"The Theft of the Royal Ruby" is a Christmas episode, one which demands a special viewing around Christmas, even if you've already seen it. It is so warm and atmospheric will the feel of the Christmas season, it will put you right in the holiday spirit. And let's get real, sometimes these days it's hard to get in the mood.
With Miss Lemon and Lt. Hastings away for the holidays, Poirot is looking forward to Christmas alone in his comfortably heated apartment, a box of chocolates, and a few of his favorite things. It just doesn't work out that way. Poirot is summoned to help recover an incredibly valuable royal ruby, owned by the bratty, insolent Prince Farouq of Egypt. He let some woman try it on, and of course she walked away while wearing it. He's desperate.
One of the few individuals aware of the ruby's presence in England is a well-known scholar on Egypt, Colonel Lacey. Poirot consults him, and the Colonel invites him to spend Christmas with his family. Poirot tries to wriggle out of it, but gives up and agrees.
The family is very gracious, and Poirot's cover is that one of Lacey's daughters is seeing a man, Desmond Lee-Wortley, who has an unsavory reputation. Poirot, as far as Mrs. Lacey is concerned, is there to check him out. Also there is a man who is assessing the Lacey valuables, as the Colonel is having financial difficulties and has asked him to discreetly evaluate what he has so that he can sell some pieces.
Calling upon the children in the family, Poirot works on setting a trap for the ruby thief.
Really lovely and fun episode, with Poirot enjoying the family atmosphere and having a much better time than he expected.
With Miss Lemon and Lt. Hastings away for the holidays, Poirot is looking forward to Christmas alone in his comfortably heated apartment, a box of chocolates, and a few of his favorite things. It just doesn't work out that way. Poirot is summoned to help recover an incredibly valuable royal ruby, owned by the bratty, insolent Prince Farouq of Egypt. He let some woman try it on, and of course she walked away while wearing it. He's desperate.
One of the few individuals aware of the ruby's presence in England is a well-known scholar on Egypt, Colonel Lacey. Poirot consults him, and the Colonel invites him to spend Christmas with his family. Poirot tries to wriggle out of it, but gives up and agrees.
The family is very gracious, and Poirot's cover is that one of Lacey's daughters is seeing a man, Desmond Lee-Wortley, who has an unsavory reputation. Poirot, as far as Mrs. Lacey is concerned, is there to check him out. Also there is a man who is assessing the Lacey valuables, as the Colonel is having financial difficulties and has asked him to discreetly evaluate what he has so that he can sell some pieces.
Calling upon the children in the family, Poirot works on setting a trap for the ruby thief.
Really lovely and fun episode, with Poirot enjoying the family atmosphere and having a much better time than he expected.