Colonel Race
The intelligence officer who partnered with Poirot on two classic cases, played by Donald Sinden.
Colonel Race, a British intelligence agent, appears in two Hercule Poirot adaptations in this radio series: *Death on the Nile* and *Cards on the Table*. He was played by Donald Sinden in both productions. Unlike the police officers who frequently collaborate with Poirot, Race represents a more discreet, security-minded branch of government, operating with quiet efficiency that complements the Belgian detective's meticulous methods.
- First Appearance
- Death on the Nile
- Last Appearance
- Cards on the Table
Lore & Background
Colonel Race is a British intelligence agent who appears in two of the 27 full-cast BBC Radio 4 adaptations adapted by Michael Bakewell and produced by Enyd Williams. He was portrayed by Donald Sinden in *Death on the Nile* and *Cards on the Table*. Sinden also played a different character in the series, Colonel Lacey in *The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding*, demonstrating the series' practice of having multiple actors play different roles across separate adaptations. Race's presence in these stories signals cases involving international intrigue and high-stakes crime, where his intelligence background proves valuable alongside Poirot's deductive skills.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide a narrative story for Colonel Race beyond his casting and appearances. It notes that Donald Sinden played him in two adaptations, and also played Colonel Lacey in *The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding*.
Reader's Guide
Colonel Race appears in two adaptations in this series: *Death on the Nile* and *Cards on the Table*, both played by Donald Sinden. He is a British intelligence agent, distinct from police figures like Inspector Japp (played by Philip Jackson, Norman Jones, or Bryan Pringle in various adaptations). The source does not describe his personality, relationship with Poirot, or role in the plots beyond his casting and character designation.
Did You Know?
- Colonel Race was played by Donald Sinden in two adaptations: *Death on the Nile* and *Cards on the Table*.
- Donald Sinden also played a different character in the series, Colonel Lacey in *The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding*.
- The series consists of 27 full-cast radio adaptations adapted by Michael Bakewell and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between 1985 and 2007.
- John Moffatt played Hercule Poirot in all adaptations except the first two, which starred Maurice Denham and Peter Sallis respectively.
- The major omission from the series was the final Poirot novel *Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case*, for which the rights proved unattainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Colonel Race's story conclude?
In Curtain: Poirot's Last Case, Race remains by the detective's side as they solve one final mystery before Poirot passes away. He is depicted with deep respect for his friend and colleague, honoring the end of an era for the famous Belgian sleuth.
More in Characters & Cast
Elsewhere in the Hercule Poirot universe
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