I love episodes like Sad Cypress, Five Little Pigs and Peril At End House, but The ABC Murders deserves to be up there with the best of them. It was a near-perfect, top notch and thrilling episode. There are one or two slow moments, and before I realised that there was half an hour left I had the impression as I haven't read the book that I had been told too much, but these are the only problems I had with it. The plot is complicated with plenty of surprises, but is well constructed and well explained. The adaptation looks splendid, not in a sumptuous visual style like say Sad Cypress but in a dark haunting visual style like something like Hickory Dickory Dock. The music is enough to make the hairs stand up on your neck, it certainly did that to mine. The acting from all involved is exceptional, whilst David Suchet gives an impeccable performance as always as Poirot, it is Donald Sumpter who walks away with the acting honours in one of the best supporting performances in the history of the Poirot run. It is considered as one of Suchet's favourite Poirots, and you know what, it is easy to see why. It is superb. 9/10 Bethany Cox
22 Reviews
one of the best
blanche-228 October 2014
Poirot investigates a series of killings in "The ABC Murders" in this excellent adaptation. As Hastings reappears after an absence, Poirot receives letters from a serial killer, calling himself ABC, who tells Poirot the city where the next murder will take place. At the scene of each crime, he leaves the ABC railroad schedule. The murders seem to have the same last name initial as the name of the town.
The authorities think the killer is insane, but Poirot doesn't. He believes there is a real method to the killer's madness. It takes a while, but Poirot finally figures it out.
Wonderful, exciting adaptation, and if you haven't read the book (or like me read it a hundred years ago) it's even more thrilling since you won't know the solution.
I love Poirot, Hastings, and Japp together. Suchet is so perfect as Poirot except for one small thing. Agatha Christie came to hate Poirot. There's no way she would have hated THIS Poirot. She found him "insufferable" and an "egocentric creep." Despite being fussy, egomaniacal, and arrogant, Suchet somehow gives Poirot warmth and a camaraderie with Japp and Hastings. I just love his interpretation. You can't hate him.
The authorities think the killer is insane, but Poirot doesn't. He believes there is a real method to the killer's madness. It takes a while, but Poirot finally figures it out.
Wonderful, exciting adaptation, and if you haven't read the book (or like me read it a hundred years ago) it's even more thrilling since you won't know the solution.
I love Poirot, Hastings, and Japp together. Suchet is so perfect as Poirot except for one small thing. Agatha Christie came to hate Poirot. There's no way she would have hated THIS Poirot. She found him "insufferable" and an "egocentric creep." Despite being fussy, egomaniacal, and arrogant, Suchet somehow gives Poirot warmth and a camaraderie with Japp and Hastings. I just love his interpretation. You can't hate him.
An Agatha Christie mystery as audacious as the killer's plan!
gridoon20247 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A serial killer strikes in London: he selects his targets in alphabetical order of name and location. He also sends letters to Hercule Poirot, signing as "ABC", boasting about his "accomplishments" and challenging Poirot to find him.
Reportedly this is one of the favorite Poirot episodes of David Suchet himself, and you can see why. Agatha Christie has rarely been more audacious in her misleading and manipulating the (reading & viewing) audience than she is here. Halfway through, you may feel a slight disappointment, that the film has told you too much; stick with it and you'll find out why this is not the case. They often say "seeing is believing", but in this story sometimes you shouldn't even believe what you can see with your own eyes! All this, and some priceless Poirot-Hastings interaction as well: a top-notch episode. (***)
Reportedly this is one of the favorite Poirot episodes of David Suchet himself, and you can see why. Agatha Christie has rarely been more audacious in her misleading and manipulating the (reading & viewing) audience than she is here. Halfway through, you may feel a slight disappointment, that the film has told you too much; stick with it and you'll find out why this is not the case. They often say "seeing is believing", but in this story sometimes you shouldn't even believe what you can see with your own eyes! All this, and some priceless Poirot-Hastings interaction as well: a top-notch episode. (***)
Well done, well acted
pawebster29 January 2006
The book is a good one and it has been well dramatized here. Donald Sumpter is excellent as the travelling salesman, Cust.
It's unlike other Christies in that most of the victims are not wealthy or aristocratic. The scenes in the Andover shop and at Bexhill are (perhaps unintentionally) touching. The deaths are really sad -- which is almost never the case in a Christie book, where murder is only a chance for an interesting puzzle and the victim is quite often a nasty tyrant whom almost everyone wants dead. When Hastings is moved by the scene in Andover, Poirot brushes his comments aside, saying they must not succumb to sentimentality.
Entertaining. Recommended.
It's unlike other Christies in that most of the victims are not wealthy or aristocratic. The scenes in the Andover shop and at Bexhill are (perhaps unintentionally) touching. The deaths are really sad -- which is almost never the case in a Christie book, where murder is only a chance for an interesting puzzle and the victim is quite often a nasty tyrant whom almost everyone wants dead. When Hastings is moved by the scene in Andover, Poirot brushes his comments aside, saying they must not succumb to sentimentality.
Entertaining. Recommended.
