Dead Man's Folly (Dramatised)

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: John Moffatt, Julia McKenzie

Length: 1 hr and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ariadne Oliver, Queen of Crime Fiction, has been asked to devise a Murder Hunt for a fête at Nasse House, the home of Sir George Stubbs. But she begins to suspect that someone is manipulating the scenario of her game and fears that something very sinister is being planned. She sends for her old friend Hercule Poirot.

At first, he is not inclined to take her very seriously, but soon a series of events propels him to change his mind. Then suddenly, all Ariadne’s worst fears are realised when the girl playing the part of the murder victim is found strangled in the boat-house. For Hercule Poirot, the Murder Hunt has become a grim reality.

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation starring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective, with Julia McKenzie as Ariadne Oliver.

©1956 Agatha Christie Ltd (P)2010 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

They Cut Too Much Out

First of all, let me say that Moffatt and McKenzie both did sublime jobs with their characterizations -- I felt like they really understood Agatha Christie's vision of how Poirot and Ariadne Oliver would have sounded. The other characters, likewise, were well-cast. And the story itself is, in my opinion, definitely one of Agatha Christie's many best. The problem is that when abridging this down into a radio play, there was just too much cut. The fun of an Agatha Christie novel is the characters and sorting through all the red herrings -- but this story had so many characters cut down, that you didn't really have red herrings to play with. All those extra story lines that mix in with the murder in a Christie novel just weren't there. I was disappointed, especially since I felt like this particular cast could really have done a good job with a lengthier adaptation of the book.

I would recommend this audio program for car trips -- since it will entertain without distracting. However, as something to enjoy in the evening or at night, I would go with either a full audio book or a different radio play.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Entertaining Full-Cast Dramatization

Would you listen to Dead Man's Folly (Dramatised) again? Why?

Yes. I fully enjoyed the full cast and the music and sound effects. All the actors did a great job at telling this mystery story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dead Man's Folly features both Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver which was delightful to have them working together to solve the mystery.

Any additional comments?

Overall, a fine cast, well produced and an enjoyable listen.

awesome

I have been looking for this dramatization for a king time. Thank you very much.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Would you consider the audio edition of Dead Man's Folly (Dramatised) to be better than the print version?

Yes. The fantastic vocals add so much to the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I always like Poirot and Ariadne Oliver. In this book I particularly liked the victim, Marlene Tucker. She was whiny and pathetic but entertaining. I also liked old Mrs. Folliat who is the key to so much of the story.

Which character – as performed by John Moffatt and Julia McKenzie – was your favorite?

Ariadne Oliver by Julia McKenzie. She is a version of Agatha herrself and one of my favorite characters. Julia brings forth her scanty nature and makes her very appealing.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It's always foolish to commit murder.

Any additional comments?

Another great BBC dramatization. This is one of my favorite stories because it has Poirot, Ariadne Oliver and a murder hunt. All of the characters are intriguing. Well worth a listen.

A perfect dramatisation.

I love these dramatisations! I listened to this one during a stay in Devon after a visit to Agatha Christie's home Greenway. A perfect time to listen and a near perfect listen. The voices are just right and involve the listener completely in the story. A reminder of why Agatha Christie remains one of the best crime writers ever and why I could listen to her Marple and Poirot stories over and over again!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

another exceptional performance from John Moffatt

John Moffatt once again proves he's the ultimate Poirot. thorough joy to listen to and a story that always keeps you guessing. highly recommended

still a classic

one of the best and I really enjoyed this dramatization. it seems mostly true to the book and the leads work well without being lost in the background.