Hole in the case for a classic television Maigret
SIR – I, too, have fond memories of Rupert Davies as Maigret in the Sixties television series (Letters, August 15), but one element jarred.
In the opening titles, Maigret was seen striking a match on a wall to light his pipe. Unfortunately, I believe friction matches were outlawed in France and only safety matches were available.
Still, it never stopped me enjoying the show.
Whitley Bay, Northumberland
SIR – As a teenager, I so enjoyed watching Rupert Davies as Maigret, and thought he could never be played as well by any other actor.
So I was surprised when that clown Rowan Atkinson was cast, and watched with some foreboding. However, I grew to really enjoy his performance – sensitive, thoughtful and effective. Please let us have some more of him – he is up there with Morse (young and old).
Corsley, Wiltshire
SIR – Maigret is not the only francophone detective to explore the psychology of his suspects. Louise Penny (a Canadian author), who writes of chief inspector Armand Gamache in Quebec, does the same.
Her books are also full of art, music and literature. Those interested in church music would especially enjoy A Beautiful Mystery, set in a monastery, with a plot that centres on manuscripts and the technicalities of Gregorian chant.
Zurich, Switzerland