When it comes to Poirot, my vote: 1. Suchet 2. Suchet 3. Suchet 4. Suchet 5….Suchet And for Marple - Joan Hickson. When it comes to the word “scatty” with which Dame Christie describes her, I cannot think of anyone else who portrays that better.
I agree. David Suchet's Poirot is even better than Agatha Christie's Poirot. He gives her character emotion, depth, and humor. I never tire of watching David Suchet's Poirot and I'm always delighted by him.
Agatha Christie told Hickson she wanted her to play Miss Marple when she was older. A wonderful endorsement. She was perfection. Suchet's dedication to go to the books to find Poirot, and to do as Chritie's family requested - to laugh with Poirot, not at him - resulted in a perfect portrayal.
@@Elizabelle79 as much as I love the two other women who portrayed Marple, they looked far too shrewd and intelligent; even their speech came across as coherent and well thought through; they did not seem like old ladies who had all the time in the world to talk about sweater patterns and ramble about all sorts of things but not be able to finish a thought 😀
@@jlb9368 That's the thing about Miss Marple. She is shrewd and intelligent... hidden behind the guise of a dithering old lady. The only give away is her clear, sharp blue eyes. One of my favourite quotes of hers: "A policeman asking questions is treated with the greatest suspicion... but an old lady asking questions is just an old lady asking questions."
Seems about right. Though I love Angela Landsbury as Mrs Aoterborn (can’t figure out the spelling). Kinda wish both could be in the same movie. Too late now sadly.
I am Japanese, and Poirot is also famous here. Suchet's voice was dubbed by a voice actor Kazuo Kumakura. He also dedicated his carrier to performing Poirot. His voice was gentle, and his accent was arranged weak for Japanese taste. He passed away soon after the last "Curtain" was published at 88. RIP
Oh, that's really interesting! I've heard that Poirot is popular in Japan indeed and I liked the main actor's appearance who was chosen for the part, it's soft and gentle and sophisticated at the same time - bang on! Mansai Nomura, if I googled him right
@@lukacalov1988 Well, because we are used to hear foreign movies in Japanese. Of course, it depends on persons. We can choose the language (Jpn-translated/subs) in theatre and TV series. How do you feel for the dubbed version? ruclips.net/video/_g55W1SJshQ/видео.html
Wow that’s amazing. I saw the anime series based on Poirot and Miss Marple, but I didn’t realize the extent at which Poirot was popular over there. And here I thought us Norwegians went far because we had major newspaper spreads in the national newspapers covering the final few adaptations. But we never had a dedicated voice actor for the part. Respect!
When I read Agatha Christie’s novels in the past, I had a definite image of Poirot in my mind, his appearance, his mannerisms and even his voice. The only one who corresponds 100% to my imagined Poirot is David Suchet. It is interesting that, as you said, now when I reread the novels, it is Suchet’s image that pops up in my mind and I can’t help it. Not disregarding the other actors, Suchet is for me the incarnate Poirot. I liked your analysis. Regards from Brazil.
Absolutely love Suchet as Poirot. Got a bit of a shock when I saw an interview with him and realized that he had a totally different voice and manners as himself. He was so convincing, he really WAS Poirot on screen.
No one, but NO ONE, can top Sir David Suchet as Hercule Poirot! The best Poirot ever! Love him! I wouldn’t waste my time watching the other actors as Poirot.
well, not a waste of time in some cases, that's for sure! Try Ustinov as a start, but don't compare him to Suchet, just try to enjoy his proper performance - he's marvellous!
Have it your own way, just be aware that you deprived yourself of some wonderful movies just because you don’t like their depiction of Poirot. Sidney Lumet’s Murder on the orient express is still the best version of that story, and no the one with David Suchet doesn’t even come close. Suchet himself is wonderful as Poirot, but I prefer a good movie over a perfect single actor.
Peter Ustinov isn't bad as Poirot, the trouble with both him and Suchet isn't the acting so much as the fact the script writers change the storyline which often leaves it making little sense.
Suchet, Finney, Ustinov. Branagh just doesn't cut it. He's grim, humourless, and excessively dark. The first three convey Poirot's idiocyncracies, but most especially Suchet, who perfectly demonstrates Mr P's fastidiousness, intelligence, humour, and humanity. Finney's performance on the large screen is something I'll never forget, and his carriage, gleaming green eyes and tendency to exaggerate his "foreigness" was brilliant. These last 2 men were also smaller, which was true of Poirot, whereas Ustinov is a large man. Ustinov is the master of the quizzical look, (often for comic effect), the humous inflection and air of being puzzled, gregarious one minute and steely-eyed when necessary. He uses his considerable talents to build a character, but his interpretation is often for laughs. Charming, yes, Poirot, not quite. But it's as if he knows he can't physically approximate the character so he will seek to amuse you. It's a most enjoyable performance. Both Finney & Ustinov had the advantages of playing in lavish productions with all-star casts, exotic locations, beautiful cinematography, and lush musical scores, all enhancing the total impression, which was marvellous in each case. The less said about the others, the better. And before I forget: didn't Tony Randall play Poirot? I think it was in "The Alphabet Murders".