The Quintessential Poirot
Sleepin_Dragon7 October 2015
Serial killer ABC plots their murders using an apparent infatuation of the alphabet to choose their victims. ABC opts to taunt Poirot by writing to him, goading him, bragging of their successes and the failings of the Police and authorities. With the assistance of The Police and the nearest and dearest of the victims Poirot sets about catching the clever and dangerous ABC.
I think in all honesty it's this one that got me hooked in Poirot. It has all the elements necessary for an outstanding murder mystery. It looks wonderful, the 1930's are wonderfully recreated, lots of Art deco to admire. Some of the settings are lovely too, the scenes in Bexhill and by the promenade look beautiful. The story is really intriguing and intelligent.
I love the music throughout, it works so well at building up the tension.
Suchet made the role of Poirot his own, nobody else even comes close, he is fabulous in this one, particularly in the conclusion. The trio of Poirot, Japp and Hastings (and Miss Lemon when she's there) work brilliantly well together, but the plaudits in this one have to go to Donald Sumpter, he portrays Cust brilliantly, he's hugely troubled, guilt ridden, scared and his world is falling apart around him. A quick mention for Vivienne Burgess too, only a small role as Lady Clark, but she was excellent.
It's wonderful from start to finish. It shows just how clever Poirot is, Christie's genius shines through, one of the best adaptations. 10/10
I think in all honesty it's this one that got me hooked in Poirot. It has all the elements necessary for an outstanding murder mystery. It looks wonderful, the 1930's are wonderfully recreated, lots of Art deco to admire. Some of the settings are lovely too, the scenes in Bexhill and by the promenade look beautiful. The story is really intriguing and intelligent.
I love the music throughout, it works so well at building up the tension.
Suchet made the role of Poirot his own, nobody else even comes close, he is fabulous in this one, particularly in the conclusion. The trio of Poirot, Japp and Hastings (and Miss Lemon when she's there) work brilliantly well together, but the plaudits in this one have to go to Donald Sumpter, he portrays Cust brilliantly, he's hugely troubled, guilt ridden, scared and his world is falling apart around him. A quick mention for Vivienne Burgess too, only a small role as Lady Clark, but she was excellent.
It's wonderful from start to finish. It shows just how clever Poirot is, Christie's genius shines through, one of the best adaptations. 10/10
"Tightly plotted, thrilling and exciting."
jamesraeburn200320 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Captain Hastings returns to London from South America and both he and his old friend Poirot are immediately drawn into their most difficult case yet. Poirot has received a letter from an anonymous writer who calls himself ABC. In the letter, the writer boasts that he is cleverer than Poirot and Scotland Yard and warns him of a murder that is to be committed in Andover. When Chief Inspector Japp of the yard investigates further, it turns out that an elderly shopkeeper called Alice Asher was battered to death on the exact date that the letter said a killing in that town would occur. In addition, a copy of the ABC railway guide was found beside her body opened at the corresponding pages. Poirot subsequently receives three more letters from ABC, an unknown serial killer who selects the towns and names of his victims in alphabetical order. For instance, in Bexhill-On-Sea, a flirtatious waitress called Betty Barnard is strangled on the beach. In Churston, millionaire tycoon Sir Carmichael Clarke is clubbed and killed while in Doncaster, an innocent cinema goer is stabbed in the local cinema while watching a film. In common with the first killing, a copy of the ABC railway guide was found beside each body. The most likely explanation behind the crimes is that they are the work of a psychopath who is determined to prove his superiority to Poirot and the police force. This theory is strengthened because even the most detailed investigations can find no link between any of the victims. However, things begin to change when a possible suspect is found in Alexander Bonaparte Cust, a seemingly ordinary stocking salesman (though highly nervous and neurotic) whom happened to be on the scene of every crime on the day they occurred. When a blood stained knife is found on Cust's person at his lodgings, he is arrested and Japp thinks that the case is closed. However, Poirot isn't satisfied of Cust's guilt because he no longer believes the crimes to be the work of a lunatic, but of a clever murderer who wished his crimes to look as if they were committed as such. In addition, Poirot isn't convinced that Cust would of been cunning or even clever enough to devise such a scheme and he calls all the interested parties together and reveals the solution to this baffling case in his usual inimitable fashion...
Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders was first published in 1936 and had been filmed previously in 1966 as an ill-advised comedy thriller starring Tony Randall as Poirot and Robert Morley as Captain Hastings in a contemporary setting*. Thankfully, twenty-seven years later in 1992, London Weekend Television gave us this fine adaptation, which returned the story to its original 1930's setting and wisely concentrated on the plot rather than a series of gags. Under Andrew Grieve's flawless direction, it becomes a tightly plotted, thrilling and exciting detective story in which the costumes, lighting, acting and all other technical aspects have exactly the right touch. It is a shame that this film wasn't given a theatrical release as it's that good it ought to have been. Clive Exton's dramatisation is spot on and David Suchet had by now established himself as the best screen Poirot. He is ably supported by Philip Jackson as Japp and Hugh Fraser as Hastings. In almost every episode, some light comedy is introduced between them into the script in order to relieve the tension of the story. In this case, Hastings is forever trying to relate his boring story of how he shot a large crocodile and stuffed it as a gift for Poirot. Poirot was none too pleased with this gift but in order to be polite he shows his gratitude while both he and Japp try to avoid hearing Hastings' story at all costs. As always with this series, every member of the supporting cast has been chosen on the basis of their suitability to play Christie's characters and among them Donald Douglas as Sir Carmichael Clarke's suave brother Franklin and Donald Sumpter as the tortured Alexander Bonaparte Cust are standout.
