The Disappearance of Mr Davenheim is one of my favourite "shorter" Poirot episodes. The only flaw I could see was that the duel identity got somewhat obvious a little too early.
But what does compensate hugely are:
a) the sumptuous production values, the costumes, sets and scenery are all superb and the photography is marvellous.
b) love the music, the main theme is iconic and not annoying, but the use of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was perfect.
c) The plot is wonderful, I was gripped from start to finish and while there was plenty of suspense there were some great humorous moments as well.
d) the dialogue is great, it is thought-provoking but there are some hilarious bits as well. Poirot's indignant "I was talking to the parrot" has to be one of the funniest quotes ever in a Poirot episode, it was certainly a breath of fresh air.
e) the acting is as usual of high calibre. David Suchet is of course brilliant, and Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson are both amusing as Hastings and Japp. Pauline Moran plays her role of Miss Lemon with efficiency, while Kenneth Colley is very good as Matthew Davenheim.
Overall, this is a great episode, with a wonderful plot and some great dialogue. 9/10 Bethany Cox
But what does compensate hugely are:
a) the sumptuous production values, the costumes, sets and scenery are all superb and the photography is marvellous.
b) love the music, the main theme is iconic and not annoying, but the use of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was perfect.
c) The plot is wonderful, I was gripped from start to finish and while there was plenty of suspense there were some great humorous moments as well.
d) the dialogue is great, it is thought-provoking but there are some hilarious bits as well. Poirot's indignant "I was talking to the parrot" has to be one of the funniest quotes ever in a Poirot episode, it was certainly a breath of fresh air.
e) the acting is as usual of high calibre. David Suchet is of course brilliant, and Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson are both amusing as Hastings and Japp. Pauline Moran plays her role of Miss Lemon with efficiency, while Kenneth Colley is very good as Matthew Davenheim.
Overall, this is a great episode, with a wonderful plot and some great dialogue. 9/10 Bethany Cox