I adore such comments! You are certainly way more knowledgable about the subject. Agree with you that Ustinov decided to carve his own way and didn't try to fit into the obviously unfit frames for his persona. As nor Niven - never heard of that. Perhaps, you meant Tony Randall?
Branagh: la-men-ta-ble; love his Shakespeare, love it, but Poirot? La-men-ta-ble... Ustinov: interesting. Suchet? Suchet, Suchet, SUCHET!! After all, he did the whole canon, didn't he? Stayed the course, didn't cherry-pick, a whole piece of cloth from beginning to end. And consider this: he remained the same Poirot from beginning to end; didn't let his actor's ego entice him into trying something new, exciting, different, innovative, half-way through, after he'd done his first thirty-five stories. SUCH discipline!! Such professionalism! Such dedication! He WAS Poirot!! (Though I've also seen him do a mean Lady Bracknell on occasion.)
Like you said, David Suchet is the perfect Poirot. I think that he was so much better than the rest of them that it is very hard to choose anyone else, but I agree with your other two choices also. I was a big fan of Peter Ustinov as an actor, and I felt that his Poirot was very good until I saw Suchet's Poirot. As I didn't care for anyone else at all (of the few I've seen), Branagh was a good choice for 3rd place. I had a lot of trouble looking past that mustache, I felt that it was too much, but he was better than the rest of them. Basically though, it's just Suchet for me. I watch his portrayals over and over again online.
@@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586 I hate Branagh's take on the mustache. Poirot's comments on "Les mustaches" (plural) are because that is how the French language refers to a mustache, and because it sounds amusing to English speakers. Branagh and Ridley Scott (who co-produced at least the first one of those) are intelligent, educated men who should have known better.
@@kugelweg you entitled to your opinion, I’ll stick to the sugar lumps and other idiosyncrasies that he does get right more often than not, so the big picture does not change in mine and many others mind .
I've been an admirer of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Mrs Marple for decades, and have seen every Hercule Poirot and Mrs. Marple. There is no one better than David Suchet, none, of all of them. As for Mrs. Marple it has to be Joan Hickson and 2nd would be Julia McKenzie. I know that they filmed Dead Man's Folly as the last one (as per David Suchet's interview) because they didn't want to end his 25 year long career on a downer (The Last Curtain). That was good because I cried my eyes out on the Last Curtain and it would have bothered me to know that this was it. It was almost like I had lost a member of my family.
Of course Suchet is No. 1. There can't be another one on this spot! But for No. 2 I would call Albert Finney. Especially for this mervelous Makeup he got for this movie. And No. 3 is of course Sir Peter Ustinov. With Ken Branaghs portrayal of Poirot frankly said I can't deal with.
I almost agree with you! Suchet and Ustinov are fantastic. Meh, Finney is fine. But Brannagh...yes, I can't deal with that portrayal either. A hard nope.
I like Suchet, Ustinov and Finney - each for different reasons. They were all just the right choices for their eras. Exploring the literary character’s potential for film adaptations from different angles. In addition, they fulfilled the prevailing imaginations of a past era during the decades the films /the series were made. The approach to a past era in 2022 is as well different from 1992 - strongly depending on how the audience wants to be entertained with a representation of the past.
I agree with everything you say..........apart from Finney who made my teeth itch!! He hammed it up and I found him to be absolutely unwatchable. I didn't know Poirot was supposed to have a broken neck! Ugh. 😅
I must agree with you about Peter Ustinov in Evil Under the Sun. As far as the series is concerned however David Sushet is hands down Poirot through and through.
There is a documentary with Sir David called " Becoming Poirot " and how he developed him directly from Christie's books. Hus direction from her family before he started the role was that they wanted the audience to laugh with Poirot not at him. He is the one and only. Credit must also be given to the production and casting that only the British can achieve.
My favorite on-screen Poirot is David Suchet. But if you haven't heard John Moffat in the BBC radio series, you're in for a treat. (Some of the full-cast audios are available on RUclips.)
When I read a Poirot novel I always picture David Suchet in the role of Poirot. But I don't like how his series changes Agatha Christie's novels. I have great respect for Kenneth Branagh as a actor But he doesn't look like Poirot,lol. When I listen to the audio book I love the voice of Hugh Fraser as Poirot.
