Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

I’m reminded that at a Christmas party I attended recently, while in discussion with several young members of the acting fraternity, I was curious that they referred to themselves, and to the characters that they are currently playing on stage, as actresses rather than actors. On polite enquiry they were in unanimous agreement that this was the correct and they would most certainly wish to be known as actresses. I retreated to the piano for the remainder of the evening and was generously plied with wine.

Well then, would acting "fraternity" be the correct description?

Mea culpa! No, “brilliant and talented young people” would be correct :-)

Malone

Yes, there were some funny moments, but I was pleased the judge insisted on the correct female words. I don't think this was meant to be humorous, even though some in court laughed.

I think he should have insisted on "witnessess". I suppose it was Christie's fault. As there were 3 "witnesses", 2 of whom were female, a better title would have been "Witness and Witnessesses for the Prosecution". That would have been accurate and less confusing.

Jono

I liked your acting fraternity story. Thanks.

Malone, Grunger

I watched it on TV a few weeks ago - great film. Christie is my favourite author. I have read all her books, and Mr Quinn and Parker Pyne are my favourite characters. I agree there was a lot of comedy in it. I imagine Grunger was impressed with Marlene Dietrich's witnessessship.

I loved the twist at the end when she stabs her husband with many people in court. Charles Laughton said he wanted to defend her, and I think Christie drafted a follow-up. I understand the working title was "Witnesses and Witnessesses for the Prosecution and Witnesses and Witnessesses for the Defence".

Grunger, Jigjag et al... thanks.

Jigjag, I wonder what size my cinema ticket would be if we had the follow-up film you suggested? I've read quite a few AC books, but not for many years. Miss Marple is my favourite, she's like me ... a nosy parker (parkeress? H'mm).


The ending of the film was... ludicrous for now, but maybe more thrilling at the time it was in the cinema.

Malone, jigjag

A great suggestion for a title - accurate if rather long. Some of her titles baffle me, Taken at the Flood, The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side etc. I know they are quotations but seem to have no relevance to the books.

Yes, a strange ending with a twist (of the knife?) I dont suppose they would leave "Exhibit A" lying around today.

I love Nosy Parkeress.

Grunger, I think there was always a mention in the books, a reference somewhere to the title - but maybe the film and tv adaptations couldn't work those in?

I think 90% of the legal stuff - words, actions, physical evidence - would be completely different today.

Glad you liked Parkeress - I believe that was Dorothy's original name, but she shortened it for some reason.

Malone

Yes, a great poetess!