Dead Man's Folly (1986)

Ustinov, as Poirot, is invited quite casually to a party at a mansion in the country by mystery writer, Jean Stapleton. Nobody ever invites me to a party at a country estate and I've begun to resent it. I'm more handsome than Hercule Poirot, and more charming and witty too, especially when drunk. If you doubt, ask my psychiatrist or any of my ex wives.Peter Ustinov, sadly, looks older and perhaps a bit less vigorous than in his big-screen portrayals like "Death on the Nile" although he was only in his mid-60s. He was an enormously talented man who wrote plays, directed operas, and was chancellor of Durham University from 1992 on. He devoted much of his later years to UNICEF, and not just on ceremonial occasions.Jean Stapleton still looks and sounds like Archie Bunker's wife, but it's largely a comic part and she fits the role. Jonathan Cecil is Captain Hastings. I'm afraid he has the face of one of the seven dwarfs -- I forget which one. Maybe Dopey, if Dopey were caught and stretched while in the embrace of a celestial black hole. It lacks all dignity. You'll see what I mean.There is the usual assembly of guests at the party -- one victim and many suspects. The beautiful but brainless bride of the host is Nicolette Sheridan, who is I gather famous for some reason or other. At any rate, nobody in the movie seems to like her very much. Hubby is the jealous and arrogant Sir George Stubbs, played by Tim Piggot-Smith, whose narrative voice has added euphonious elaborations to several documentary films.One of the sneakier characters in the tale is Jeff Yager as Eddie South, slick, with disgustingly even features,a big yacht, medallions, and a Hollywood hair style with a pompadour up front. It was a disappointment when he didn't turn out to be the killer.Well, actually, there was no single murderer but rather two people who had cooked up an elaborate plot, and there are several red herrings strewn across the path to the solution. Nice photography, though, and scenic location shooting.

This installment of Agatha Christie's adaptations features none other than Jean Stapleton! This is a clever adaptation, directed by Clive Donner (Arthur the King, 1985; A Christmas Carol, 1984; Oliver Twist, 1982; and What's New Pussycat, 1965) with a near-slick production quality (especially for its time!) and a great cast! This one was a tad more difficult to puzzle, but more's the fun when you're talking about an Agatha Christie murder mystery and Peter Ustinov! (Far and away my favorite Poirot.) Nothing silly, not a single moment of wasted film, and a fantastic contribution by each and every one. I highly recommend this one to anyone with a love of mystery.All in all? This is great fodder for the younger teen in assisting in the development of their analytical mind.It rates a 7.6/10 from...the Fiend :.

Peter Ustinov is an absolute joy to behold in the role of Hercule Poirot. He played Poirot in three theatrical films: Death On the Nile, Evil Under the Sun, and Appointment With Death. He also played Poirot in three TV movies: Thirteen At Dinner, Murder in Three Acts, and Dead Man's Folly. It's always a delight to spend time with Ustinov's Poirot. He's so much fun! The three Poirot TV movies starring Ustinov are now available in a three DVD set. I've had a great time watching these with friends and family and all of Ustinov's Poirot movies are worth watching and re-watching. My deep affection for Ustinov's Poirot grows with each viewing. He's brilliant and each of his Poirot movies are fantastic fun.

Ustinov going thru the motions one time too many as Poirot seems bored here. And adding Hastings to the plot really makes you feel like you're watching a cheap adaption. I loved Stapleton as Edith Bunker but as Miss Oliver the daffy mystery writer, she seems out of place. And by God is the killer easy to spot or what? Nicolette Sheridan gives an awful performance and may hold the title as worst actress ever to star in an Agatha Christie movie. She's really hard to take. Even in silence, which alas is never long enough.