Thank you for posting this informative and entertaining video about Poirot and the actors who played him. I've only seen Peter Ustinov and David Suchet as Poirot and I loved them both. I didn't know so many other actors played him. David Suchet is one of my favorite actors, period. I saw him in as Salieri in the Broadway production of Amadeus, and the evil antogonist in a TV miniseries adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Going Postal. I enjoyed his version of Japp before shifting to Poirot himself. Great range as an actor. And speaking of Suchet's devotion to his craft, when he wanted to perform Poirot's walk he clasped a coin between his buttocks to begin with. After that training he perfected the skill and didn't need to do it anymore. I died when I read that. I haven't seen Kenneth Branagh's version of Murder on the Orient Express and I probably won't. It hasn't fared very well in reviews. Does anyone have opinions about the mustache in this version? I know the size and grandiostity is one of its defining features according to Agatha Christie herself.
Just as Jeremy Brett is the only real Sherlock Holmes, David Suchet is the only real Hercule Poirot. Others might be able to play the part, but they are the ones who truly bring it to life.
I cannot speak of the oldest Poirot interpretations but I have seen those made over the last 40-50 years and I think that when judging them you have to consider how the scripts were written. For example some were bordering upon comedy (Branagh's moustaches?) and did not always follow the story accurately. Others were strictly written as drama and followed the stories most faithfully. So its all down to personal taste, I loved the humour of the Ustinov version, I can always watch him in anything he was just great. When it comes to drama I don't think you can beat Suchet, he's just nailed it. While we are at it I have to mention John Moffatt who made many radio versions, he was the definitive radio Poirot.
It's a huge pleasure to read such a thoughtful comment! I agree with everything said (and the notions about Ustinov and Suchet in particular). It's a pity I haven't ever heard (at least I don't remember it) Moffat radio version - have to catch up on this for sure!
I completely agree with everything. Ustinov and Suchet are both perfect to me, even though they are completely different, and I lose myself in their performances. Ustinov's Evil Under The Sun is also one of my favourite films. Its such a brilliant cast and soundtrack, and I can watch it over and over.
The critics agreed. He played a clown, not Poirot. He positively wrecked Henry V. His portrayal in Oppenheimer was instantly forgettable. He has only one notable attribute: a fat ego.
I didn't think anyone could be a better Poirot than Ustinov .. until Suchet turned up. Branagh's absolutely terrible mustache disqualifies him despite his many talents.
As far as ACTING is concerned, Albert Finney is unmatched and was *the* best Poirot in that respect. Period. David Suchet was a very likable Poirot and embodied his spirit excellently and was a joy to watch. Peter Ustinov was okay; he brought a whimsical aspect to the character. But a lot of that was in the writing. Kenneth Branagh is the absolute WORST Poirot and his directing is TERRIBLE.
I love Kenneth as an actor and director and he defiantly has a way with his renditions of Poirot. Loved Ustinov too. But Sir David is my favorite hands down.
Hi, for me the best film ever made by Poirot is Death on the nile with Peter Ustinov. However, the best Poirot ever can only be David Suchet, followed by Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney. In your video you didn't mention The Alphabet Murders shot in 1965 with Tony Randall in the lead role. The film is almost a parody, but it has the unique merit of having sealed the meeting between Miss Marple (Margaret Rutherford) and Poirot. Congratulations 👍🏼
Like most people, I consider Suchet the definite Poirot. He is very dapper, physically right, nails the accent and conveys the character’s fussy demeanour. Finney and Ustinov are both much too ebullient. Branagh I don’t care for at all; he is, like Malkovich, physically wrong, and his moustache is ridiculous rather than beautiful.
Absolutely on the nail. Ustinov, normally very good with accents, got Poirot wrong - but was brilliant in many other parts. As you say Branagh is physically wrong. He simply doesn't attract the audiences. You don't have to be good looking to be an actor, but you have to have an INTERESTING appearance.
Ustinov, Finney, Suchet is my top three. I know Ustinov does not look like Hercule, but I have very fond childhood memories of his movies. Finney and Suchet are both equally perfect.
Ustinov doesn't look like Poirot, but he has a definite understanding of the character that chimes with Christie: Poirot can get people to talk to him, and Ustinov's Poirot is very much like that. I like Finney and I understand that Christie, for the most part, did too. Branagh's characterization isn't Poirot, to the point that something in me resists him when I've watched. I feel he doesn't get the character at all, no matter how much research he's done.
@melenatorr Yes, the only reason I like the Branagh films is the visual aspect and the fact he is keeping Christie's stories and characters alive in the public psych. I love her books🤗 I feel like Ustinov really captured Poirot's cheeky side, and the wonderful dry humor.
David Suchet is without a doubt the definitive Poirot, although I also like Ustinov's portrayals of him as well, particularly in Death on the Nile. There have been several remakes of this classic, but none that can touch the 1978 version.
1. Suchet 2. Ustinov 3. Finney Sorry, I didn't find Branagh convincing. Miss Marple: 1. Joan Hickson 2. Joan Hickson 3. Joan Hickson ... There is no other actress worth mentioning. And I have seen them all.
I've not seen Branagh, perhaps unfairly, as it felt more a Kenneth vanity project than a respectful Christie take. Your review of his prep focus raised my respect. Thank you.
I always enjoyed Ustinovs portrayal of Poirot, but Suchets portrayal is perfection as far as my reading of the novels shows. I really didnt enjoy Finney or Branaghs interpretation of the character. But there you go, its a very personal choice isnt it.
Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors of all time, but when I think of Poirot, I do not think of him at all. He looks completely wrong for the part. Though I do love the double layered mustache!
There have been a few Poirot's but the winner by a mile is David Suchet outdoes them all. The series he did was priceless for great acting, writing and set designs that were so well done it was a real pleasure to watch. The way he was presented just seemed to fit the roll so well I can't imagine anyone else doing it better.
So what if the performance by Tony Randall is too much along the lines of Charlie Chaplin? At least he proved that the murderer was really a murderess named Amanda Beatrice Cross, as played by the late actress Anita Ekberg.
It's become similar to the best James Bond debate. Many times a favorite is chosen simply because of age and which actor we saw playing the part of Poirot. Having seen most of the actors that have played Poirot, it's easy for me to choose David Suchet.
Oh David Suchet is the perfect Poirot.
Totally agree
Absolutely
Totally agree
Yes, I love him.
David Suchet was the best .
David Suchet was the one and only Poirot, nobody else has ever come close to painting the character so wonderfully. No contest.
Nope, read the books. In the series only looks match, and even those not entirely.
Yes 💯
David Suchet did so much research for the part. It was mindblowing! The voice, the walk, mannerisms... Everything. He is an Amazing talent.
Yes 💯
he is a character actor. he become the character he plays.
He read every Poirot story in order to get his character as Christie-perfect as possible
When it comes to Poirot, my vote:
1. Suchet
2. Suchet
3. Suchet
4. Suchet
5….Suchet
And for Marple - Joan Hickson. When it comes to the word “scatty” with which Dame Christie describes her, I cannot think of anyone else who portrays that better.
I agree. David Suchet's Poirot is even better than Agatha Christie's Poirot. He gives her character emotion, depth, and humor. I never tire of watching David Suchet's Poirot and I'm always delighted by him.
Agatha Christie told Hickson she wanted her to play Miss Marple when she was older. A wonderful endorsement. She was perfection.
Suchet's dedication to go to the books to find Poirot, and to do as Chritie's family requested - to laugh with Poirot, not at him - resulted in a perfect portrayal.
@@Elizabelle79 as much as I love the two other women who portrayed Marple, they looked far too shrewd and intelligent; even their speech came across as coherent and well thought through; they did not seem like old ladies who had all the time in the world to talk about sweater patterns and ramble about all sorts of things but not be able to finish a thought 😀
@@jlb9368 That's the thing about Miss Marple. She is shrewd and intelligent... hidden behind the guise of a dithering old lady. The only give away is her clear, sharp blue eyes. One of my favourite quotes of hers: "A policeman asking questions is treated with the greatest suspicion... but an old lady asking questions is just an old lady asking questions."
Seems about right. Though I love Angela Landsbury as Mrs Aoterborn (can’t figure out the spelling). Kinda wish both could be in the same movie. Too late now sadly.
I am Japanese, and Poirot is also famous here. Suchet's voice was dubbed by a voice actor Kazuo Kumakura. He also dedicated his carrier to performing Poirot. His voice was gentle, and his accent was arranged weak for Japanese taste. He passed away soon after the last "Curtain" was published at 88. RIP
Oh, that's really interesting! I've heard that Poirot is popular in Japan indeed and I liked the main actor's appearance who was chosen for the part, it's soft and gentle and sophisticated at the same time - bang on! Mansai Nomura, if I googled him right
"Curtain" with Poirot & "Nemesis" with Jane Marple were written & stashed away so they could be released after Christie's death.
No disrespect but why would you dubbed it?
@@lukacalov1988 Well, because we are used to hear foreign movies in Japanese. Of course, it depends on persons. We can choose the language (Jpn-translated/subs) in theatre and TV series.
How do you feel for the dubbed version?
ruclips.net/video/_g55W1SJshQ/видео.html
Wow that’s amazing. I saw the anime series based on Poirot and Miss Marple, but I didn’t realize the extent at which Poirot was popular over there. And here I thought us Norwegians went far because we had major newspaper spreads in the national newspapers covering the final few adaptations. But we never had a dedicated voice actor for the part. Respect!
Without doubt Suchet is the most convincing. Excellent portrayal.
Yes 💯
When I read Agatha Christie’s novels in the past, I had a definite image of Poirot in my mind, his appearance, his mannerisms and even his voice. The only one who corresponds 100% to my imagined Poirot is David Suchet. It is interesting that, as you said, now when I reread the novels, it is Suchet’s image that pops up in my mind and I can’t help it. Not disregarding the other actors, Suchet is for me the incarnate Poirot. I liked your analysis. Regards from Brazil.
thank you, happy that you enjoyed!
