"The Mystery of Thirteen" was a live television broadcast that aired on September 26, 1957, as part of the anthology series Playhouse 90 on CBS. It was a suspense-mystery drama directed by John Frankenheimer and adapted from the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie (writing as Agatha Christie Mallowan).
The plot revolves around a group of people gathered at a dinner party where one of the guests, a renowned mystery writer, announces that he knows the identity of a murderer present. Before he can reveal the killer, he is poisoned. The remaining guests become suspects, and the ensuing investigation reveals secrets, hidden relationships, and complex motives. The drama unfolds in real-time, a hallmark of Playhouse 90, and emphasizes the psychological tension among the characters.
The production is notable for its use of live television techniques, including multiple cameras, intricate set design, and the challenge of maintaining performance continuity without the benefit of editing. The script aimed to capture the atmosphere of intrigue and suspense characteristic of Agatha Christie's work.
While specific details regarding the cast and crew are readily available, the program itself is considered lost. Like many live television broadcasts of its era, it was not preserved, and no known recording exists. Therefore, contemporary assessments are often based on reviews and recollections from the time.