I can imagine some Agatha Christie fans loathe the 2003 ITV adaptation of her 1945 novel “Sparkling Cyanide” and others appreciate writer Laura Lamson’s fresh angle into the material. In terms of strict adherence to the novel, this second TV-movie adaptation is not faithful. But it does respect Christie’s smart “poisoning at a round table” puzzle and the way motives slide into place once all the information is known.
It’s impressive how Christie’s “Sparkling Cyanide” easily adjusts to any time and place, as seen in the glamorous 1983 Los Angeles-based version and this 2003 London-based procedural. Christie’s story is also adjustable in terms of focal point.
In her novel, Christie tries to paint Rosemary as a tragic, ephemeral murder victim with both good and bad traits – and doesn’t totally achieve it, in my opinion. The 1983 movie focuses on Rosemary’s sister, Iris, and her romance with a man revealed to be an investigator in the midst.
“Sparkling Cyanide” (2003)
Director: Tristram Powell
Writers: Laura Lamson (teleplay), Agatha Christie (novel)
Stars: Pauline Collins, Oliver Ford Davies, Kenneth Cranham
New sleuths on the case
The 2003 movie outright reveals the investigators right away: new wife-and-husband characters Catherine (Pauline Collins) and Geoffrey (Oliver Ford Davies, who “Star Wars” fans know as the guy who says “A communications disruption can only mean one thing: Invasion.”). The latter’s last name is Reece, a play on Colonel Race from the novel.
“Sparkling Cyanide” 2003 is like a mystery-series pilot episode for these spousal state sleuths. She’s seen it all before and knows psychology, he goes by the book and assumes nothing. Both know their spouse’s strengths. Young tech wiz Andy (Dominic Cooper) rounds out the team.
This is a crisp, straightforward treatment of Christie’s mystery. Although we are a step removed from Rosemary and those in her circle, a sense of intimacy remains because the narrative is filtered through the likable Catherine and Geoffrey via their often-playful discussions.
Although Rosemary (Rachel Shelley) is a total non-character as the first victim, others do make a decent impression as suspects. We get a meaner version of George Barton (Kenneth Cranham), now a soccer club owner who mistreats his star player (new character Fizz, played by Justin Pierre). George is surrounded by opportunists, including Iris (Chloe Howman, providing the sex appeal) and rising politician Stephen Farraday (James Wilby).
Modern touches
While it’s true they are mere sketches compared to the fuller characters of the 1983 piece, it should be said that Lamson is deliberately trying something different. At the same time, the writer respects Christie’s plotting, and even tightens it up in places. Here, it’s the villain who is faked out by the misplaced purse, not the occupants of the table; this makes good logistical sense.
In the most modern touch, Lamson examines the rising spy state. Geoffrey (rather hypocritically, considering he’s a state employee) expresses shock when Andy tells him CCTVs and credit cards have effectively ended privacy.
She’s also interested in the notion of lying as an activity that makes the world go ’round. Andy’s struggles with lying to dates about his job (as he’s required to do) almost provide dry humor, although the overall piece is more dry than funny. It does have zing, though, mostly provided by the oldest actors — Collins, Davies and Cranham.
Also in the film’s favor: It’s a little more than 90 minutes long, a quite accessible runtime compared to ITV’s previous adaptations, some of which cross the 3-hour mark. This 2003 film is a lively experiment in how Christie’s solid plot and sharply drawn stock characterizations can be flexed into something fresh.
“Sparkling Cyanide” 2003 doesn’t wholly sparkle; certainly, those who seek pure fidelity in adaptations should skip it. But I find it tasteful.
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