The mystery of the Blue Train, as envisioned in Agatha Christie's novel, is generally set around 1928. However, the television adaptation of the story was specifically reset to the late 1930s.
Original Novel's Setting
Agatha Christie's renowned novel, The Mystery of the Blue Train, was first published in 1928. Like many of Christie's works, the narrative typically unfolds in the period contemporary to its publication. This places the original events surrounding the murder of Rufus Van Aldin's daughter, Ruth Kettering, and the theft of the famous ruby, "Heart of Fire," in the late 1920s. The story follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates the crime aboard the luxurious Calais-Mediterranean Express.
Television Adaptation's Timeline
For its television adaptation, the timeline of The Mystery of the Blue Train was adjusted to align with the overarching chronological consistency of the Poirot TV series starring David Suchet. This particular adaptation was reset in the late 1930s to match the rest of the Poirot TV series. The script for this version was penned by Guy Andrews and directed by Hettie Macdonald, who also directed the 2013 adaptation of Curtain: Poirot's Last Case. This shift in setting for the TV series ensured that the episode seamlessly integrated with the established era of other Poirot mysteries in the popular series.
Key Timelines at a Glance
To summarize the different settings for "The Mystery of the Blue Train":
Version | Approximate Year of Setting |
---|---|
Original Novel | 1928 |
Television Adaptation | Late 1930s |
This distinction is important for understanding the context of the mystery across different media. The core narrative remains, but the historical backdrop evolves with the adaptation.