Yes, I made a comment like yours before reading yours
What u said is very true
😂😂 Nope, Poirot in the series was made dumber to seem more relatable.
@@odsasadolasa1No he wasn’t.
David Suchet IS Poirot. No one else even comes close.
Yes 💯
Absolutely love Suchet as Poirot. Got a bit of a shock when I saw an interview with him and realized that he had a totally different voice and manners as himself. He was so convincing, he really WAS Poirot on screen.
No one, but NO ONE, can top Sir David Suchet as Hercule Poirot! The best Poirot ever! Love him! I wouldn’t waste my time watching the other actors as Poirot.
well, not a waste of time in some cases, that's for sure! Try Ustinov as a start, but don't compare him to Suchet, just try to enjoy his proper performance - he's marvellous!
I agree. He is definitely the best. I enjoy the others too. All very good actors in themselves.
Have it your own way, just be aware that you deprived yourself of some wonderful movies just because you don’t like their depiction of Poirot. Sidney Lumet’s Murder on the orient express is still the best version of that story, and no the one with David Suchet doesn’t even come close. Suchet himself is wonderful as Poirot, but I prefer a good movie over a perfect single actor.
Peter Ustinov isn't bad as Poirot, the trouble with both him and Suchet isn't the acting so much as the fact the script writers change the storyline which often leaves it making little sense.
Peter Ustinov is the best 😊
David Suchet. He played Poirot to perfection.
My favorite actor who played Poriot was Sir David Suchet. He was and still is as amazing as Agatha Christie’s legendary sleuth 🕵️♀️.
Suchet, Finney, Ustinov. Branagh just doesn't cut it. He's grim, humourless, and excessively dark. The first three convey Poirot's idiocyncracies, but most especially Suchet, who perfectly demonstrates Mr P's fastidiousness, intelligence, humour, and humanity. Finney's performance on the large screen is something I'll never forget, and his carriage, gleaming green eyes and tendency to exaggerate his "foreigness" was brilliant. These last 2 men were also smaller, which was true of Poirot, whereas Ustinov is a large man. Ustinov is the master of the quizzical look, (often for comic effect), the humous inflection and air of being puzzled, gregarious one minute and steely-eyed when necessary. He uses his considerable talents to build a character, but his interpretation is often for laughs. Charming, yes, Poirot, not quite. But it's as if he knows he can't physically approximate the character so he will seek to amuse you. It's a most enjoyable performance. Both Finney & Ustinov had the advantages of playing in lavish productions with all-star casts, exotic locations, beautiful cinematography, and lush musical scores, all enhancing the total impression, which was marvellous in each case.
The less said about the others, the better. And before I forget: didn't Tony Randall play Poirot? I think it was in "The Alphabet Murders".
I adore such comments! You are certainly way more knowledgable about the subject. Agree with you that Ustinov decided to carve his own way and didn't try to fit into the obviously unfit frames for his persona.
As nor Niven - never heard of that. Perhaps, you meant Tony Randall?
I've seen Branaghs Murder on the Orient express and although liked it well enough it wasn't Poirot. The best in that film was Johnny Depps Rachet
Suchet's Poirot is dumbed down and a bit autistic. Completely NOT like the book version.
David of course, he has become Poirot, watching anyone else is like watering down a good whiskey
Ha, i like the metaphor
Branagh: la-men-ta-ble; love his Shakespeare, love it, but Poirot? La-men-ta-ble... Ustinov: interesting. Suchet? Suchet, Suchet, SUCHET!! After all, he did the whole canon, didn't he? Stayed the course, didn't cherry-pick, a whole piece of cloth from beginning to end. And consider this: he remained the same Poirot from beginning to end; didn't let his actor's ego entice him into trying something new, exciting, different, innovative, half-way through, after he'd done his first thirty-five stories. SUCH discipline!! Such professionalism! Such dedication! He WAS Poirot!! (Though I've also seen him do a mean Lady Bracknell on occasion.)
Theres only one for me.
David Suchet 👑
No second or third.
David Suchet is the best Poirot.
Like you said, David Suchet is the perfect Poirot. I think that he was so much better than the rest of them that it is very hard to choose anyone else, but I agree with your other two choices also. I was a big fan of Peter Ustinov as an actor, and I felt that his Poirot was very good until I saw Suchet's Poirot. As I didn't care for anyone else at all (of the few I've seen), Branagh was a good choice for 3rd place. I had a lot of trouble looking past that mustache, I felt that it was too much, but he was better than the rest of them. Basically though, it's just Suchet for me. I watch his portrayals over and over again online.
The mustache was terrible wasn't it?
@@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586 I hate Branagh's take on the mustache. Poirot's comments on "Les mustaches" (plural) are because that is how the French language refers to a mustache, and because it sounds amusing to English speakers. Branagh and Ridley Scott (who co-produced at least the first one of those) are intelligent, educated men who should have known better.
