This episode was based on the short story 'The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman', first published in 1923. It was adapted for television by Clive Exton and directed by Brian Farnham.
Script versus short story
Exton's script is largely faithful to the source material, but he makes several additions and some changes. That's not surprising, considering that the short story is shorter than most. First, he adds a subplot in which Hastings is considering buying an Italian race car from two Italians, Mr. Vizzini and Miss Fabbri. This provides some comic relief and character development (Hastings and cars), and a rather brilliant wedding scene (The Godfather style). It also ties in with Signor Ascanio, since Vizzini is the one who has been a victim of blackmail. Second, Exton adds a subplot concerning Miss Lemon. She is seeing Mr. Graves, Count Foscatini's man servant (he pretends to be a private secretary). Slightly out of character (both Christie version and the TV version), but certainly an amusing addition - and a nice way to incorporate Miss Lemon. It also provides an important clue (Graves has a boat in Chichester called 'Fantasia Felice'). Third, Japp replaces the unknown local inspector. A sensible change, in light of his position in the series by now. Fourth, a subplot on the Italian government is added (Graves tells Poirot that the papers are a matter of national security), including a scene at the Italian embassy and a somewhat unbelievable embassy secretary (would he really reveal everything to Poirot?). Finally, there's an added chase scene (as always!) - the most obvious time filler I've seen so far in the series. All in all, though, this is an entertaining adaptation, and if you accept the changes, it remains faithful to the plot essentials.
Directing, production design, locations, soundtrack
Farnham's direction is competent, and he makes good use of the locations and sets. The production design, particularly in that wedding scene, is extraordinary. Locations include Avis Rent-a-Car, 8 Balderton Street in London (the garage), the roof garden in Kensington High Street (the wedding), Addisland Court (Count Foscatini's flat - also used as Carlotta Adams's flat in Lord Edgware Dies), Jenkins Hotel (where Ascanio is staying), Bosham, West Sussex (used as Chichester). Gunning's soundtrack is particularly nice, with several Italian undertones. Sadly, it has not been released.
Characters and actors
As I've already mentioned, there is character development for both Hastings and Miss Lemon in this episode, and it's quite nicely done, too. I even like the joke about the cats at the end. The guest actors all do a decent job, but the two 'Italians', Vizzini (David Neal) and Fabbri (Anna Mazzotti) are the ones I remember.
The sub-plot of Miss Lemon's romance ends up offering a sense of the bond between the three. It is nice to see both Poirot and Hastings protective of Miss Lemon and outraged that she has been used. Hastings especially: he assaults Graves, not because Graves has murdered a blackmailing pseudo-count, but on Miss Lemon's account. There is obviously a close friendship between the two of them. Double Clue shows it, also.
ReplyDeleteHastings's chivalry towards women shows up time and again, even when he's just met the woman in question. He's just as indignant about the supposed treatment of 'Lady Millicent' in The Veiled Lady. It's a strong character trait for him.
DeleteMention of the Lyons Cornerhouse may be a subtle reference to After the Funeral.
Why do criminals always go out of their way to get access to Poirot and get him involved in their plots? Granted, if you met him casual his appearance and mannerisms might lead you not to take him seriously as a detective, but don't they know he has a record of success?
ReplyDeleteIf you're still checking this, the summary for the previous episode links to this summary. Perhaps that could be fixed?
ReplyDeleteHave you found the Case of the Missing Will summary?
DeleteI found the Missing Will review by clicking in the panel to the right of this one, under July. (Pity the link mentioned isn't corrected, but this blog doesn't seem to be maintained anymore.)
DeleteMr. Roach is quite correct: The link for "Missing Will" still directs to "The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman." I would like to read your review of "Missing Will," and I cannot find it!
ReplyDeleteI've tried and tried to figure out why the curtains weren't drawn in the dining room, but they were in the rest of the flat. Doesn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely missing any rational explanation for Graves to have engaged Poirot at all: I see no benefit. What seems to have been left on the cutting room floor is that Graves is the blackmailer, and he killed his valet and took his place so as to escape the Italians. In that way, selling himself as a valet would mean something, but still engaging Poirot is terribly reckless. (this would explain the mistake of leaving the curtains open, as the real valet would have closed them).
ReplyDeleteLinkage to The case Of The Missing Will review:
ReplyDeletehttp://investigatingpoirot.blogspot.com/2013/07/episode-by-episode-case-of-missing-will.html
You have a broken link. I was trying to get your piece on The Case of the Missing Will, but it sent me here.
ReplyDelete