The Mousetrap, based on a radio play sketch commissioned in 1947 by the BBC to commemorate the eightieth birthday of Queen Mary, mother of King George VI, was originally entitled "Three Blind Mice." Christie, who liked the challenge of adapting her work into more than one genre, then wrote the novelette, "Three Blind Mice." Before it was published, she created the full-length play version which changed to the title The Mousetrap, taken from the play within the play in Hamlet, because of copyright issues. Christie delayed the publication of the novelette until after the play opened. Because of the popularity of the London production, "Three Blind Mice," the novelette, has never been published in England.

The Mousetrap opened at the Ambassadors Theatre in London on November 25, 1952 and never closed. The production did move to the larger St, Martinās Theatre next door to accommodate larger audiences without a break in the run of the play. Nearly five million people have seen the play in London during the 48-year run. Over 150 performers have played the roles in the London production, following in the footsteps of Richard Attenborough who played Sergeant Trotter with his wife and wife Sheila Sims as Mollie Ralston.

Producer Peter Saunders sold the film rights to Romulus Films in 1956 with the usual condition that the film could not be released until six months after the end of the London stage run. Since the play shows no sign of closing, a film is not imminent. Nor is a Broadway production or professional touring show in America since that is also prohibited until six months after the original production closes.

Please follow the admonition that Agatha Christie gave her first audience in 1952, "Do not reveal the ending to those who have not yet seen The Mousetrap!!"