Mr. Suchet. He is a reincarnation of Poirot, his initiation, everything. The perfection of an actor. Congratulations 👍👌
David Suchet = Hercule Poirot
David Suchet and Jeremy Brett , both straight out of the books 📖
Jeremy Brett played Sherlock, didn't he?
@@marina_via some say he did but he actually lived Sherlock, it ruined him in the end though 🥲
@@cartel1976 Interesting, I'm intrigued to learn more!
@@marina_via you should definitely look into his amazing life , you will get few video ideas I’m sure 👌
@@kugelweg you entitled to your opinion, I’ll stick to the sugar lumps and other idiosyncrasies that he does get right more often than not, so the big picture does not change in mine and many others mind .
David Suchet is the perfect Poirot♥ I don't personally care for any of the others.
I've been an admirer of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Mrs Marple for decades, and have seen every Hercule Poirot and Mrs. Marple. There is no one better than David Suchet, none, of all of them. As for Mrs. Marple it has to be Joan Hickson and 2nd would be Julia McKenzie. I know that they filmed Dead Man's Folly as the last one (as per David Suchet's interview) because they didn't want to end his 25 year long career on a downer (The Last Curtain). That was good because I cried my eyes out on the Last Curtain and it would have bothered me to know that this was it. It was almost like I had lost a member of my family.
Oh, I do understand your feelings
I feel the same way.
Mrs Marple? Mrs?
Miss Marple, she wasn’t married.
Of course Suchet is No. 1. There can't be another one on this spot!
But for No. 2 I would call Albert Finney. Especially for this mervelous Makeup he got for this movie.
And No. 3 is of course Sir Peter Ustinov.
With Ken Branaghs portrayal of Poirot frankly said I can't deal with.
I almost agree with you! Suchet and Ustinov are fantastic. Meh, Finney is fine. But Brannagh...yes, I can't deal with that portrayal either. A hard nope.
I like Suchet, Ustinov and Finney - each for different reasons. They were all just the right choices for their eras. Exploring the literary character’s potential for film adaptations from different angles. In addition, they fulfilled the prevailing imaginations of a past era during the decades the films /the series were made. The approach to a past era in 2022 is as well different from 1992 - strongly depending on how the audience wants to be entertained with a representation of the past.
Totally agree, every epoch/time period has its own values, trends, focus, etc.- hence the approach to portraying certain events/characters of the past
Finney was the worst. Over acted a lot.
@@marina_via Thank you - and thanks for your splendid presentation 🌻
I agree with everything you say..........apart from Finney who made my teeth itch!! He hammed it up and I found him to be absolutely unwatchable. I didn't know Poirot was supposed to have a broken neck! Ugh. 😅
I agree with you, David Suchet has been the best Hercule Poirot.
I just finished the series of Agatha Christie's " Poirot" and I definitely agree, DAVID SUCHET IS THE BEST HERCULE POIROT EVER!! Bon!❤❤❤
Hy, I just watched your channel and it is amazing. I would to prefer David Suchet as Poirot, I am watching now Poirot series.
Hi Laura! I'm more than excited to hear that! And I love re-watching Poirot each time I'm up to a cozy evening with some English charm...
David Suchet. Indubitably. I’ve read all the books. He is the closest.
Ustinov of course! "Evil Under The Sun" is a masterpiece.
Yeah, Charming Poirot indeed
I must agree with you about Peter Ustinov in Evil Under the Sun.
As far as the series is concerned however David Sushet is hands down Poirot through and through.
Yes!
I love Ustinov but for me Suchet was the better....BEST Poirot
Ustinov has too much Ustinov in his Poirot.
All very good actors, thank you for this charming video-
Grew up with Ustinov. I'll always see Poirot as Ustinov when reading ❤
I can't wait for Branagh to portray Poirot.
But first he'll have to stop pretending he already has.
ha, love that last addition
How true! Ha
David Suchet will always be Mr Hercule Poirot to me.
There is a documentary with Sir David called " Becoming Poirot " and how he developed him directly from Christie's books. Hus direction from her family before he started the role was that they wanted the audience to laugh with Poirot not at him. He is the one and only. Credit must also be given to the production and casting that only the British can achieve.
Suchet will always be Hercule Poirot for me. No offense to the other actors who also did a great job.
David Suchet is without daubt the best Poirot ever. Absolutely perfect
My favorite on-screen Poirot is David Suchet. But if you haven't heard John Moffat in the BBC radio series, you're in for a treat. (Some of the full-cast audios are available on RUclips.)
Yes it's on the sounds app now 😊
@@paulsparks7035 😊
Those adaptations and Moffat's performance are both terrific.
First I read it, then I watched it and, definitely, David Suchet made the perfect fit with my imagination
When I read a Poirot novel I always picture David Suchet in the role of Poirot. But I don't like how his series changes Agatha Christie's novels. I have great respect for Kenneth Branagh as a actor But he doesn't look like Poirot,lol. When I listen to the audio book I love the voice of Hugh Fraser as Poirot.
