The only frequent "other" person in this Agatha Christie mystery besides Hercule Poirot is Captain Hastings. Chief Inspector Japp and Miss Lemon got a holiday from this entry in the TV film series. But, Poirot does get other help in "Dumb Witness." It comes from Monsieur Bob, a wire Fox Terrier that is the pet of Emily Arundel. The clever, cute and curious dog is the dumb witness to the first attempt on the life of his mistress.
This mystery is among the very best of an excellent collection of some 70 Poirot stories that Christie wrote. Up to the very last, I had no idea who the villain might be. I had exhausted the list of suspects as, one by one, they were plainly eliminated. Even then, the ending caught me by surprise. And, I could see how it took Poirot the time it did to solve this one. The mystery of Madam Arundel's death with the circumstances about her will would throw even the world's greatest detective off the trail. At least for a while, as here.
Still, Poirot eventually pieces it all together - with the help of Bob, and surprises everyone when he reveals the murderer. This story has the usual outstanding qualities one comes to expect of the Poirot series produced for BBC (U.K.) and PBS (U.S.A.) airing. The scenery, camera work, costuming, technical production and direction and acting are superb.
A host of top actors join David Suchet and Hugh Fraser in bringing this intriguing tale to life. Patrick Ryecart and Kate Buffery are particularly good as Charles and Theresa. They play the snobbish and selfish nephew and niece to perfection. And, Pauline Jameson and Muriel Pavlow are very good as the giddy, superstitious but kind Tripp sisters, Isabel and Julia.
Here are some favorite lines from the film. For more dialog lines, see the Quotes section under this IMDb web page of the movie.
Captain Hastings, "I just wondered if you were having trouble sleeping." Hercule Poirot, "So you awaken me to inquire? That is friendship indeed, Hastings."
Captain Hastings, "Marvelous view over here, Poirot. Come and take a look." Hercule Poirot, "No. We will take your word for it."
Hercule Poirot, "Hastings, a favor. Whatever I should say, you are not in agreement." Captain Hastings, "Did I ever do otherwise, Poirot?"