Can Poirot find out who the mysterious A.B.C is this Christmas?
The ABC Murders, the latest Agatha Christie adaptation for BBC1, promises to be one of the highlights of the Christmas TV schedule.
So, here’s everything we know so far about BBC1’s new version of The ABC Murders, one of Hercule Poirot’s most famous cases….
Who stars as Poirot?
John Malkovich, main picture, has the challenging task of taking on the role that David Suchet made his own. Interestingly, The ABC Murders was Suchet’s favourite Poirot story.
The first look images of John as Poirot shows that the famous moustache has been turned more into a beard, noticeably different from the twirly moustache sported by Suchet.
John says he’s “honoured” to take on the part. “It’s a role that’s been played by a number of excellent actors, and I am enjoying the numerous challenges this part presents. I have great respect for Sarah Phelps’ screenplay and hope to do both she and Agatha Christie’s creation some measure of justice.”
Will Poirot be speaking in his famous Belgian accent?
Surprisingly, no. Speaking to the Radio Times about the part, John said: “In our version, Poirot has lived in England for 20 years and has made a very long and laborious effort not to seem too much like a foreigner and to speak English like and Englishman.”
He added: “Poirot and Christie fans may just hate all this, I have no idea.”
When is The ABC Murders on BBC1 over Christmas?
The ABC Murders will begin on Boxing Day at 9pm.
Who does Harry Potter star Rupert Grint play in the BBC1 version of The ABC Murders?
Rupert plays Inspector Crome, who isn’t initially a fan of Poirot. He’s part of the team trying to work out who the mysterious A.B.C. is…
So, what’s the plot of The ABC Murders?
Poirot receives a strange letter, signed A.B.C, that predicts a murder will take place in Andover. When the murder does indeed take place, Poirot is disturbed to find a copy of The ABC Railway Guide at the scene.
And, when another murder takes place, this time in Bexhill, Poirot finds himself trying to track down a serial killer who seems to have a personal grudge against him…
BAFTA nominated writer Sarah Phelps, who also adapted Ordeal by Innocence earlier this year for the BBC, says of the plot: “Poirot’s investigations are thwarted at every turn by an enemy determined to outsmart him.
"If Poirot is to match his nemesis then everything about him will be called into question: his authority, his integrity, his past, his identity.”
Who else is in it?
Tara Fitzgerald plays Lady Hermione Clarke, with Kevin McNally as Inspector Japp. Plus, Poldark star Jack Farthing plays Donald Fraser and Broadchurch actor Andrew Buchan is Franklin Clarke.
Interestingly, it’s not been revealed who will play Poirot’s loyal friend Hastings, which suggests the character has been left out. Will there be other changes to the original Agatha Christie story, which was first published in 1936?
How many parts is it?
Three.
The ABC Murders will begin on BBC1 on Boxing Day at 9pm.
David Suchet pic: REX/Shutterstock; Rupert Grint pic: jean-Marc David/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock
