BBC's "Who Do You Think You Are?"
Fans of Agatha Christie and David Suchet are in for a treat Sunday evening when the latest adaptation of "Murder On The Orient Express" airs on PBS Masterpiece.
I never could warm up to anyone but Suchet as the finicky Belgian detective, least of all Albert Finney in the 1974 star-studded big-screen version of "Murder". Someone should've reminded him that "finicky" does NOT mean "buffoon". Add to that that Miss Marple had been my introduction to Agatha Christie, so I didn't even warm up to Suchet's Poirot at first.
That changed upon learning his interpretation was the most faithful to Agatha's vision of the "extraordinary little man" whose quirks and physical appearance she based on second husband Max Mallowan.
Because David prefers to bring authenticity to a role, his preparation for "Murder" included a trip on today's Venice-Simplon Orient Express, a trip filmed as a PBS special called "David Suchet on the Orient Express".
In between snippets from the new "Murder" and how the train itself came to be the Venice-Simplon OE, we see David as himself, a charmingly awestruck Brit experiencing a slice of history.
In fact, the carriage (rail car) David traveled in was part of the train that became mired in a snowdrift for 10 days, an event Agatha Christie turned into "Murder on the Orient Express".
But for David, the highlight of the trip was actually driving the train!
"DSotOE" aired several times this week and will air again Sunday after the new Murder On The Orient Express. But if you missed it and can't wait til Sunday, watch the entire trip here (53:33 mins).
David isn't the only Suchet in show business, btw. His brother John Suchet is the well-known British newscaster. To learn more about their ancestors, David explored the family's history in the British version of "Who Do You Think You Are?".
Come along with David on that trip too!
David Suchet on the Orient Express
Experience the Orient Express,
a Thursday Drive post that includes videos of
others' trips as well as links to the SVOE website
David Suchet on "Who Do You Think You Are?"
About David's brother, John Suchet
Have a great weekend!
6 comments:
Cool post.Orient express remains one of my favorite movies.
He was a familiar face to me but didn't know who he was exactly.
Hi. I have not visited you a while and nice to meet you again :) Will try to keep in touch more often :)
I love Agatha Christie but haven't read any of her books lately.
masmasika, I love AC too, but I haven't read any of her books lately either! I hope it counts that I read her autobiography and her book about the digs she went on with husband Max Mallowan, as well as his biography. Also a fascinating book of AC trivia called "8:55 To Baghdad" in which the author retraced her steps to the various dig sites.
Nice.....!
This is a thrilling post. I am such a major fan of David Suchet. Seriously. I could never never never enjoy a Poirot without him. If I had a poster, which I'm going to one day, I would post Suchet as Poirot in my office. You know, for inspiration of greatness and a reminder to always feed my little grey cells and use them wisely. I am so thankful to you for the links! Thank you thank you thank you!
Post a Comment