The Dream

Poirot must discover the power of dream, can the power of suggestion lead someone to the ultimate crime?

I'll admit you'll need a leap of faith to buy into the plot, it is one of the more far fetched ones, but once you're over that it's a very clever, engaging story, beautifully written. A similar tricked is used in Mesopotamia.

Miss Lemon's face at the end is priceless 'it's just what I wanted.'

This episode holds up brilliantly, it's over twenty five years old, and it's still a fantastic watch. A plot full of mystery and intrigue, definitely one to get the grey cells in action.

This is a proper 'let's gather everyone together for the uncovering of the murderer' episode, we'd enjoy it many times more.

Tragic that two of the main stars in this episode are no longer with us. Alan Howard was truly excellent in both roles, giving us two very diverse performances, and the lovely and beautiful Mary Tamm, just great as Mrs Farley, Tamm was such an underrated actress. Joely Richardson of course is very strong too.

A great finale to Series 1, 9/10

This episode is the one where Suchet absolutely nails the character. There are bits and pieces in the previous episodes but this is the one where you can see it all really come together for him. Not the most exciting of stories but watching Suchet's masterclass is more than enough to satisfy.

I have seen many episodes from this very exciting TV series but I decided not to write about them, there are too many. I make an exception for this one because I consider it the best of all that I have seen, from all points of view, subject, actors, director, everything. Very intelligent. Just watch it!

"The Dream" is one of the more cleverly contrived murder cases that Hercule Poirot has solved. And, it's another one that Chief Inspector Japp and others conclude early on as a suicide. All of Poirot's usual sidekicks are in this episode of Agatha Christie's famous Belgian super sleuth. And, Poirot credits Miss Lemon with the key to his unlocking the mysterious murder.

Poirot is genuinely stumped for some time and fears that his little grey cells are beginning to fail him. This murder is set in an industrial area where England's largest pie maker has his business. There are a number of funny lines. Here are some favorites.

Hercule Poirot, "Hastings, to say that Benedict Farley makes pies is like saying that Wagner wrote semiquavers." Captain Hastings, "Well, they're good pies, then?" Poirot, "No. Horrible! But there are a great many of them."

Captain Hastings, "Useful, eh, living above the shop? I suppose from here, Farley liked to keep an eye on his employees." Hercule Poirot, "No doubt. But it is a pity that such diligence does not improve the quality of his so-called delectables."

Hercule Poirot, "Ah, I see. So, when Hercule Poirot is concerned, there arises immediately a suspicion of murder?" Chief Inspector Japp, "Precisely."

Captain Hastings, "This is not like you, Poirot." Hercule Poirot, "But this is not like the grey cells, Hastings. I have given them every chance. They have been closeted. I have slept to allow them to do their work. I have eaten fish for breakfast. Result? Nothing!" Hastings, "It'll come, Poirot. The little grey cells have never let you down yet." Poirot, "Ah, but is this not an indication, perhaps, of what is in store? A sign that they are weakened by old age and the fast living?" Hastings, "Fast living, Poirot? I wouldn't call your life exactly fast." Poirot, "Oh, not now, perhaps, Hastings, but in my youth." Hastings, "Really?" Poirot, shaking his head, "Umm." Hastings, "Really?" Poirot, "See, one pays, Hastings. Eventually, one is called to settle one's account." Hastings, "I say." Poirot, "I shall have another tisane."

I have tried to add this to the Filming locations section for this episode but have been unable to save it in imdb for some reason.

When Poirot & Hastings go to Mr. Farleys residence named "Northway House" the entrance has a magnificent Grand Staircase & tiled floor. When businessmen are sitting in a hallway waiting to see Mr. Farley you can notice the beautiful marble walls. Later, Inspector Japp & Poirot walk these same halls & go down the stairs & you can see the details of the wonderfully unique ballustrade.

Where is this location ? Wandsworth Town Hall in South London, England. Ive seen it in other British films & tv episodes but I cant remember which ones. People rent this space for Weddings etc also. Im leaving this comment here so that I can remember the location the next time I watch this Poirot episode.