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Thirteen at Dinner
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by Warner Home Video
Sales Rank: 44895
Price: $19.98
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Although many fellow Christie fans would argue that David Suchet is the definitive Poirot, I beg to disagree. To my mind, few have captured Poirot's spirit and Christie's humorous intentions as well as Peter Ustinov. While being completely contrary to the physical description of Poirot, Ustinov suggests all of Poirot's characteristics from the fastidious vanity, the wicked humor, the inquisitive and observational eye, the "egg shape" and the chaste appreciation of women. He brings out the lightness in Christie's work which so many other adaptations fail to capture. <br /> <br />In "Thirteen at Dinner" (which veers from the book "Lord Edgeware Dies" on some accounts, most noticably setting the action in the 1970's as opposed to the 1930's), as he himself experiences some "celebrity" on David Frost's talk show, Poirot is up against the vain world of American Hollywood celebrities. It is on the talk show, in fact, that he meets a look alike for American actress Jane Wilkinson (both played by Faye Dunaway) whom he later encounters again at a dinner given by the real Wilkinson. The notion of doubles underscores the theme and is maintained throughout from the amusing "stand-ins" that do the action scenes for actor Brian (Lee Horsley), Wilkinson's co-star, to mirror images that reflect multiple Poirots. The real Jane Wilkinson is married to Lord Edgeware and quite open about her desire to divorce him. She even brags about doing away with him. Shortly afterwards it is discovered that Lord Edgeware has indeed been murdered. Jane Wilkinson is the obvious suspect; the only problem is that she has an alibi for the night of his murder -- and many witnesses. <br /> <br />Even if you guess the solution, it doesn't spoil the fun. And fun it is. The actors appear to be enjoying themselves and Ustinov keeps things very amusing with his repartee with companion Hastings. As always, Poirot sorts through clues (an unknown party's spectacles, a reference to the judgment of Paris), red herrings, and suspects and his "little gray cells" come up with not only the who, but the why and how of it. The lampoons about Hollywood and its parallels against the superficial fashion industry are enjoyable and nothing is too serious. Yes, one should read the book, which is a different experience, but this is still entertaining viewing. Because of the pleasant stars and tongue-in-cheek approach, I, a purist, didn't mind this spin on Christie's fine book.
Viewer Reviews
Allow me to outline the plot of this movie for you. This rich English guy gets murdered. His ex wife has a double who can impersonate her. His ex wife has the alibi that she was at a dinner party at the time of the murder. Now if you haven't figured out "whodunnit" by now I strongly suggest you don't join Mensa and should maybe consider going back to High School to finish your education. Peter Ustinov is his usual hammy Detective Hercule Poirot but thankfully Amanda Pays is in this movie which is the only good reason to watch it. Sadly we do not see enough of her in films these days but her presence in this movie makes me give it 5 stars.
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Thirteen at Dinner
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