BBC OKs 7 New Agatha Christie Adaptations
Oline H. Cogdill

 

christie agathaAgatha Christie, pictured at right, never goes out of style—either in books or on film.

So it’s always good news to learn of new film adaptations of Christie’s novels. These reboots bring a fresh view of her masterpieces, showing how Christie’s work is always timeless.

And, we hope, the new films bring in new fans just now discovering Christie’s mysteries.

See the film, read the books.

The high ratings of the star-packed And Then There Were None last December have spurred the BBC to commission new adaptations of seven Christie novels.

Agatha Christie Productions, the production arm of Agatha Christie Ltd., will deliver the seven new shows—to be aired on BBC One—over the next four years.

And if it is on BBC One, it won’t be long before these are on BBC America or available on Acorn Online.

The new films confirmed so far are:

Ordeal by Innocence: A psychological thriller that Christie said several times was one of her personal favorites, and one of her darkest. Written during the 1950s, Ordeal by Innocence is a story of guilt, innocence, and family bonds, favorite Christie themes. Jacko Argyle dies in prison, convicted of killing his adoptive mother. There seems to be no doubt about his guilt until two years later an alibi witness shows up. Could one of Jacko’s family be the real killer? Ordeal by Innocence was filmed in 1985, starring Donald Sutherland, Christopher Plummer, and Sarah Miles. The new version will be adapted by Sarah Phelps who also adapted And Then There Were None.

Death Comes as the End: Set in ancient Egypt, this is the only Christie novel that doesn’t take place in the 20th century. The setting may be centuries ago, but the theme is still relevant. An Egyptian family’s quiet lives are upturned when the father returns with his new concubine, who begins to sow discontent among them. See, a theme that never gets old. Death Comes as the End also is one of four Christie titles that, until now, has never been filmed.

The ABC Murders: Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is pitted against an alphabetically-minded serial killer who strikes across Britain.

In addition, viewers will have be able to see two adaptations of Witness for the Prosecution. Filming has begun on a two-part Witness for the Prosecution, adapted by Phelps and starring Toby Jones, Andrea Riseborough, and Kim Cattrall.

Another version of Witness for the Prosecution is being produced by 20th Century Fox, with Ben Affleck expected to direct.

Witness for the Prosecution has been filmed several times, including the 1957 Oscar-nominated movie starring Marlene Dietrich and directed by Billy Wilder and in 1982 as a TV special starring Diana Rigg.

Oline Cogdill
2016-09-14 16:45:00