunately, these are not available on video at the time, but I hope for all mystery fans and Lord Peter fans that the BBC will be encouraged to release them soon.

Brilliant acting; don't settle for Ian Carmichael!

[Galaxial Tempest · 27 January 2002]

Edward Petherbridge is the only Wimsey. His performance showed not only His Lordship's sharp intellect and cutting wit; but the more subtle angst woven into the character.

The tentative and complex relationship with Miss Harriet Vane (accused murderess - and you thought your love life was a challenge!)is played to perfection.

Oh, yes - and there's a mystery too.

See this one, and enjoy!

The Quintessential Lord Peter and Harriet Vane

[avanderson1031 · 10/10 · 20 April 2001]

These mysteries (based on the Dorothy L. Sayers novels Strong

Poison, Have His Carcase and Gaudy Night) represent the truest

adaptations of Ms. Sayers characters on film. Edward Petherbridge and Harriet Walter bring Lord Peter and Harriet Vane

to life in a way not seen before or since. Not only are these stories

well acted (even the minorest of characters is exquisitely cast) but

they capture the subtlies, nuances and style of the books. I have

been watching for these to come out on video for many years.

Don't miss them if you have the chance.

Closest to Dorothy L. Sayers' characterizations of Perer & Harriet

[strat-flats · 9/10 · 24 April 2007]

Having read all of the Dorothy L. Sayers books and stories at least a dozen times over the years, I must say that the Petherbridge/Walters' series is quite excellent and very close to the spirit of the books, not to mention vastly superior to the Ian Charmichael dramatizations. The complex characterizations Sayers developed over the 12 novels are masterfully carried out by both main characters, especially with regard to the tumultuous developing relationship between Peter and Harriet. To those who have criticized the "low-keyed" or "understated" portrayal of Peter by Petherbridge, I would say that there always was a contrast in the books between the confident and secure Peter of professional situations and the Peter who is unsure of himself in personal situations, especially in his love for Harriet. The more unsure he is of her returning his affections, the more unsure he becomes and the more he "treats his own sincerest feelings like something out of a comic opera". In those parts of the stories when he is dealing with Bunter or the other supporting characters, you see a stronger, more confident Peter.

My only criticism of these stories is that, especially in Gaudy Night, they could not investigate more of the intellectual side to the characters and the story, although I understand that those elements might not have been as popular with the viewing public. I, too, wish they could have done "Busman's Honeymoon" to finish off the quartet of stories but I understand that there were problems obtaining the rights. Such a shame for all of us!

Petherbridge's Wimsey is on DVD

[TinaRhea · 9/10 · 11 November 2006]

At last this series, with Petherbridge as Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Walter as Harriet Vane-- Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, and Gaudy Night-- IS available on DVD. I bought the US edition, but I see they are also for sale at Amazon.co.UK in what I assume is a UK edition. The adapters gutted Gaudy Night and gave an extra fifty minutes instead to the second (and, I feel, least interesting) of the three books, but the charm of the principals is well worth watching. I wish they had also filmed Busman's Honeymoon. The casting of the series is very good, especially in Gaudy Night. Petherbridge just fits Sayers' description of Lord Peter, and is a dab hand with a monocle. It's delightful to hear Harriet Vane tell him that "if anyone does marry you, it will be for the pleasure of hearing you talk piffle." The Dowager Duchess is also spot on. If you haven't read the story, Lord Peter becomes infatuated with a woman on trial for murdering her lover, and has a month in which to try to prove her innocence... and perhaps persuade her to marry him.

Charming and Budgetless

[Pickwick12 · 7/10 · 1 November 2005]

As with many British miniseries, this one obviously did not cost very much compared to a major motion picture or even a more mainstream television show. Nevertheless, the excellence of material and acting more than makes up for any deficiencies.

Dorothy Sayers' novels are mystery classics, and these adaptations remain true to her stories. Of course, one person's interpretation of a role may be very different from another's, but I was especially struck with the way Harriet Vane is portrayed. It's as if she walked straight out of the pages of the books. Edward Petherbridge is marvelous as Lord Peter, though he does not act the role in exactly the way I would have expected. He is a bit more mild mannered and sedate that I had envisioned Lord Peter to be. He is irresistibly charming anyway.

For me, some of the most important aspects of the books and films are their Britishness and their scholarly quality, both of which are amply in evidence in these adaptations.

Despite what appear to be penny pinching production values, this set is well worth watching and re-watching for its engaging plots and marvelous characters.

Absurd

[keith-moyes-656-481491 · 5/10 · 19 October 2012]

This appears to be a fairly faithful adaptation of the book, in which case the reputation of Dorothy L Sayers must be called into question.

Harriet Vane is on trial for murdering her former lover, Phillip Boyes. On the basis of a newspaper photograph, Lord Peter Wimsey decides she is innocent. He watches her in court for a few minutes and immediately falls in love with her. When the jury fails to reach a verdict he offers her his help; proposing marriage in their very first meeting. He seems crestfallen by her refusal.

Absurd.

Suspecting suicide, he asks his old friend Inspector Parker to question the landlady of a pub which Boyes might have visited on the evening of his death. Although the incident occurred 6 months earlier and Boyes was in the pub for less than ten minutes, she remembers him, together with all the details of his visit and the day on which it occurred. I do not know which is more unlikely: that she would remember, or that Parker would agree to waste police time by even asking.

Absurd.

This proves to be a red herring and the story veers off unequivocally in the direction of murder. With time now running out for Harriet, it is just as well that there is only one suspect to investigate, Urquhart, the solicitor.