* The Alphabet Murders (1966) Directed by: Frank Tashlin
Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders was first published in 1936 and had been filmed previously in 1966 as an ill-advised comedy thriller starring Tony Randall as Poirot and Robert Morley as Captain Hastings in a contemporary setting*. Thankfully, twenty-seven years later in 1992, London Weekend Television gave us this fine adaptation, which returned the story to its original 1930's setting and wisely concentrated on the plot rather than a series of gags. Under Andrew Grieve's flawless direction, it becomes a tightly plotted, thrilling and exciting detective story in which the costumes, lighting, acting and all other technical aspects have exactly the right touch. It is a shame that this film wasn't given a theatrical release as it's that good it ought to have been. Clive Exton's dramatisation is spot on and David Suchet had by now established himself as the best screen Poirot. He is ably supported by Philip Jackson as Japp and Hugh Fraser as Hastings. In almost every episode, some light comedy is introduced between them into the script in order to relieve the tension of the story. In this case, Hastings is forever trying to relate his boring story of how he shot a large crocodile and stuffed it as a gift for Poirot. Poirot was none too pleased with this gift but in order to be polite he shows his gratitude while both he and Japp try to avoid hearing Hastings' story at all costs. As always with this series, every member of the supporting cast has been chosen on the basis of their suitability to play Christie's characters and among them Donald Douglas as Sir Carmichael Clarke's suave brother Franklin and Donald Sumpter as the tortured Alexander Bonaparte Cust are standout.
* The Alphabet Murders (1966) Directed by: Frank Tashlin
BBC1 and Sarah Phelps - Take Note
dancingduade30 December 2018
Just re-watched this after that fiasco on BBC1. Excellent acting and no reliance on shock factors (Oh how clever to include swearing and a gratuitous scene involving high heels and a back). This is how to dramatize a Christie book - Sarah Phelps, you talentless hack, and the BBC for commissioning that disgrace, take note.
The ABC Murders
Prismark1029 October 2017
The contrast with this feature length episode and the much later ones cannot be more stark.
Despite the longer running time, The ABC Murders does not feel padded. The art direction is exquisite even for small street scenes. More importantly it has dashes of humour even though the storyline is dark. I actually laughed several times.
Captain Hastings returns to London from South America with a smelly stuffed crocodile as a gift for Poirot. Almost immediately Poirot's little grey cells are being tasked.
Poirot receives a series of anonymous letters from a killer who calls himself ABC who taunts him by telling Poirot where he will strike next. The killer leaves an ABC railroad schedule at the scene of the murders, the victims appear to be random but the killer seems to have an obsession with an adherence to alphabetical order both in the names of the victims and the town or city the deaths occur.
Poirot gets the friends and families of the various victims together to look for any common clues in order to find the serial killer. Suspicion falls on a shell shocked war veteran who is a door to door stocking salesman. The press are going hysterical with alliterative headlines.
Poirot suspects that not all of the victims were random.
The ABC murders is an intriguing episode which was simply well made, the characters are comfortable with each other, Japp joking about receding hairline to Hastings, it tries to divert you to a cul de sac but Poirot is too wily for that.
Despite the longer running time, The ABC Murders does not feel padded. The art direction is exquisite even for small street scenes. More importantly it has dashes of humour even though the storyline is dark. I actually laughed several times.
Captain Hastings returns to London from South America with a smelly stuffed crocodile as a gift for Poirot. Almost immediately Poirot's little grey cells are being tasked.
Poirot receives a series of anonymous letters from a killer who calls himself ABC who taunts him by telling Poirot where he will strike next. The killer leaves an ABC railroad schedule at the scene of the murders, the victims appear to be random but the killer seems to have an obsession with an adherence to alphabetical order both in the names of the victims and the town or city the deaths occur.
Poirot gets the friends and families of the various victims together to look for any common clues in order to find the serial killer. Suspicion falls on a shell shocked war veteran who is a door to door stocking salesman. The press are going hysterical with alliterative headlines.
Poirot suspects that not all of the victims were random.
The ABC murders is an intriguing episode which was simply well made, the characters are comfortable with each other, Japp joking about receding hairline to Hastings, it tries to divert you to a cul de sac but Poirot is too wily for that.
Outstanding!
Kirktrate3 February 2019
Well crafted adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic and David Suchet shines once again in a great performance as the Belgian detective. I watched this outstanding version after suffering through the dreadful new John Malkovich offering. Just as Jeremy Brett was, and still is, the perfect Sherlock Holmes, so is David Suchet the one and only Hercule Poirot. Here we learn simply being John Malkovich isn't close to being Poirot!
