The Agatha Christie Hour (1982)
A British anthology series bringing ten of Agatha Christie's most varied short stories to life, from eerie supernatural tales to sun-drenched adventures.
The Agatha Christie Hour - Series Information
- Original Title: The Agatha Christie Hour
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 7, 1982 (United States - NR), September 7, 1982 (Germany - 12), September 7, 1982 (France - 12), September 7, 1982 (Australia - PG), September 7, 1982 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Dix brèves rencontres (FR)
- Production Companies: Thames Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Agatha Christie Hour - Plot
This ten episode program was based on ten short stories written by Agatha Christie but with wide-ranging themes. Some were romances, some had supernatural themes and a couple were adventures. The common link was that all came from the talented pen of Agatha Christie, all were entertaining and each drama was carefully crafted and well cast with many of Britain's best known actors of the time represented.
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The Agatha Christie Hour - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- William Gaunt
- Ciaran Madden
- John Nettles
- Nicholas Farrell
- Angela Easterling
- Christopher Wren
- Osmund Bullock
- Maurice Denham
- Barbara New
- Ivor Roberts
Writers
- T.R. Bowen
- John Bryden
- Rodgers
- Freda Kelsall
- Gerald Savory
Executive Producers
- John Frankau
The Agatha Christie Hour - FAQs
Is The Agatha Christie Hour based on real stories?
Each episode is adapted from a genuine short story written by Agatha Christie herself. Rather than drawing on her famous Poirot or Marple novels, the series reaches into her lesser-known short fiction, covering a surprisingly wide range of tones — from romantic encounters and eerie supernatural tales to brisk adventure yarns.
What makes The Agatha Christie Hour different from other Christie adaptations?
Unlike most Christie adaptations built around recurring detectives, this anthology series stands apart by exploring the full breadth of her short fiction. Each self-contained episode shifts genre — one week a ghost story, the next a romance or adventure — showcasing a side of Christie that mainstream adaptations rarely touch.
Where can you stream The Agatha Christie Hour?
The series is available to stream on Acorn TV, which also offers access via the AcornTV Amazon Channel and Acorn TV Apple TV. It is additionally available through Spectrum On Demand. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local service is always a good idea.
Who are the main actors in The Agatha Christie Hour?
The anthology format means each episode features a fresh cast. Across the ten episodes, notable performers include William Gaunt, John Nettles, Nicholas Farrell, Maurice Denham, and Ciaran Madden, alongside a host of other well-regarded British actors of the era, many of them familiar faces from stage and television.
How many episodes does The Agatha Christie Hour have?
The series ran for a single season of ten episodes, each approximately sixty minutes long. Every episode is a standalone adaptation of a different Agatha Christie short story, so there is no need to watch them in order — though doing so lets you appreciate the impressive variety of tone and subject matter.
How was The Agatha Christie Hour received by critics?
The series earned warm praise for its faithful yet imaginative approach to Christie's lesser-known short fiction. Critics highlighted the quality of the ensemble casting and the careful production values from Thames Television. It is generally regarded as a respectful and entertaining showcase for Christie's remarkable range as a storyteller beyond her detective novels.
What genres does The Agatha Christie Hour cover?
The series is genuinely eclectic. While mystery and crime are natural touchstones given Christie's reputation, the ten episodes also venture into romance, supernatural horror, and adventure. This variety reflects the breadth of Christie's short fiction and gives the anthology a freshness that keeps each episode feeling distinct from the last.
What are some shows similar to The Agatha Christie Hour?
Fans of classic British anthology drama tend to enjoy Tales of the Unexpected (1979), which shares a similar era and taste for twist-laden short-story adaptations. For more Christie specifically, Agatha Christie's Marple (2004) is an excellent companion. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962) offer a comparable blend of suspense and wit.
More About The Agatha Christie Hour
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.