Meu preferido é David Suchet's
Thank you for posting this informative and entertaining video about Poirot and the actors who played him.
I've only seen Peter Ustinov and David Suchet as Poirot and I loved them both. I didn't know so many other actors played him. David Suchet is one of my favorite actors, period. I saw him in as Salieri in the Broadway production of Amadeus, and the evil antogonist in a TV miniseries adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Going Postal. I enjoyed his version of Japp before shifting to Poirot himself. Great range as an actor. And speaking of Suchet's devotion to his craft, when he wanted to perform Poirot's walk he clasped a coin between his buttocks to begin with. After that training he perfected the skill and didn't need to do it anymore. I died when I read that.
I haven't seen Kenneth Branagh's version of Murder on the Orient Express and I probably won't. It hasn't fared very well in reviews. Does anyone have opinions about the mustache in this version? I know the size and grandiostity is one of its defining features according to Agatha Christie herself.
Suchet, without contest.
Just as Jeremy Brett is the only real Sherlock Holmes, David Suchet is the only real Hercule Poirot.
Others might be able to play the part, but they are the ones who truly bring it to life.
Suchet is the best forever 🥳🤩❣️😀🎊🎊🎊
Ustinov in Death on the Nile, at first. Then it became Suchet.
David Suchet IS Poirot, but I love Peter Ustinov's since I was teen
Nobody can beat David Suchet x
I cannot speak of the oldest Poirot interpretations but I have seen those made over the last 40-50 years and I think that when judging them you have to consider how the scripts were written. For example some were bordering upon comedy (Branagh's moustaches?) and did not always follow the story accurately. Others were strictly written as drama and followed the stories most faithfully. So its all down to personal taste, I loved the humour of the Ustinov version, I can always watch him in anything he was just great. When it comes to drama I don't think you can beat Suchet, he's just nailed it. While we are at it I have to mention John Moffatt who made many radio versions, he was the definitive radio Poirot.
It's a huge pleasure to read such a thoughtful comment! I agree with everything said (and the notions about Ustinov and Suchet in particular). It's a pity I haven't ever heard (at least I don't remember it) Moffat radio version - have to catch up on this for sure!
I agree too. There are a few Moffat radio plays on here if you look for them. Well worth a listen.
I completely agree with everything. Ustinov and Suchet are both perfect to me, even though they are completely different, and I lose myself in their performances. Ustinov's Evil Under The Sun is also one of my favourite films. Its such a brilliant cast and soundtrack, and I can watch it over and over.
The critics agreed. He played a clown, not Poirot. He positively wrecked Henry V. His portrayal in Oppenheimer was instantly forgettable. He has only one notable attribute: a fat ego.
Albert Finney Peter Ustinov and David suchet are the best Poirot
I didn't think anyone could be a better Poirot than Ustinov .. until Suchet turned up. Branagh's absolutely terrible mustache disqualifies him despite his many talents.
David Suchet, sin ninguna duda, es el más cercano al descripto en las novelas
Si 🎉🎉🎉
I loved Peter Ustinov as Poirot. He is so delightful ❤️
As far as ACTING is concerned, Albert Finney is unmatched and was *the* best Poirot in that respect. Period.
David Suchet was a very likable Poirot and embodied his spirit excellently and was a joy to watch.
Peter Ustinov was okay; he brought a whimsical aspect to the character. But a lot of that was in the writing.
Kenneth Branagh is the absolute WORST Poirot and his directing is TERRIBLE.
David Sucher is the best man to play Poirot. Then Peter Ustinof then Albert Finny.
Suchet, Suchet, Suchet!
And, of course, Finney and the whole cast of 1974 MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, a masterpiece of cinema!
I love Kenneth as an actor and director and he defiantly has a way with his renditions of Poirot. Loved Ustinov too. But Sir David is my favorite hands down.
In my humble opinion: the great Ustinov always ist Ustinov, as Nero and as Poirot.
Peter Ustinov for the Agatha Christie movies
David Suchet for the series
David Suchet is the best Poirot !
Hi, for me the best film ever made by Poirot is Death on the nile with Peter Ustinov.
However, the best Poirot ever can only be David Suchet, followed by Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney.
In your video you didn't mention The Alphabet Murders shot in 1965 with Tony Randall in the lead role. The film is almost a parody, but it has the unique merit of having sealed the meeting between Miss Marple (Margaret Rutherford) and Poirot.
Congratulations 👍🏼
I agree one thousand percent on everything!!! You nailed it!!! Instant subscribe!!!
thank so much, so happy to read that!
I saw them all in the epoch and they were not as I pictured him when reading the stories. My pick is David Suchet, he is as pictured him 65 years ago
And David Suchet, the WINNER hands down 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Albert Finney is excellent actor
Like most people, I consider Suchet the definite Poirot. He is very dapper, physically right, nails the accent and conveys the character’s fussy demeanour. Finney and Ustinov are both much too ebullient. Branagh I don’t care for at all; he is, like Malkovich, physically wrong, and his moustache is ridiculous rather than beautiful.