However, from this point on the two protagonists become marginal figures in the story. Harriet languishes in prison and Wimsey mopes around his London flat, while all the evidence is gathered by other people. He enlist the help of an old school friend who works in the City; Bunter (his butler); Miss Murchison (a typist): and Miss Climpson (who runs a typing agency). In order to nail Urquhart, Miss Murchison is taught to pick locks and Miss Murchison (on her own initiative) masters table turning and other spiritualist tricks. Given the dubious legality of what they are doing, this pair of acquaintances must be considered especially obliging.

Absurd.

At this point, Wimsey knows the motive for the murder but not how it was done. Several hours of deep thought cracks that problem, but to confirm his theory he sends Bunter to Urquhart's barber to collect samples of his hair and nail clippings (I am not making this up - Sayers did that).

Although Wimsey now has the complete picture of what actually happened, he doesn't really have any evidence that would stand up in Court. Fortunately, when he confronts Urquhart with his accusations this cool, calculating murderer immediately panics, forgets all his legal training, and blabs his guilt.

Absurd.

As the credits roll, there remain many unanswered questions: why Urquhart doesn't just forge his aunt's will rather than risk murder; why he settles on a murder plan that takes 18 months to set up, when his aunt could die at any moment; why Harriet felt it was necessary to actually purchase poison on several different occasions just to prove it could be done; and what caused Boyes to fall ill several times before his eventual death?

This 'one idea', 'one suspect' story is such a farrago of improbability that it seems unnecessary to comment on the actual production (which is generally OK) so I will only say a few words about the two leads.

Harriet Vane is an unexpectedly modern character, excellently played by Harriet Walter, although this story doesn't give her very much to do.

Wimsey is inherently more difficult to sell to a contemporary audience and I am not sure Edward Petherbridge was the right actor for the job. He obviously wants to distance himself from Ian Charmichael's interpretation, but that means he underplays all Wimsey's peculiarities of speech and manner and turns him into a droopy nonentity. The banter that Sayers has provided for him is so lame and leaden that when he says to Harriet "at least I can make you laugh" he is having to fudge the distinction between being amusing and being laughable.

The DVD acknowledges Ian Carmichael's earlier Wimsey but asserts that Petherbridge brings a new youthfulness to the role. Unfortunately, he doesn't: they were both 51 (and both too old) when they took up the part. Petherbridge is immaculately coiffured and smothered in make-up but this makes him look creepy rather than young.

Arguably, Carmichael played himself rather than Wimsey, but at least he registered: Petherbridge is often just a hole in the screen.

I hope the second story in the series will be better.

The Strong Poison of Attraction

[tedg · 2 May 2003]

Spoilers herein.

I made a mistake that I would wish you to avoid, dear Reader. Knowing all the books, I started with the video of `Gaudy Night,' because that book is the most intelligent of Sayers'. It deals with a self-referential nature of what is written and what is real with an amazingly rich confabulation of her ideas and Harriet's, struggling with the attraction of Wimsey. Wimsey lives in part as a traditional detective, avatar of the reader in a struggle with the writer for control over the logic of the story. But he also is a creation of the writer's, a child and lover of sorts. That book intelligently wandered through that curious, ambiguous territory. But the video did not, a great disappointment.

This one, both an earlier book and video, does much much better. Bunter is still largely passive, and the Mums are strangely absent. But there is some preservation of the parallelisms of writer and written and of love that appears and love that is created. Harriet Walter is just right for Vane: a nervous curiosity, a willingness to take great risks but questioning all the way. Here attractiveness to Wimsey is based on the fact that she is an adventuresome writer in a world that is obviously at least partly written.

There is the preservation of the discussion of writing this very book, while she is in `prison.' The adapter also preserves the self-reference by introducing a calendar countdown in the form of a billboard for an upcoming drama. Very clever. The visit to "bohemia" is necessarily toned down (a sad loss) but in its place is an interesting shorthand: the business with the nude model (uncredited on IMDB), Imogene, who is a civil servant.

All in all, see this one first. The book is less ambitious, and the adaptation better preserves much of its intelligence.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 4: Worth watching.

Edward Petherbridge is Lord Peter Wimsey!

[dittomom · 26 December 2006]

I had read every single one of the Lord Peter Wimsey series and was a little anxious to see the movie. Too often the actors just don't fit the mental image one develops over time. But, i have to say that Edward Petherbridge fits perfectly my mental image! He fits Dorothy Sayers' physical description of Lord Peter Wimsey and also the actress that played Harriet Vane was well casted. The whole feel of the scenery captured the time perfectly. A great recreation of a Dorothy Sayers' book! I'm afraid i've been ruined for Ian Carmichael (the other actor who plays Lord Peter Wimsey) ! In the beginning the recitation of the case was a little too long. i think this could have been condensed but it does set out the whole case before getting into the movie.

If only these excellent films could be released on video!

[twyneham · 17 May 2000]

I very much enjoy Dorothy L Sayers' detective stories, and I loved the Lord Peter Wimsey series of three stories produced by the BBC. I thought Edward Petherbridge made a convincing and lovable Wimsey, and Harriet Walter was cool and independent as Harriet Vane. I wrote to the BBC several times asking if these films could be shown again on TV or released as videos, but to no avail. I believe the films were later shown on UK Gold, but we didn't have cable TV at the time. It seems such a shame that such good films should never be seen again, but as time has gone by I have gradually lost hope that they ever will be re-shown.

Titles available on DVD now

[NineLivesBurra · 6 September 2006]

I have seen all three of these titles.......I found them absolutely charming and very much like the books.

The way in which Harriet tries to keep Peter at arms length and then capitulates beautifully.......I loved it. The second Titles for me was a good way of developing Harriet's own abilities, not just as a crime novelist but as a detective in her own right. I would love to see these two in the new title "A Presumption of Death". They would do it inexorably well.

I have these titles on DVD, Region 1 I think. I needed a new DVD player to play them as they would only play in the US, normally.