A Faithful Television Movie Version of The Christie novel
theowinthrop15 June 2006
David Suchet succeeded where Charles Laughton and Tony Randall failed. Like Albert Finney and Peter Ustinov, Suchet became the definitively correct "Hercule Poirot" in a series of television versions of the Agatha Christie stories. Playing the role seriously, but brightening the role with flashes of humor, Suchet makes the eccentric former Belgian Police Chief seem real and not a caricature.
He is well supported in his series with Philip Jackson as his friend and rival Superintendent Jopp of Scotland Yard, and Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings (Poirot's "Watson"). But it is the care of the casting director and the screen writers who have kept the series going so very well all this time.
I have chosen THE ABC MURDERS to symbolize the best work in the series in maintaining what Dame Agatha sought - an honest attempt to tell her mysteries straight and with full entertainment value. You have to compare this version with the funny but spoof version with Tony Randall called THE ALPHABET MURDERS to understand.
SPOILER COMING UP The way THE ALPHABET MURDERS was developed it is supposed (by Scotland Yard and even a confused Poirot/Randall) that the murders are committed by a woman (Anita Eckbert) with psychiatric problems. The key to the psychiatric problem seems to be that Eckbert's character is killing people off who have first and second names with the same letter, so that the murders are A.A., B.B., C.C., D.D., etc.
Now part of this is actually in the original novel. The victims of the mysterious killer do have names that follow the alphabetical pattern. But in the original there is no lovely looking "Anita Eckbert" character. There is a gentleman named "Alexander Bonaparte Cuff" (Donald Sumpter) whom pieces of evidence from the police suggest is that homicidal killer. He is a quiet, respectable type - a lover of chess. And when Poirot meets him he realizes that Cuff could not be the killer. So he reviews the killings, and finds the flaw the killer overlooked.
But it is a close case. And it involves one of the most unattractive killers in Christie's works. He is an ambitious killer, who sees a chance to make millions at everyone's expense (especially the murder victims). He also is (in the novel more than this version, unfortunately), quite a belligerent bigot - constantly referring to Poirot as a "frog" (Poirot is Belgian, not French). In the novel, when he is finally revealed by Poirot, and thwarted in a last suicide attempt, he snarls another "Dirty Frog" comment - and is told off by Poirot that given the underhanded, sneaky, and cowardly manner he used to commit his crimes he really did not live up to British standards. Figuratively, Poirot leaves some spit in the face of the killer - a rare action of retaliation by the detective. That (as I said) is not in this version, but the fact that the original story was used raises this as the best version of THE ABC MURDERS that was done.
He is well supported in his series with Philip Jackson as his friend and rival Superintendent Jopp of Scotland Yard, and Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings (Poirot's "Watson"). But it is the care of the casting director and the screen writers who have kept the series going so very well all this time.
I have chosen THE ABC MURDERS to symbolize the best work in the series in maintaining what Dame Agatha sought - an honest attempt to tell her mysteries straight and with full entertainment value. You have to compare this version with the funny but spoof version with Tony Randall called THE ALPHABET MURDERS to understand.
SPOILER COMING UP The way THE ALPHABET MURDERS was developed it is supposed (by Scotland Yard and even a confused Poirot/Randall) that the murders are committed by a woman (Anita Eckbert) with psychiatric problems. The key to the psychiatric problem seems to be that Eckbert's character is killing people off who have first and second names with the same letter, so that the murders are A.A., B.B., C.C., D.D., etc.
Now part of this is actually in the original novel. The victims of the mysterious killer do have names that follow the alphabetical pattern. But in the original there is no lovely looking "Anita Eckbert" character. There is a gentleman named "Alexander Bonaparte Cuff" (Donald Sumpter) whom pieces of evidence from the police suggest is that homicidal killer. He is a quiet, respectable type - a lover of chess. And when Poirot meets him he realizes that Cuff could not be the killer. So he reviews the killings, and finds the flaw the killer overlooked.
But it is a close case. And it involves one of the most unattractive killers in Christie's works. He is an ambitious killer, who sees a chance to make millions at everyone's expense (especially the murder victims). He also is (in the novel more than this version, unfortunately), quite a belligerent bigot - constantly referring to Poirot as a "frog" (Poirot is Belgian, not French). In the novel, when he is finally revealed by Poirot, and thwarted in a last suicide attempt, he snarls another "Dirty Frog" comment - and is told off by Poirot that given the underhanded, sneaky, and cowardly manner he used to commit his crimes he really did not live up to British standards. Figuratively, Poirot leaves some spit in the face of the killer - a rare action of retaliation by the detective. That (as I said) is not in this version, but the fact that the original story was used raises this as the best version of THE ABC MURDERS that was done.
David Suchet may be the definitive Poirot
bensonmum229 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I believe that I've always loved Agatha Christie's books. When I was younger, I can remember reading and re-reading each one, especially those with Hercule Poirot, over and over. I've probably read most of her books at least 3 times. So it only seems natural that I would be a fan of and enjoy movies adapted from Christie's mysteries. The big-budget Hollywood films like Death on the Nile and Murder on the Orient Express are among my favorite films. But for whatever reason, over the years, I have passed on most chances to watch Poirot with David Suchet on television. I had caught the odd episode here and there, but they were not a priority. I've decided to change that and give them a try.
