Poirot - Peril at End House

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The ominously named End House is the setting for deadly deception in this feature-length adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel. As so often happens, supersleuth Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) is charmed by a woman--in this case, Magdala "Nick" Buckley (Polly Walker, who later starred in Enchanted April and Restoration). Nick jokingly mentions three recent close calls with death, piquing Poirot's investigative instincts. A murder does occur; however, the murderer isn't the only criminal in this multilayered mystery. The path to the truth takes several unexpected twists before reaching its conclusion. In fact, this is one case Poirot's little gray cells may not have solved but for the help of his assistants. Although Poirot teases Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) about his crime-solving abilities, it is Hastings's childish word-association game that provides the crucial piece to the puzzle. And Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran), who in previous episodes has resorted to tarot cards and hypnotism to aid her employer, holds an impromptu séance during the final scene. A highly enjoyable (if somewhat improbable) addition to the Agatha Christie's Poirot series.

The DVD transfer has excellent picture and sound quality. Special features include an interactive trivia game, biographies of David Suchet and Agatha Christie, and a link to the official Agatha Christie Web site. --Larisa Lomacky Moore

Customer Reviews:

Puzzling. Suspenseful. Twisting. Delicious........2005-06-04

Hercule Poirot, the internationally-known, legendary sleuth has his hands full in "Peril at End House". Trying to foil a murder plot, Poirot finds no motive or perpetrator or crime, yet! Indeed, there are many suspects but none fit the puzzle perfectly.

Situated in the French Riviera, the beautiful setting and extravagent lavishness of the idle rich provide an interesting backdrop to murder. Hastings is charming in his stiff British sort of way and Poirot (David Suchet) is irresistably full of himself, as usual.

Magdela "Nick" Buckley is a charming, intriguing lead. She reports three mysterious "accidents" at End House, piquing Poirot's curiosity and his instincts to the imminent danger facing her. THemystery takes an unexpected turn as she confides to being secretly engaged to an adventurous, world-renowned Britsh aviator who himself is the sudden heir to a fortune.

This is one of the best of the Poirot series and is quite confounding with many clues, intrigues, and twists in the plot. Especially well-done.

The GARDENER did it!! Or did he??.......2004-08-01

+++++

I watched this movie without reading the 1932 Dame Agatha Christie novel that it was based on. I'm glad I did this! Why? Because it forced me to really watch the movie in order to try and deduce who the murderer was.

As a brief synopsis, the murder takes place on the grounds of a mansion called "End House" that's owned by an accident-prone wealthy socialite. As it turns out Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) meets this wealthy socialite when he sustains an accident while on vacation and is at End House when the murder occurs. This case is quite perplexing to Poirot and as the investigation proceeds he admits that he "understands nothing." Thus, he needs the help of several people to bounce his ideas off. These people are Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser), Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson), and later on Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran). Eventually another person that's a resident of End House is killed (?).

Poirot's three helpers in this crime mentioned above don't want him to buck his system of solving murder mysteries. As it turns out, Poirot manages to solve the murder in the nick of time just before he is about to give up.

Who are the people of or associated with End House? They are as follows:

(1) Wealthy socialite Magdala "Nick" Buckley (Polly Walker)
(2) Commander George Challenger (John Harding)
(3) Frederika "Freddie" Rice, Nick's friend (Allison Sterling)
(4) Playboy Jim Lazarus (Paul Geoffrey)
(5) Ellen, Nick's maid (Mary Cunningham)
(6) Alfred, the maid's husband (Joe Bates)
(7) Gardener Bert Croft (Jeremy Young)
(8) Milly Croft, the gardener's disabled wife (Carol Macready)
(9) Lawyer Charles Vyse, Nick's cousin (Chris Baines)
(10) Maggie Buckley, another of Nick's cousins (?)

Of all the actors mentioned, Suchet's performance stands out (as usual). He does a stellar job in depicting the super sleuth. Other performances to look for are those of Polly Walker and Allison Sterling.

What I like about the final scene is that Poirot not only deduces who the murderer is but catches several other people for criminal offences.

The cinematography of this movie is visually stunning. The costumes are authentic looking. As well, the background music adds to each scene.

The DVD (which has the movie in full-screen format) has the usual text extras. Newcomers to the series may find these interesting.

The only minor problem I had with this movie (initially made for TV) was that roughly in the middle of the movie there is a "to be continued" notice given. (This was because the original movie was televised in two parts). Then the opening credits begin again. I found this distracting.

In conclusion, this is a fun movie, even if you have read the novel!!

(1990; made for TV; 100 min; 10 scenes; British drama; color)

+++++

VERY SAID.......2004-01-03

It is a great movie but, sadly enough it is without Widescreen and subtitles

i was dissapointed, but it was not the movie's fouldt.

