Poirot - "The Double Clue" Exposes Hercule's Facade as the Thief Melts His Heart

(Editor's Note: These made-for-TV movies are among the 41 murder mystery novels originally aired by PBS involving the proper, obsessive little Belgian inspector Hercule Poirot. The character of Poirot (played to perfection by David Suchet) was created by the famous British author Agatha Christie, who wrote her first Poirot novel in 1920 at the age of 30 and her last Poirot novel in 1975, 55 years later and a year before her death in 1976.)

South African police investigations have shown that the brutal murder shooting was not just a random case and it was a planned hit. The driver has become a state witness and the South African authorities want to question Shrien about his alleged involvement in his wife�s murder. As he has refused to voluntarily go back to South Africa, the South African police have requested the UK court to extradite him and help them solve the murder mystery of Anni Hindocha.One key to a successful special event is to seek out entertainment or decorations that are unique and fun to spark excitement and add the right ambiance. Think outside the box and consider all sorts of amusements � strolling musicians, magicians, chefs� demonstrations, palm readers�anything out of the ordinary. Novelty is the key to your success. Keep in mind that entertainment that rave about can also come in the form of an elaborate coffee bar or startlingly beautiful champagne fountain. Remember to check all decorating plans with the venue in advance because many have restrictions on what they allow. For example, many establishments forbid helium balloons.Participants look forward to the entertainment segment of a program. They want to have fun, enjoy themselves, and let their hair down, particularly after stressful and demanding sessions. So guess what? Your participants� stress reliever now becomes your stress maker. You have a true responsibility to choose the right entertainment for your group. Some options include the following:

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• Spectacle: Consider hiring a magician, juggler, comedian, mime or hypnotist.
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• Video or slide show: A picture is worth a thousand words. For a retirement dinner, consider creating a slide show featuring the guest of honor�s accomplishments. For a sales meeting, provide a video demonstration of a new product.

Poirot (David Suchet) is called to investigate the theft of an irreplaceable piece of jewelry that occurred during a social gathering at the home of wealthy collector Marcus Hardman (David Lyon).Denying the allegation, Shrien said he handed over his �2,000 Rado watch, digital camera, �500 in cash, mobile phone and his wife�s jewelry that included her engagement ring to the hijackers. While trying to save his sobbing wife, he was thrown out of the car along with the driver uninjured. He adds that he banged on nearby shanties to raise an alarm but nobody came to help him.http://www.newscollective.com/blog/?p=3287Fairytale wedding cut short abruptlyTip #5: Create The Right AtmosphereThe Double Clue - 4 Stars (Excellent)The dramatization of "The Double Clue" by Anthony Horowitz in 1991strays somewhat from the original novel written by Agatha Christie in 1923, but remains one of the best Hercule Poirot episodes ever.But Poirot cannot find the answer to two key questions: Why would he kill the husband, put him in Spanish chest and leave the body there while conducting a party with several guests in the same room, knowing the body could be easily discovered? And if he did not do it, who did and why?An online petition requesting Shrien�s extradition has been started, click here to sign it.Tip #3: Consider Unique EnvironmentsTaxi driver alleges Shrien wanted his wife deadPoirot's assistant—Captain Arthur Hastings (Huge Fraser)—and personal secretary—Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran)—pretty much make fools of themselves investigating the case while Poirot is smitten and spends all of his time with Countess Rossakoff. Both Hastings and Miss Lemon are visibly upset because the precise, orderly, rational, meticulous little Belgian detective is so out of character.And the question that is perplexing most South African observers is why Shrien was allowed to walk away from the hijacking so easily especially when he could identify the hijackers to the police. In most hijacking cases, the couple are beaten up badly and robbed and the woman is abused in front of the husband. If fortunate, the victims are left by the roadside while the unlucky victims are killed and their vehicle set on fire to eliminate all evidence.

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Author: Ed Bagley