It's odd that I would start my journey through the series with The ABC Murders. Of all the Poirot novels, it's one of my least favorite. Most of the problems I have with the novel are the same as those I have with the movie. The biggest issue I have is the story's structure, including the final reveal. For my money, we as viewers (and readers) discover far too early the identity of A.B.C. We know who the man is, what he looks like, and what he's doing. And, while the film does bring all the characters together for Poirot to make the big reveal as to the murder's identity, for lack of a better description, it lacks some of that good old English drawing room feel that I really enjoy. It's almost an afterthought without the power usual found in Christie's endings.
Getting past my petty quibbles with the story's structure, the movie is very nicely done. As much as I enjoy Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney in the role of the Belgian detective, David Suchet may be the definitive Poirot. He seems closer in my mind to fitting Christie's description of Poirot than anyone else I've seen. He's quite remarkable in the role. The rest of the acting is just as good, with A.B.C. himself, Donald Sumpter, giving a wonderful performance. The film's pace is snappy and the direction is solid. Considering what I assume to be a modest budget, the 1930s sets and costuming are dead-on perfect. The film has a wonderful look to it. Overall, the positive far outweigh the preconceived negatives I had in my mind making The ABC Murders quite an enjoyable experience.
I'm looking forward to visiting the other episodes in the series. If the other films in the series are this entertaining as The ABC Murders, I'm in for a real treat.
It's odd that I would start my journey through the series with The ABC Murders. Of all the Poirot novels, it's one of my least favorite. Most of the problems I have with the novel are the same as those I have with the movie. The biggest issue I have is the story's structure, including the final reveal. For my money, we as viewers (and readers) discover far too early the identity of A.B.C. We know who the man is, what he looks like, and what he's doing. And, while the film does bring all the characters together for Poirot to make the big reveal as to the murder's identity, for lack of a better description, it lacks some of that good old English drawing room feel that I really enjoy. It's almost an afterthought without the power usual found in Christie's endings.
Getting past my petty quibbles with the story's structure, the movie is very nicely done. As much as I enjoy Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney in the role of the Belgian detective, David Suchet may be the definitive Poirot. He seems closer in my mind to fitting Christie's description of Poirot than anyone else I've seen. He's quite remarkable in the role. The rest of the acting is just as good, with A.B.C. himself, Donald Sumpter, giving a wonderful performance. The film's pace is snappy and the direction is solid. Considering what I assume to be a modest budget, the 1930s sets and costuming are dead-on perfect. The film has a wonderful look to it. Overall, the positive far outweigh the preconceived negatives I had in my mind making The ABC Murders quite an enjoyable experience.
I'm looking forward to visiting the other episodes in the series. If the other films in the series are this entertaining as The ABC Murders, I'm in for a real treat.
Just a fantastic episode and one of the best "Poirot"!
znatokdetectiva21 October 2020
I love the works of Agatha Christie and, consequently, most of her film adaptations. Agatha Christie's Poirot is one of the best adaptations of lady Agatha, if not the best. As for "The ABC Murders," it's a fantastic episode, incredibly dark and one of the best in the series.
There's a lot of what we love about Poirot and Agatha Christie. It's not as good in its season as "Death in the Clouds," but it's still just fine and more. David Suchet is great as always, Hugh Fraser and Philip Jackson provide great support. Donald Douglas looks simply brilliant, cold and menacing, like Clarke, although this is not the same character as in the book. But the diamond of the episode is Donald Sumpter, who is just great as A. B. Cast, a man who is smart, humble, indecisive and influenced. The atmosphere of the episode is amazing, with a dark intensity and the music is perfect. The denouement is one of the most unexpected and striking in the show and it explains everything very logically and cunningly.
In conclusion, one of the best episodes of "Poirot" with one of the strongest acting performances for the series. 10/10
Poirot on the track of a serial killer
kaberi-893-6423163 July 2016
Did they have serial killers in the 1930s? Of course they existed, Christie even makes reference to Jack the Ripper here, but I don't know if the modern concept of the serial killer, the killer who kills multiple people that he's never met before, for reasons that only make sense in his deranged brain, I don't know how popular that was in Christie's time. In the novel, she spends quite a lot of time talking about the psychology of such a person, mostly with the idea of hopefully being able to predict and warn the next victim. Poirot has multiple conferences with the police and an "alienist"; Poirot himself has always supported the idea of understanding the psychology of a criminal, but there are a few characters in this story who pooh-pooh that notion, who come from the "right is right and wrong is wrong" school of thought. These days, whenever I read a Poirot novel, I can't help but compare it to how such a crime would be treated on Law and Order, or, in this case, Criminal Minds.
