You may have noticed something a little familiar about the new Poirot murder mystery film shown on ITV over the New Year. Knebworth House was one of the main television filming locations used for ‘Three Act Tragedy’ which starred renowned actor Martin Shaw (Judge John Deed) alongside David Suchet as Agatha Christie’s legendary detective Hercule Poirot.
The film, which aired on Sunday 3rd January at 8pm, saw Poirot visit Cornwall to attend a dinner hosted by his friend, retired actor Sir Charles Cartwright (Shaw). When the amiable local Reverend chokes to death on his cocktail it seems nothing more than a tragic accident. However, when the deaths of two other key players follow Cartwright relishes the opportunity to assist Poirot with his investigations.
Picture (c) Chorion and ITV Studios
Knebworth House was used as the film set for many interior scenes and the Banqueting Hall (previously known as the Meltford Abbey Dining Room) provided the backdrop for the crucial dining room setting. Other areas that could be spotted on screen were the Armoury, reception area and the library. One of our more spooky fixtures, a table that is believed to double as an ouiji board connecting to the spirit world, also made an appearance.
Some exterior locations such as the road leading to the house and under the water tower were filmed. Martin Shaw and David Suchet were also seen walking through the grounds in the sunken garden. Of his time filming at Knebworth House Suchet says, “On Poirot we have the great privilege (on this series) of going to some of the finest locations in England. To go to Knebworth is like going back into another era.”
‘Three Act Tragedy’ was adapted by Nick Dear from the Agatha Christie novel of the same name which was first published in the UK in 1935. Television filming took place at Knebworth House over a four day period at the end of June and beginning of July 2009. The house and grounds have been used as locations for many famous films and TV programmes including Love Actually, Foyle’s War and, most recently, St Trinian’s 2: Legend of Fritton’s Gold.
Three Act Tragedy also stars Art Malik (Ben Hur), Kate Ashfield (Collision) and Tom Wisdom (The Boat that Rocked). The film can be viewed online on ITV Player until the end of January 2010 (http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=114924).
