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There is a good chance that you know Agatha Christie’s master detective Hercule Piorot since you are a child. You if you’ve seen the movies “Death on the Nile” or “The Orient Express“. Or you read the books. I love to do both. Sir Peter Ustinov is outstanding.

While watching the movie “Death on the Nile” I did not realize that Hercule Piorot is not only a master detective, he is a master mediator as well - at least to me.

Hercule Piorot the master mediator
Here is a very short summary what happend up to the point Hercule Piorot acts as a mediator(taken from wikipedia):
The film begins with a meeting between wealthy heiress Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles) and her close friend Jacqueline de Bellefort (Mia Farrow). Jackie wants her fiancé, Simon Doyle (Simon MacCorkindale), to work for Linnet. But he and Linnet have a whirlwind affair and end up marrying. While honeymooning in Egypt, they are continually hounded by a jilted Jackie.

One evening on the terrace of the Cataract Hotel Linnet asks Hercule for help. She wants him to convince to Jacqueline to give up and leave the place. Here is how the discussion between Linnet and Hercule goes at the end of chapter three:

Linnet said appealingly, “You will - talk to her?”
“Yes, I will do that. Butt it is my opinion that I shall not be able to accomplish anything.”
…
Linnet turned to him appealingly.
“You will act for me?”
“No, Madame.” His tone was firm. “I will not accept a commission from you. I will do what I can in the interests of humanity. That, yes. There is here a situation that is full of difficulty and danger. I will do wat I can to clear it up - but I am not very sanguine as to my chance of success.”
Linnet Doyle said slowly, “But you will not act for me?”
“No, Madame,” said Hercule Piorot.

Comment
By not acting on behalve of Linnet Hercule takes a much stronger position. He does not take anyone’s side but acts on behalve of humanity. How much better can a mediator do but being neutral.
And he tells Linnet not to pitch her expectations too high. He is straight and honest, since his reputation is at stack.

Here is how the story goes on. Now Hercule Piorot talks to Jacqueline.
“Mademoiselle de Bellefort?” asked Piorot. “You permit that I speak to you for a little moment?”
Jacqueline turned her head slightly. A faint smile played eound ger lips.
“Certainly,” she said. “You are Monsieur Hercule Poirot, T think” Shall I make a guess” You are acting for Mrs. Doyle, who has promised you a large fee if you succeed in your mission.”
Poirot sat down on the bench near her.
“Your assumption is partially correct,” he said, smiling. “I have just come from Madame Doyle, but I am not accepting any fee from her and, strictly speaking, I am not acting for her.”
“Oh!”
Jacqueline studied him attentively.

Comment
By rejecting Linnet’s offer he was able to astonish Jacqueline and open her for a talk. That is masterful.
And yes, Hercule was right. He could not change Jaquelines mind. He achieved the best result possible and he lived up to his name.

Summary
What more can mediator do than be honest, taking a neutral position and giving each side a chance to express themselves without prejudice.
I wouldn’t have recognized this without reading the book. The movie was too fast for me.
Next I want to read “The Orient Express”.

Let’s see what will show up.

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