Based on Agatha Christie's "The A.B.C. Murders", with Tony Randall as an unlikely choice for Hercule Poirot. If you take your Christie seriously, this probably isn't for you, but it is a fun light mystery. Poirot is in London when a string of murders peaks his interest--the only motive seems to be the initials of the victims..A.A., B.B., etc. I enjoyed the pairing of Robert Morley and Randall. Morley, as the official assigned to escort Poirot about town, spends most of his time playing catch-up with calm exasperation..very British. Although some Poirot portrayals feature a humorous side, this one includes more physical comedy..perhaps an inspiration of director Frank Tashlin, who directed numerous Jerry Lewis films.
For the Miss Marple fans, there is even a humorous cameo by Margaret Rutherford and Stringer Davis, bemoaning the ineptitude of the police in solving the murders. Evidently, Ms Christie didn't like this movie--I don't know if it was the changes from the book (Anita Ekberg's character was a dark, tr oubled man in the book..) or the casting, but of course, she didn't like the Margaret Rutherford series either..go figure. Although Randall isn't who I think of when I think of Poirot, his comedic timing payed off here, and you know from the very start he intends to have fun with the role. Not my favorite Christie, but entertaining..glad I finally got to see it.