The concept is an unusual one, even for Christie. Poirot is receiving taunting letters from a killer. In each case the killer gives Poirot the date and place of the murder in advance. The first murder is of Alice Ascher, an elderly lady who keeps a small shop, not a very prominent crime. But shortly afterwards, the killer attacks a pretty young girl, Betty Barnard, and then a rich art collector, Sir Carmichael Clarke, and in each case he leaves at the scene of the crime an alphabetical railway guide known as an ABC, the same initials as those of the anonymous letter writer. Hence the various discussions about the mind of a "homicidal lunatic" and how to warn any potential future victims, and to catch the killer before he strikes again.
I liked that this episode is faithful to the novel is almost every aspect. Due to the nature of the crimes, this is not one of the more light hearted episodes, which is a bit of a shame; these longer episodes need a little levity to relieve the grim tension involved. There is an amusing running joke about a stuffed alligator that Hastings has brought back from South America, and Suchet has some of his best moments when Hastings presents it to him as a gift. For me this episode was good for the same reasons that the book itself is good, but could have been better if they had found a few more ways to make it interesting.
The concept is an unusual one, even for Christie. Poirot is receiving taunting letters from a killer. In each case the killer gives Poirot the date and place of the murder in advance. The first murder is of Alice Ascher, an elderly lady who keeps a small shop, not a very prominent crime. But shortly afterwards, the killer attacks a pretty young girl, Betty Barnard, and then a rich art collector, Sir Carmichael Clarke, and in each case he leaves at the scene of the crime an alphabetical railway guide known as an ABC, the same initials as those of the anonymous letter writer. Hence the various discussions about the mind of a "homicidal lunatic" and how to warn any potential future victims, and to catch the killer before he strikes again.
I liked that this episode is faithful to the novel is almost every aspect. Due to the nature of the crimes, this is not one of the more light hearted episodes, which is a bit of a shame; these longer episodes need a little levity to relieve the grim tension involved. There is an amusing running joke about a stuffed alligator that Hastings has brought back from South America, and Suchet has some of his best moments when Hastings presents it to him as a gift. For me this episode was good for the same reasons that the book itself is good, but could have been better if they had found a few more ways to make it interesting.
Excellent mystery with hilarious dish washing scene
golf54021 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is my favorite Hercule Poirot murder mystery. Rare Agatha Christie murder mystery where there seems to be a serial killer. Hercule Poirot receives letters from the killer taunting him about his inability to prevent the crimes even after being warned even to the extent of being told in which city the murder would occur. One letter is sent to the wrong address. Inspector Japp believes it is because the killer was drinking whiskey and wrote the name of the maker of the whiskey for Hercule Poirot's address. There is also a funny subplot dealing with a large lizard that Capt. Hasting had killed in Argentina on the Orinoco River and has been preserved. There is also a funny scene with Capt. Hastings washing dishes and Hercule Poirot drying the dishes. Hercule Poirot makes Capt. Hsstings re-wash saucers several times before they meet his satisfaction.
Most Enjoyable.
rmax30482329 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Dame Agatha tackles a serial killer.
The story opens with Poirot greeting his friend Hastings, who is returning from South America. Hastings cradles a stuffed caiman in his arms, having shot it on the Orinoco. The caiman are rather small relatives of the American alligator. Their numbers are in drastic decline because of illegal hunting. Their skins are made into shoes and belts. At night, the good folk paddle their little rowboats through the swamps and look for caiman with flashlights. When the light beam catches a caiman's head above water, the animal simply sits there and stares back, to be shot through the eyes with a small-caliber rifle, so as not to damage the hide. Once in a while the police raid a warehouse filled halfway to the ceiling with stretched and dried skins, ready to turn into pocketbooks. Oddly, someone named Hastings was a well-known student of caiman paleontology.
But, ah, mes amis, the story, yes? Poirot receives a letter telling him a murder will be committed in Andover. The letter is signed A.B.C. Poirot dismisses it as a crank but an old lady is killed in Andover on the date indicated. Her last name begins with "A" and a railroad guide, known popularly as the ABC Guide, is found near the body. Another letter, and the death of someone whose name begins with "B" in Brexhill. Another letter, and the murder of a Carmichael Clark in Chartwell or Camberville or someplace. Anyway you get the picture. There is no discernible connection between any of the victims nor any motive for the murders. One of the survivors questioned is another of the juicy, gray-eyed blonds the production has enlisted. There always seems to be a delicate blond.
But then even Lady Carmichael's brunette nurse is quietly refulgent, even in those great black clod hoppers her profession and the period demand. And she's full of smiles. When pain and anguish wring the brow, a ministering angel thou. Why do my nurses always look like battle axes? The last one, in the middle of my colonoscopy, shouted at me, "RELAX!"
The apparent murderer himself is revealed less than half-way through the film. (If I remember, the novel gives us his name in the first sentence.) At first we only know what he looks like. And he looks like a madman SHOULD look. Elderly, with thick glasses, parched gray skin and a set of crooked teeth that belong on a caiman. He cackles with glee at nothing and twists his hands together. When he stares into the camera it seems to be a skull grinning back at you from the Frankfort horizontal.
