Carlotta Adams

In the novel Lord Edgware Dies, Carlotta Adams was an American impersonator conducting a tour in London and Paris. Among others she made an impersonation of the actress Jane Wilkinson. When she was found dead by her maid, it was first believed that it was an accidental overdose of the sleeping draught veronal.

Carlotta had a younger sister in America, to whom she regularly wrote. In London, her best friend was Jenny Driver. She was also friends with Bryan Martin, whom she had known as a child in America, and Ronald Marsh.

Carlotta had dark hair, pale blue eyes, and a mobile, sensitive mouth. She was of a quiet and reserved nature, dedicated to her work, and very devoted to her sister.

Inspiration[]

The American actress and impressionist Ruth Draper was the inspiration for the character.

Portrayals[]

In the 1985 film Thirteen at Dinner, she was played by Faye Dunaway, who also played Jane Wilkinson.

In the 1992 BBC Radio 4 adaptation, she was played by Nicola Pagett, who also played Jane Wilkinson.

For ITV's 2000 adaptation of the story, Carlotta was played by actress Fiona Allen.