Hercule Poirot and the Salvation Army Part 3

In the Agatha Christie's Poirot episode "The Adventure of the Clapham Cook," while the man from the Salvation Army preaches to the crowd, a female volunteer stands beside him. We don't see her preach. Still, she's there, representing how important women were to the movement.

Perhaps she even held rank in the Salvation Army. At a time women weren't allowed to hold substantial roles in England's police or military, the Salvation Army didn't discriminate against the sexes. All were welcome to serve, and hold positions of respect and authority. 

Men may have dominated British society in the 1930s. Still, Agatha Christie, and the production team, subtly demonstrate the importance of women. Mrs. Todd alerts Hercule Poirot to a mystery in need of solving, while Mr. Todd attempts to shut down Poirot's investigation. Annie the parlor maid readily gives Poirot helpful advice, while the luggage attendant at the train station clashes with Captain Hastings, and must be coaxed into giving Poirot a misleading clue. Miss Lemon organizes and runs the day-to-day aspects of Poirot's business, while Inspector Japp dismisses Poirot's efforts until the logic underlying Poirot's arguments finally overwhelm him.

And what is the story about? A male bank clerk who, while committing theft and murder in order to get an easy life, must spirit away the hardworking cook Eliza Dunn!

The British sitcom Hallelujah demonstrates the importance of women in 1980s society. Played by the redoubtable Thora Hird, Captain Emily Ridley defies her male superiors in the Salvation Army, and refuses to retire after her forty years of service. So they send her off to a failed mission in a small Yorkshire town. Through her tenacious ministry, and the aid of her niece and another female volunteer, she revitalizes the Salvation Army's presence there, and helps bring meaning and substance to the locals' lives.

Hercule Poirot might not attend many of Emily Ridley's meetings, but I'm sure he would approve of her.

Dragon Dave