The Piffle Valve has yet to be invented

The curmudgeon happens to be a huge fan of Peter Ustinov.  His performances as Hercule Poirot are a delight.  One, however, Evil Under the Sun, is perhaps the best: stunning scenery, an incredible cast, and, of course, the mysterious Piffle valve


If you happen not to have seen it, do so.  The music alone makes it two-thumbs up; the period attire easily gets another thumb - only red white and black clothing, already mixed cocktails being served from a tray carried around, the noonday gun, and Maggie Smith talking about how Arlena (Diana Rigg) could, back in their dancing days, always throw her legs higher..and wider...


Sylvia Miles alone is worth the price of admission.  James Mason, Roddy McDowell (always a treat), are simply icing on the cake


"Shock absorbers have been standard equipment on cars for 30 years" - the list of memorable lines is virtually endless.


And the Piffle valve.