The problem is that the guy is so miserable he enlists our sympathy. He's poor. He's shabby. He's epileptic. He's stupid. He's old. He's ugly. He's ridden with guilt. Mais, pas de soucis. He's even dumber than he looks and winds up rich and free.
Except for the voluptuous Miss Lemon, the usual characters are there, doing their jobs -- Captain Hastings and Inspector Japp who, with his hooded eyes and default expression of surprised resignation, sometimes reminds me of an old childhood chum, Ronnie Foster, R.I.P.
The story opens with Poirot greeting his friend Hastings, who is returning from South America. Hastings cradles a stuffed caiman in his arms, having shot it on the Orinoco. The caiman are rather small relatives of the American alligator. Their numbers are in drastic decline because of illegal hunting. Their skins are made into shoes and belts. At night, the good folk paddle their little rowboats through the swamps and look for caiman with flashlights. When the light beam catches a caiman's head above water, the animal simply sits there and stares back, to be shot through the eyes with a small-caliber rifle, so as not to damage the hide. Once in a while the police raid a warehouse filled halfway to the ceiling with stretched and dried skins, ready to turn into pocketbooks. Oddly, someone named Hastings was a well-known student of caiman paleontology.
But, ah, mes amis, the story, yes? Poirot receives a letter telling him a murder will be committed in Andover. The letter is signed A.B.C. Poirot dismisses it as a crank but an old lady is killed in Andover on the date indicated. Her last name begins with "A" and a railroad guide, known popularly as the ABC Guide, is found near the body. Another letter, and the death of someone whose name begins with "B" in Brexhill. Another letter, and the murder of a Carmichael Clark in Chartwell or Camberville or someplace. Anyway you get the picture. There is no discernible connection between any of the victims nor any motive for the murders. One of the survivors questioned is another of the juicy, gray-eyed blonds the production has enlisted. There always seems to be a delicate blond.
But then even Lady Carmichael's brunette nurse is quietly refulgent, even in those great black clod hoppers her profession and the period demand. And she's full of smiles. When pain and anguish wring the brow, a ministering angel thou. Why do my nurses always look like battle axes? The last one, in the middle of my colonoscopy, shouted at me, "RELAX!"
The apparent murderer himself is revealed less than half-way through the film. (If I remember, the novel gives us his name in the first sentence.) At first we only know what he looks like. And he looks like a madman SHOULD look. Elderly, with thick glasses, parched gray skin and a set of crooked teeth that belong on a caiman. He cackles with glee at nothing and twists his hands together. When he stares into the camera it seems to be a skull grinning back at you from the Frankfort horizontal.
The problem is that the guy is so miserable he enlists our sympathy. He's poor. He's shabby. He's epileptic. He's stupid. He's old. He's ugly. He's ridden with guilt. Mais, pas de soucis. He's even dumber than he looks and winds up rich and free.
Except for the voluptuous Miss Lemon, the usual characters are there, doing their jobs -- Captain Hastings and Inspector Japp who, with his hooded eyes and default expression of surprised resignation, sometimes reminds me of an old childhood chum, Ronnie Foster, R.I.P.
One of the great mystery films of all time
SimonJack19 March 2018
This TV film of "The ABC Murders" is one of the best movies of the entire Agatha Christie series on Hercule Poirot. It also ranks among the very best mystery thrillers of all time. The film is packed with intrigue from start to finish. The simple modus operandi of the murders in this story belie the complexities of this fantastic mystery.
Super sleuth Hercule Poirot is stumped for a long time, but his little grey cells help him eventually unravel this great mystery. His sidekick, Captain Hastings, is there to lend a hand. And Chief Inspector Japp has more than the usual work cut out for him in the effort to apprehend the murderer.
The reguklar cast for this film give it their all, and some guest actors turn in tremendous performances as well. Poirot (David Suchet), Hastings (Hugh Fraser), and Japp (Philip Jackson) needed to be in top form to solve this most intriguing of cases. And, Donald Sumpter as Cust gives a performance worthy of an award. This is too great a mystery to say much more about. It would deprive those who haven't yet seen the film of the full enjoyment of a superb mystery.
Kudos to Grenada Media and associates. This is an outstanding production of an enthralling thriller from the pen of the greatest mystery writer of all time.
Super sleuth Hercule Poirot is stumped for a long time, but his little grey cells help him eventually unravel this great mystery. His sidekick, Captain Hastings, is there to lend a hand. And Chief Inspector Japp has more than the usual work cut out for him in the effort to apprehend the murderer.
The reguklar cast for this film give it their all, and some guest actors turn in tremendous performances as well. Poirot (David Suchet), Hastings (Hugh Fraser), and Japp (Philip Jackson) needed to be in top form to solve this most intriguing of cases. And, Donald Sumpter as Cust gives a performance worthy of an award. This is too great a mystery to say much more about. It would deprive those who haven't yet seen the film of the full enjoyment of a superb mystery.
Kudos to Grenada Media and associates. This is an outstanding production of an enthralling thriller from the pen of the greatest mystery writer of all time.
