The Theft of the Royal Ruby
- Episode aired Feb 24, 1991
- TV-14
- 50m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
Poirot reluctantly agrees to help an Egyptian prince recover a valuable royal ruby that was brazenly stolen from him during the Christmas holidays.Poirot reluctantly agrees to help an Egyptian prince recover a valuable royal ruby that was brazenly stolen from him during the Christmas holidays.Poirot reluctantly agrees to help an Egyptian prince recover a valuable royal ruby that was brazenly stolen from him during the Christmas holidays.
Antony Zaki
- Prince Farouk
- (as Tariq Alibai)
Jonathan R. Scott
- Colin
- (as Jonathan S. Bancroft)
- Director
- Writers
- Anthony Horowitz
- Clive Exton
- Agatha Christie(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDavid Suchet was a guest at a lunch with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. When Suchet chose a mango from a fruit bowl but didn't know the proper way to peel it, the Duke demonstrated. Suchet later asked the scriptwriters to include the incident. On screen, Poirot peels the mango, and says, 'A duke taught me'."
- GoofsThe characters are seen stirring Christmas puddings on Christmas eve. Traditionally, Christmas puddings are made around 5 weeks before Christmas, which allows their flavour to develop and intensify. This day is known as Stir-up Sunday - when everybody takes a turn to stir the pudding for luck. While it is possible that the family in this episode completely abandoned these traditions, it would be highly unlikely in the social context and era.
- Quotes
Jesmond: I must apologize for the prince, Monsieur Poirot. He is, uh...
Hercule Poirot: Young? One is never too young to learn the manners!
Jesmond: Indeed, indeed. Unfortunately, the prince has never seen any reason to do so.
- SoundtracksO Come, All Ye Faithful
(uncredited)
Lyrics (English translation from Latin) by Frederick Oakeley
Lyrics and Music by John Francis Wade
Featured review
A total delight
"The Theft of the Royal Ruby" is a Christmas episode, one which demands a special viewing around Christmas, even if you've already seen it. It is so warm and atmospheric will the feel of the Christmas season, it will put you right in the holiday spirit. And let's get real, sometimes these days it's hard to get in the mood.
With Miss Lemon and Lt. Hastings away for the holidays, Poirot is looking forward to Christmas alone in his comfortably heated apartment, a box of chocolates, and a few of his favorite things. It just doesn't work out that way. Poirot is summoned to help recover an incredibly valuable royal ruby, owned by the bratty, insolent Prince Farouq of Egypt. He let some woman try it on, and of course she walked away while wearing it. He's desperate.
One of the few individuals aware of the ruby's presence in England is a well-known scholar on Egypt, Colonel Lacey. Poirot consults him, and the Colonel invites him to spend Christmas with his family. Poirot tries to wriggle out of it, but gives up and agrees.
The family is very gracious, and Poirot's cover is that one of Lacey's daughters is seeing a man, Desmond Lee-Wortley, who has an unsavory reputation. Poirot, as far as Mrs. Lacey is concerned, is there to check him out. Also there is a man who is assessing the Lacey valuables, as the Colonel is having financial difficulties and has asked him to discreetly evaluate what he has so that he can sell some pieces.
Calling upon the children in the family, Poirot works on setting a trap for the ruby thief.
Really lovely and fun episode, with Poirot enjoying the family atmosphere and having a much better time than he expected.
With Miss Lemon and Lt. Hastings away for the holidays, Poirot is looking forward to Christmas alone in his comfortably heated apartment, a box of chocolates, and a few of his favorite things. It just doesn't work out that way. Poirot is summoned to help recover an incredibly valuable royal ruby, owned by the bratty, insolent Prince Farouq of Egypt. He let some woman try it on, and of course she walked away while wearing it. He's desperate.
One of the few individuals aware of the ruby's presence in England is a well-known scholar on Egypt, Colonel Lacey. Poirot consults him, and the Colonel invites him to spend Christmas with his family. Poirot tries to wriggle out of it, but gives up and agrees.
The family is very gracious, and Poirot's cover is that one of Lacey's daughters is seeing a man, Desmond Lee-Wortley, who has an unsavory reputation. Poirot, as far as Mrs. Lacey is concerned, is there to check him out. Also there is a man who is assessing the Lacey valuables, as the Colonel is having financial difficulties and has asked him to discreetly evaluate what he has so that he can sell some pieces.
Calling upon the children in the family, Poirot works on setting a trap for the ruby thief.
Really lovely and fun episode, with Poirot enjoying the family atmosphere and having a much better time than he expected.
helpful•152
- blanche-2
- Sep 28, 2014
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Filming locations
- Joldwynds, Surrey, UK(Kings Lacey)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime50 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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