In the novel A Murder is Announced, Randall Goedler was the husband of Belle and brother of Sonia. He was the employer of Letitia Blacklock. He died in 1938.
He was a millionaire with a penchant for daring speculations, and he enjoyed the risks and excitement of it. Although his finances fluctuated during his lifetime, he died a very rich man. He left his money in trust for his wife during her lifetime, and after her death, the money was to go to Miss Blacklock.
He had quarrelled with his sister, Sonia, as he disapproved of her marriage to Dmitri Stamfordis. However, according to his will, her children would inherit his money, in the event that Miss Blacklock predeceased his wife.
Portrayals[]
In the BBC 1985 adaptation of the novel which formed part of the Miss Marple series, the background of Randall Goedler is similar to that in the original novel. He is mentioned frequently but there is no visual on him.
In the ITV 2005 adaptation of the novel, the show opens with a newsreel announcing the death of Randall Goedler at the Scottish town of Fraserkirk. There is a photo of Randall Goedler, shots of his castle and a scene of him taking a walk with his wife as well as a scene of his funeral in a church. The news announcer said that Goedler played the world's stock markets like a casino and left his fortune to his wife.
In Murder Party, the TV film adaptation of the novel by France Télévisions, the parallel character is Denis Sontag.