Original and intriguing
grantss16 May 2016
Hercule Poirot receives a letter, indicating that a murder is about to take place, showing the date and area and challenging Poirot to solve the case. It is signed the "ABC". The murder takes place, with a copy of the ABC railway timetable nearby. Soon hereafter Poirot receives another letter with a similar indication. It is soon apparent that the murderer is killing people in alphabetical order by surname and area - the first person had a surname starting with A and was killed in an area starting with A, the second B in an area starting with B. Poirot and the police try to stay one step of the murderer but it proves to be a difficult task.
Quite original as this is not your usual Poirot case. No group of suspects to choose the most likely murderer from - the murderer is a serial-killer and could be anyone. We are given hints as to who the serial killer is, but catching him is another story.
One or two scenes in the movie do give the conclusion away though. The problem with keep-the-time-tight TV movies is that any scene must have value and can't be filler...
Quite original as this is not your usual Poirot case. No group of suspects to choose the most likely murderer from - the murderer is a serial-killer and could be anyone. We are given hints as to who the serial killer is, but catching him is another story.
One or two scenes in the movie do give the conclusion away though. The problem with keep-the-time-tight TV movies is that any scene must have value and can't be filler...
Could be the Best of an Incredible Show!
gleetroy-848-52484426 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely love,love, love the Poirot series. They have done all of the stories and I have seen them all. Multiple times. Well, except for "Curtain." Seeing him die once was enough for me-lol! Suchet is perfect. Philip Jackson is an incredible Japp. Hugh Fraser a terrific Hastings and in a smaller role, Pauline Moran fills out the Four nicely. As for this one, it is terrific in all areas. Tight plot, suspenseful direction and wonderful acting. All the suspects were well done, especially the ultimate killer. Special mention goes to Donald Sumpter. Of all the guest stars this series has had, he may be the best. David Suchet even said as much on an interview soon after this was broadcast (which was early on in the 25 year run). Anyway-great all around!!
Oh-I forgot about the "plate" scene between Poirot and Hastings. Wonderful comedy, my favorite comic bit in the whole series. They were like an understated Abbot and Costello!
Oh-I forgot about the "plate" scene between Poirot and Hastings. Wonderful comedy, my favorite comic bit in the whole series. They were like an understated Abbot and Costello!
ABC
rebeckaflygare2 May 2020
Highly satisfying adaptation
musickrev27 February 2023
After watching the more recent Sarah Phelps 2018 portrayal of this story, I returned to this 1992 adaptation to see how it compared. It is much more satisfying. The plot is mostly faithfully followed, with its twists and misdirections very much in play, and if this drama is far less dark than the 2018 version, it still conveys a diabolical chill at the evil misdeeds of the finally revealed murderer. Underlying attitudes such as xenophobia that are very unsubtly foregrounded in the 2018 drama are not absent here, but presented in a more ancilliary way that does not get in the way of the plot. There are also touches of real humour that lighten the tale, yet the real anguish of the main suspect is not underplayed and is very convincingly acted. The absence of the character of Crome is a loss, Grint's character from the 2018 version would have slotted in very nicely here as a foil to both Japp and Poirot, but it's a relatively minor point. Running at about half the length of the 2018 version, this one avoids the bloat and padding that mars the Phelp drama, and keeps the plot moving along at an engaging pace. Suchet's Poirot is very different from Malkovich's, much more mannered and impenetrable, but is also closer to the way Christie portrays him. This is the one to watch.
Donald Sumpter's acting as Cust deserves a 100 stars
sdsande-8260613 January 2024
This episode was definitely exceptional. But even just based solely on Donald Sumpter's heart breaking performance ,I give this episode ten stars. I don't understand why he isn't a world famous actor at the very top of the list of Hollywood's greats. An absolutely spectacular performance.
There's is nothing more to be said about the actual episode that hasn't already been discussed and mentioned in other reviews. It's one of the very few Agatha Christie novels that I haven't read. And somehow after watching this wonderful adaptation I do not want to. I would rather retain this version in my mind. And that is a very high compliment coming from a massive Agatha Christie fan.
There's is nothing more to be said about the actual episode that hasn't already been discussed and mentioned in other reviews. It's one of the very few Agatha Christie novels that I haven't read. And somehow after watching this wonderful adaptation I do not want to. I would rather retain this version in my mind. And that is a very high compliment coming from a massive Agatha Christie fan.
The ABC Murders
coltras3515 July 2023
Poirot starts receiving mocking letters with allusions to crimes-to-be, signed "ABC". When an old woman, Alice Ascher from Andover, dies on the day indicated by ABC and an ABC railway guide is found by her body, Poirot and the police embark on a chase after the killer, who seems to choose his victims and crime scenes alphabetically, yet quite at random.
This is a fairly faithful version of the classic Poirot novel, an early serial killer novels but with a twist, and one of my favourites, however this adaptation has a few slack moments midway and the real killer is a bit lacking charismatic , unlike in the book. Nevertheless, a solid episode.
This is a fairly faithful version of the classic Poirot novel, an early serial killer novels but with a twist, and one of my favourites, however this adaptation has a few slack moments midway and the real killer is a bit lacking charismatic , unlike in the book. Nevertheless, a solid episode.
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