In the novel Sparkling Cyanide, Mrs Lucilla Drake (née Marle) is the aunt of Rosemary and Iris. She is the widow of Caleb, and is the mother of Victor. If Iris dies before turning 21, Lucilla stands to inherit her fortune.
Lucilla was almost forty when she met Caleb, and he had passed fifty. After having been married only two years, Caleb died. Although it's about twenty years since her husband died, she still wears crêpe.
Portrayals[]
Sparkling Cyanide (1983)[]
In the 1983 Warner Bros adaptation, Lucilla Drake is portrayed by Nancy Marchand. The characterisation of her doting relationship to her son is much as in the original novel. Her relationship with the Bartons and with Iris is also warm and affectionate, much as in the novel. Here, however, her supposed motive for the murders is established much more simply and directly. In this adaptation, Lucilla's first husband was Paul Bennett. Bennett had left his fortune in a trust fund to Rosemary Barton. If Rosemary dies without a child, Iris Murdoch inherits. If Iris dies, Lucilla is next in line. Unlike the novel, Lucilla is at the table for both murders, so she becomes a suspect. In addition, she is also one of the four people in the house when Iris is attacked, thereby reinforcing the suspicion.
Sparkling Cyanide (2003)[]
In ITV's 2003 adaptation of the novel, Lucilla Drake is portrayed by Susan Hampshire. The portrayal is similar to the original, except that, as in the 1983 adaptation, Lucilla is present as a guest at the table during both murders and is considered a suspect.
Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie[]
Lucilla Drake is not featured in Meurtre au champagne, the 2012 French adaptation by Escazal Films.