I've read two or three Agatha Christie books, and of course they were ok. But I absolutely loved the tv series Poirot, based on her books. My favourite episode was called The Labours of Hercules, which I believe is the name of a work of art.
The scenery, Series 13 Episode 04 was lavish. The hotel where it was filmed was lavish. The story line was excellent, the acting faultless and I haven't finished watching it yet. But oh the scenery, and a funicular, and my long time readers will know I do like a good funicular.
If you are still reading my blog, thanks to the person who pointed out Daily Motion to me to find older films and tv series, and there I found a not so good copy of the episode. I am not paying, so I cannot complain. The stills I took are far from illustrating the lavishness of the series, but you'll get your idea. The name of the uploader is oddly called Deaddogsdam.
Ok, here we go. A bit of research work will be needed.
The journey to the resort begins with the funicular. To appraise those who don't know, funiculars are rail vehicles that can climb steep hills by the weight of a connected descending car. Power is still needed but not much.
Ready to board below the mountain resort.
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A passing loop, before the car enters a tunnel. Spoiler alert, there is an avalanche whereby the tunnel is filled with snow, making the funicular inoperable.
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The view from the car looking upwards. The interior of the vehicle is a prop built in Pinewood Studios, London. Hey, and aren't we worried about AI?
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The car creaked, squeaked and groaned as it carried its passengers to the ascent destination.
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The hotel was for very swank guests.
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What wondrous views.
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Love the old series and movies. Did love the Poirot series. As to funiculars I was one a few. The last one I remember clearly was in Quebec city. I took the grandgirl, I think she was around 9. She was awestruck. I say more funiculars please.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Quebec City is quite steep, I believe WWW.
DeleteDailymotion is where I find a lot of stuff. The library also provides lots of different series and movies through their Hoopla app, available with a library card.
ReplyDeleteI was steered to Daily Motion to watch Good luck to you, Leo Grande, starring Emma Thompson. It is well worth a watch as a character driven film.
DeleteFuniculars are fun.
ReplyDeleteThey are JB. I've caught a couple, including the one in Lisbon that wasn't such fun for some.
DeleteFuniculars make me nervous but the scenery is usually worth it. The one we went on in Montreux last April took us to a gorgeous view over Lake Geneva.
ReplyDeleteI did keep thinking about the cables etc though 🥺
How I would love to blow my money on a visit to Montreux.
DeleteClassy hotels were always for swank guests. But I wonder if potential guests were checked at the front door for "suitability" or if money did the talking.
ReplyDeleteEven then I think money would have overtaken any social suitability doubts.
DeleteIf you ever get over to Wellington NZ there’s a great funicular there…..Wellington Cable Car goes up from a street in the middle of town past houses and uni buildings and up to the Botanic Gardens. Just a short ride but worth it for the views at the top
ReplyDeleteCathy, we did that on 2019 New Zealand cruise, and it was good, with the related museum at the top.
DeleteWow! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteI remember this one. I've been a Christie fan since I was a mere child. I have I think read all of her books, some more than once. I like the Poirot ones very much but the Miss Marple ones are my very favorites. I continue to watch and re-watch the movies and TV series based on the books. David Suchet is the very best Poirot ever, in my opinion of course.
ReplyDeleteGreat Deb. I agree with you that Suchet was the best.
DeleteI ahve never seen any of the Poirot series and I don't think i've seen the Miss Marple series either. I tried reading an Agatha Christie long ago and gave up. I don't remember why.
ReplyDeleteI thought you might have been an Agatha expert, River.
DeleteI could try again, but already have too many books waiting in line.
DeleteRead Agatha Christie a long time back. I must revisit them. I haven't watched Poirot series.
ReplyDeleteFor old movies and series, there is a lovely website, which you might know. It's called Fawesome (https://fawesome.tv/). The best part is it's free and there is no need to create an account and login. If you haven't, please do check it out.
That site is great Pradeep. Thank you.
DeleteI've watched David Suchet as Poirot from time to time and always enjoy him.
ReplyDeleteKirk, he never comes across as a straight man, rather a very fussy man, perhaps gay.
DeleteAwesome post, Andrew. Thank you so much for sharing 😊 ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
DeleteIt's so amazing and intriguing how they make these films and the scenery look like something it's supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteI've used Daily Motion many times over the years, sometimes the production is excellent and other times not so good, when not so good I don't watch unless it's really important to me.
Margaret, it is like that. Take what is good.
DeleteI do like David Suchet as Poirot.
ReplyDeleteFun60, I thought he had died but he is making a new tv show, including visiting Australia.
DeleteBeautifully serialised!
ReplyDeleteThanks ME.
DeleteSo many wonderful places in the world to see.
ReplyDeleteIndeed there is, TP.
DeleteVery cool. Thanks for sharing and I did not know what a funicular was. Sounds like a good word for Writerly Wednesday:) Have a grand one.
ReplyDeleteSandra, you have a couple of significant funiculars in your country.
DeleteI love those Poirot shows - the settings are wonderful with all of the deco details. I remember that episode.
ReplyDeletePat, there seemed to be no expense spared anywhere when they were made.
DeleteJesus, I don’t do heights …period
ReplyDeleteJohn, you could look uphill as you travelled.
DeleteI am with John - although its not heights I am scared of, its the sudden plummets to the depths!!! I remember devouring Agatha Christie's when younger. My non-reading brother (who famously said he had only ever read one book by choice - modern day me wonders whether he should have been tested for dyslexia) asked what it was about - it then dawned on me that he had never had the thrill of reading a whodunnit!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, the maintenance levels would be very high, nevertheless, as happened in Lisbon last year, they still can go wrong.
DeleteYes, I am addicted to various TV series too
ReplyDeleteRoentare, it has to be very good for me to sit in a lounge chair and give my full concentration.
DeletePinewood studios! Another enjoyable post Andrew, thank you for these mini escapes
ReplyDelete