David Suchet Boards The Orient Express For Real Life Magical Mystery Tour

David Suchet will unravel the mystery of the world's most iconic train, the Orient Express, for a new ITV1 documentary, distributed internationally by ITV Global Entertainment.
Produced by ITV Studios, the one-hour film David Suchet: On the Orient Express (working title), will feature the actor immersing himself in the glamour, romance, history and escapism of a train immortalised in the Agatha Christie novel, Murder On The Orient Express, whose protagonist, detective Hercule Poirot, he has so memorably portrayed on screen.
Boarding at London Victoria, David will embark on a journey across the continent as the train travels through stunning scenery and alluring locations, including Venice and Prague. David meets the train's staff to discover how they keep the train on track and mingles with his fellow passengers to experience the ups and downs of 1920s style luxury as 2lst century travellers sacrifice speed and space for charm and elegance.
The film will also draw on archive material to conjure up the rich history surrounding the Orient Express, from its inaugural 'Express d'Orient' journey across Europe on October 4th 1883, to its fascinating role in both World Wars. David will also reflect on how his own family's journey from their origins in Eastern Europe is intertwined with the rail route across the continent.
David Suchet On the Orient Express will touch on the incident in 1929 that inspired Agatha Christie to write her classic whodunit, Murder On the Orient Express, when the train was stuck in a snow drift for ten days, sixty miles outside Istanbul, carrying a full complement of passengers who survived only with the assistance of nearby Turkish villagers. The story made front page news, captivating the public across Europe, including the author.
David said: "Making this film gives me a thrilling opportunity to delve into the fascinating story of one of the most iconic journeys in European travel. The train and the route it takes are steeped in culture and history and I look forward to giving viewers an insight into a unique experience and revealing some of the tales and secrets from its past."
David Suchet On the Orient Express was commissioned by Alison Sharman, ITV's Director of Factual and Daytime and Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Popular Factual and Diana Howie, Commissioning Editor Factual.
Alison Sharman said: "The programme will transport the viewer through landscapes, timescapes and probe this ultimate escape from modern living. Who better to unravel the mystique and reveal the realities of the Orient Express than David Suchet."
Tobi de Graff, Director of Global Distribution, ITV Global Entertainment, said: "As for the star of Poirot, David Suchet is celebrated and loved by fans in over 340 territories worldwide, so we're thrilled to be announcing that this major new ITV Studios documentary commission will soon be available to the global audience."
(KMcA/BMcc)