EXCELLENT! YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE.......2004-01-03

first of all i would like to tell you that this one of the most intellegent Hercule Poirot movie, Agatha Christie have ever made. It is not David Suchet wich is Poirot, Poirot is Suchet... with his speach, intellegence and charm, David acts as poirot very very very well.

and remember, as in all of Agatha Christies films, it is not what it seems to be.

so, The only way to find out who the murder really is, is to not accept your eyes or ears...

do yor self a favour and see this movie...

Wow!.......2002-01-08

Really Suspenseful, you dont know who it is until the very end

Average customer rating:

Hilarious!
Bursting With Energy
MAINTAINS BETTY HUTTON'S REPUTATION FOR ENERGY.
Perilous Presentation
I haven't seen this in so long!

The Perils of Pauline
Starring: Betty Hutton , John Lund , Billy De Wolfe , William Demarest , and Constance Collier
Director: George Marshall
Manufacturer: ROAN
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003RQOP
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious!.......2007-08-23

This musical comedy emphasizes the comedy. Yes, there is melodrama, but the movie is at least 70% comedy, I think. An example

"The President is calling a special session of Congress to declare war on Germany."

"War? That's horrible."

"You said it. Now we gotta rewrite the last six episodes."

Not very historically accurate, but who cares? If you want that, watch a documentary. A total Betty Hutton vehicle The love story is sweet and there are a number of cameos from old silent film stars. The songs are... I don't know... jazzy?

Haven't seen the DVD yet, but the VHS print I have doesn't look too good. Still, it's one of my all-time favorite movies, and I think it's worth a watch.

Bursting With Energy.......2007-04-27

The Perils of Pauline is loosely based on the life of serial queen Pearl White (Betty Hutton), the girl who constantly triumphed against the villians, but only after many suspenseful stunts. She begins as a seamstress who breaks into the theater by accident. She proves to be too unprofessional for the stage and accidentally falls into the movies (where Snub Pollard and Chester Conklin make appearances). There she finds real fame doing dangerous stunts but longing for the man who antagonized her so much in the theater.

Somehow I can't imagine that White behaved this way, but Hutton certainly did, and she is the attraction here anyway. It really doesn't matter whether the biographical information is correct because the movie itself is so much fun.

There are several songs in the film, and Hutton shines in them, as musical performances were her true forte. First is "The Sewing Machine," an ode to the appliance that women were strapped to at the early part of the century. Next is her most animated and funny performance; she sings "Rumble, Rumble, Rumble" in a typical and great manner. "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" was nominated for an Academy award. It is slow, romantic and beautiful. Last is "Papa Don't Preach to Me," a lesser song in many ways, but very upbeat and showy.

MAINTAINS BETTY HUTTON'S REPUTATION FOR ENERGY........2006-05-31

Enthusiastically ambulating throughout this charming and funny story of silent-film Hollywood, Betty Hutton depicts a mythlike Pearl White, framed by fascinating shots of prototypical movie-making. A romantic plot involving Betty and her princely co-star, John Lund, is developed in a leisurely fashion until the rather frenetic ending. Hutton's singing is often spectacular, as with her opening number, and enjoyment is developed as the viewer identifies early stars in this fine example of 40's cinema.

Perilous Presentation.......2006-05-27

I had enjoyed Betty Hutton's and William Demarest's performances so much in "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek" that I was naturally drawn to "The Perils of Pauline" where the two were reunited in starring roles. The film is fast moving, breezy and exudes a certain level of charm in its fun, nostalgic presentation of the classic silent movie serials. Hutton is very good in her teary-eyed portrayal of Pearl White, (Pauline) and gives a spirited, if not over the top performance, particularly in the song sequences. The Frank Loesser songs are quite memorable as well, one even being nominated for an Academy Award. Billy DeWolfe is very enjoyable as the requisite kooky but good-hearted sidekick, especially when playing the teeth-gnashing villain in the filmed serials. Demarest seems a bit on the subdued side, particularly after seeing him in several Sturges pictures just prior to this one. John Lund also seems to walk through this picture, stiff as a stuffed shirt, (which, to be fair, is the nature of his character) but, unfortunately, Lund carries that rigidity over into his warmer more sincere moments as well, implying perhaps that the direction on this picture was slightly less than stellar. Overall this film clearly drives home the point that MGM and Fox led the way when it came to big, Technicolor musicals of this era. And, speaking of Technicolor, I need to mention that this transfer is actually quite "contrasty" and somewhat soft compared to other musicals of the era out on DVD. I also notice a good bit of digital "monkeying" with the picture, notably at the end of scenes and through the transitions when the picture would actually slow down, strobe or even freeze frame for a moment sometimes with a jarring and annoying effect. I would suspect that this transfer to DVD may have been made from a "dupe" print and the sub standard quality of the picture had a somewhat negative effect on my overall enjoyment of this otherwise sweet little musical comedy.