Absolutely on the nail. Ustinov, normally very good with accents, got Poirot wrong - but was brilliant in many other parts. As you say Branagh is physically wrong. He simply doesn't attract the audiences. You don't have to be good looking to be an actor, but you have to have an INTERESTING appearance.
David Suchet,of course!
Ustinov, Finney, Suchet is my top three. I know Ustinov does not look like Hercule, but I have very fond childhood memories of his movies. Finney and Suchet are both equally perfect.
Ustinov doesn't look like Poirot, but he has a definite understanding of the character that chimes with Christie: Poirot can get people to talk to him, and Ustinov's Poirot is very much like that. I like Finney and I understand that Christie, for the most part, did too. Branagh's characterization isn't Poirot, to the point that something in me resists him when I've watched. I feel he doesn't get the character at all, no matter how much research he's done.
@melenatorr Yes, the only reason I like the Branagh films is the visual aspect and the fact he is keeping Christie's stories and characters alive in the public psych. I love her books🤗 I feel like Ustinov really captured Poirot's cheeky side, and the wonderful dry humor.
David Suchet is without a doubt the definitive Poirot, although I also like Ustinov's portrayals of him as well, particularly in Death on the Nile. There have been several remakes of this classic, but none that can touch the 1978 version.
I love watching this xx
1. Suchet
2. Ustinov
3. Finney
Sorry, I didn't find Branagh convincing.
Miss Marple:
1. Joan Hickson
2. Joan Hickson
3. Joan Hickson
...
There is no other actress worth mentioning. And I have seen them all.
David Suchet is my FAV and the Kenneth Branaugh Poirot is great/can't wait to see the 2(latest)
David Suchet is Poirot. All 70 stories filmed over a 25 year period.
I totally agree with #s 1, 2, and 3. Watching Suchet speaking as Japp is quite unsettling.
I've not seen Branagh, perhaps unfairly, as it felt more a Kenneth vanity project than a respectful Christie take. Your review of his prep focus raised my respect. Thank you.
I always enjoyed Ustinovs portrayal of Poirot, but Suchets portrayal is perfection as far as my reading of the novels shows. I really didnt enjoy Finney or Branaghs interpretation of the character. But there you go, its a very personal choice isnt it.
Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors of all time, but when I think of Poirot, I do not think of him at all. He looks completely wrong for the part. Though I do love the double layered mustache!
I agree with your assessment David Suchet is the best.
There have been a few Poirot's but the winner by a mile is David Suchet outdoes them all.
The series he did was priceless for great acting, writing and set designs that were so well done it was a real pleasure to watch. The way he was presented just seemed to fit the roll so well I can't imagine anyone else doing it better.
Suchet #1 Finney was terrific too. My least favorite was Tony Randall. I have made my peace with Branagh.
So what if the performance by Tony Randall is too much along the lines of Charlie Chaplin? At least he proved that the murderer was really a murderess named Amanda Beatrice Cross, as played by the late actress Anita Ekberg.
David Suchet hands down!!! THE best.
Suchet is Poirot.
perhaps :-)
David Suchet, no doubt about it!
David Suchet WAS Poirot
I have been an Agatha Christie fan for years. Your three choices as best Hercule Poirot is perfect.
Very good. :) That was a fine trip through time and face, and delivered in a deliciously 'Belgian' accent. hahahaha
oh, it's good to know you enjoyed it, thanks!
1. David Suchet, 2. Peter Ustinov, 3. Albert Finney.
I would must definitely have David Suchet as my number 1 closely followed by Peter Ustinov and Kenneth Branagh.
David Suchet is and always will be the quintessential Hercule Poirot. I still watch the show daily.
I love David Suchet in this role. He really has become indissociable from what I think Poirot might have been.
Read Christie's books which describe Poirot you see Suchet.
There is only one Poirot: David Suchet!
Suchet gives the perfect Poirot performance as far as I am concerned. I think of him when I read any of the books which I have started to do recently.
David Suchet is Poirot like Robert Downey Jr is Iron Man.
For me, a very clear choice: David Suchet.
It's become similar to the best James Bond debate. Many times a favorite is chosen simply because of age and which actor we saw playing the part of Poirot. Having seen most of the actors that have played Poirot, it's easy for me to choose David Suchet.
I have to agree, the first impression of a literary/cinematic character is of immense importance!
@@hedaheda1609
Spot on!!!
Yes perfect line up for wining
Of course David Suchet! I have read all Poirot novels and when I imagine Poirot, the visual of David Suchet always in my mind.
David Suchet followed by Albert Finney Kenneth Branaughs version reminds me of wild bill hickock, at least the facial appearance.
David Suchet without a doubt.
ZERO competition. Suchet by a light year.