The Dream is the tenth episode of series 1 of the ITV British television drama series Agatha Christie's Poirot featuring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, first broadcast on 19 March 1989 in the UK. The episode is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie short story of the same name and was directed by Edward Bennett with dramatisation by Clive Exton.
Synopsis[]
Benedict Farley, the rich and eccentric owner of a pie factory, consults Poirot about a troubling dream he keeps having in which he commits suicide. Later, he is indeed found dead, precisely in the fashion he had described.
Comparison with Original Story[]
(may contain spoilers - click on expand to read)
- The original story began straight away with Poirot outside millionaire Benedict Farley's sprawling, isolated mansion. Not much is elaborated on what Farley did for work but the adaptation showed him to be a successful factory pie maker. A letter is sent to Poirot at his office to invite him to Farley's house and though he brings Hastings, he is asked to go inside alone.
- Much of the same story plays out with Poirot meeting Farley in a darkened room, a mistaken exchange of letters, and his death the next day. Inspector Japp replaces Inspector Barnett from the original short story and the unnamed, secret boyfriend of Joanna Farley (only daughter of Mr. Farley) is an added, on screen character named Herbert Chudley.
- While the revelation of the murder, not suicide, is merely told in the story, Poirot's flare for the dramatic employs Hastings and a revolver for a visual demonstration. The killer is revealed to be Hugo Cornworthy (Mrs Farley as his accomplice) and unlike the story, the dramatics continue in the adaptation with a foot chase by Hastings, a roll down the stairs, and then Chudley takes over on motorbike to finally take down Cornworthy.
- A small, semi humorous plot point with Miss Lemon occurs through the episode. She complains about needing a new typewriter for the office, leads Poirot to the solution when she sticks her head out the window to tell the time, and in gratitude Poirot gifts her something she needs... a clock.
Cast[]
- David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
- Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings
- Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp
- Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon
- Alan Howard as Benedict Farley / Hugo Cornworthy
- Joely Richardson as Joanna Farley
- Mary Tamm as Mrs Farley
- Martin Wenner as Herbert Chudley
- Christopher Saul as Mr Tremlett
- Paul Lacoux as Dr Stillingfleet
- Neville Phillips as Holmes
- Tommy Wright as Workman
- Fred Bryant as Workman
- Donald Bisset as Mayor (as Donald Bissett)
- Arthur Howell as Fencing Instructor
- George Little as Dicker
- Christopher Gunning as Bandmaster
- Richard Bebb as Newsreel Voice (voice)
Tropes and Themes[]
- The Art Deco 1930s - Hoover building, Perivale. Used for Farley's factory. Built in 1933, it is an example of Art Deco architecture and a Grade II listed buidling.[1]
- Lavish scenes
- Newsreel about Farley's pies
- Opening ceremony of new section of the works, including a brass band, pies on conveyor belts
- Poirot calls on Joanna Farley while she is at a fencing class
- The chase sequence - the final chase of Cornworthy by Hubert
Filming Locations[]
- Hoover Building, Perivale - external shots of Farley's Pies[2]