I haven't seen this in so long!.......2006-05-10

I haven't seen this since,I think middle or high school on Ch.7 detroit.I bet Kim Possible,Ron Stoppable[finally he's going to get a sibling,this Season] and Rufuus can capture the bad guy and rescue the girl.

Average customer rating:

Perils of Pauline (1914 Serial)
Starring: Paul Panzer
Director: Louis J. Garnier , and George B. Seitz
Manufacturer: Grapevine Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

New Orchestral Score
Color Tinted

ASIN: B000LY271A

Product Description

THE PERILS OF PAULINE (1914), a silent episodic serial, is considered the most famous suspense serial in cinema history. Every two weeks Pauline evaded attempts on her life. She survives the plots of her dastardly guardian who wants her inherited fortune for himself. The werial is presented here on a double layer DVD with tints and an orchestra music score.

Betty Hutton: Perils of Pauline/The Stork Club

Average customer rating:

Two for one!
An insufficiently appreciated beauty.

Betty Hutton: Perils of Pauline/The Stork Club
Starring: Perils of Pauline (1947)/Stork Club (1945)
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EJ9V9S
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Description

Actors: Betty Hutton, John Lund, Constance Collier, William Demarest, Billy De Wolfe, Barry Fitzgerald, Don DeFore, Andy Russell, Robert Benchley, Iris Adrian, Bill Goodwin, Mary Young, Charles Coleman, Perc Launders, Mikhail Rasummy, Noel Neill; Two Hutton Double Features sure to be enjoyed! In the first feature, Perils Of Pauline, Hutton has a field day in this `biography' of Pearl White, the daredevil damsel who thrilled millions during the hey-day of the silent serials. In The Stork Club, Hutton plays a young hat check girl who rescues an elderly tramp from drowning. DVD Bonus & Features: Menu Selection, Bonus: "The Stork Club" - Originial Theatrical Trailer, Color Noveltoon "Naughty But Mice", DVD-9, Dolby Digital Mono, 191 min, Color & B&W, 1.33:1, NR, 1945 & 1947.

Customer Reviews:

Two for one!.......2007-06-16

OK, so maybe quality of the prints used isn't too crash hot but you are getting two great films for the price of one so you can't really complain. I had already seen Perils of Pauline on video and wanted to see the Stork Club. A good double to give to your mum or anyone who likes 1940s musicials (if they don't already have them.)

An insufficiently appreciated beauty........2007-01-04

Betty Hutton is The WOW Girl. Annie Get Your Gun Proved that. Great looking and funny, she was (the lass is still living) a perfect comedy star. For awhile, she was the reigning queen of Hollywood. Let's not forget that. Her sad songs are softly whimsical. She's a doll and one of the very best.

Have you her her "Murder! He said!"? WOW! It's murder! (As is very good!)

Average customer rating:

great serial, awful picture & sound

The Perils of Pauline
Starring: Perils of Pauline
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000DN5VN0
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Customer Reviews:

great serial, awful picture & sound.......2007-03-16

I know this DVD is cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for here. No restoration has been done on this 1934 serial, so we get very hissy, muffled sound and plenty of scratches and flecks etc on a washed-out, very rough-looking print. Oh and an alpha logo popping up on the chapter titles cards. The RHS text of some of the opening chapter summary cards is also cropped off.

This is the only DVD version available at the moment, so by all means buy it, but be prepared - you will certainly not benefit from DVD quality!

Average customer rating:

NEWLY REMASTERED RELEASE

The Stork Club/The Perils of Pauline
Starring: Stork Club , and Perils of Pauline
Manufacturer: Marengo Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Miracle of Morgan's Creek

ASIN: B000IJ7AI8
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Description

The Stork Club: This charming romantic comedy is set in motion by an older millionaire whose life is saved by a hat check girl who works at the fabulous Stork Club. The millionaire decides he will use part of his fortune to make the girl happy. When Betty Huttons boyfriend returns from the war in the Pacific a series of delightful misunderstandings ensue proving money cannot buy happiness. The Perils Of Pauline: Betty Hutton plays the part of silent serial screen star Pearl White. She moves from a sweat shop to a traveling repertory company where she meets the star of the show Mike Farrington and falls in love. Unfortunately for her he is a cold fish.

Customer Reviews:

NEWLY REMASTERED RELEASE.......2006-12-13

Marengo Films is proud to announce the new release of these fine two Betty Hutton movies. We believe The Perils of Pauline is the finest print of this film on the market. The Stork Club has been extensively re-mastered with a complete sound design and color correction. This print was slightly worn and the work took several passes. However we believe with the effort we put out to restore the film you will find that it too is the best print of this fantastic movie on the market.

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