Death on the Nile (1978)

Everyone can agree that David Suchet is the best Hercule Poirot. Ever. Yes, Albert Finny was very good in Murder on the Orient Express, but Agatha Christie's creation is truly captured in David Suchet's 14-year series that adapted every one of Poirot's detective adventures.That being said, I absolutely love the 1978 version of Death on the Nile. Peter Ustinov plays the famous Belgian detective, and although he isn't my favorite, the supporting cast more than makes up for it. David Niven, Mia Farrow, Bette Davis, Maggie Smith, George Kennedy, Olivia Hussey, Lois Chiles, Jack Warden, Angela Lansbury, Jon Finch, and Jane Birkin add to this fantastically lush, unforgettable murder mystery.Ustinov is on vacation, taking a cruise on the Nile River. He meets and observes the previously listed supporting cast, and there's an obvious tension in the air. I won't tell you any more about the plot, but since it is an Agatha Christie mystery, you should expect a murder. The acting, on-location filming, and perfectly paced script makes this film a real classic. David Niven plays the Hastings-type sidekick, and he's perfectly handsome, debonair, and brave. The scene where he battles a rattlesnake is one of my favorites! I also love Mia Farrow, and she gives a wonderful performance opposite Lois Chiles, her costar from The Great Gatsby.Death on the Nile is one of my all-time favorite whodunnit movies. If you haven't seen this classic yet, and you like mysteries or detective stories, pick up a copy this weekend. You'll love it! Kiddy warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to some upsetting content, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

Very intriguing, and scenic, whodunnit.Based on the Agatha Christie novel, our favourite Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is on a cruise up the Nile. He is surrounded by an interesting assortment of characters, including a wealthy heiress and her husband, on their honeymoon. It appears that everyone hates the heiress...Very interesting, mysterious and tense murder mystery. The backgrounds of the different characters, including potential motives, are explored well before the murder occurs. It is never obvious who the murderer is (at one stage I thought we might have another Murder on the Orient Express on our hands...). Great twist at the end.Great scenery and cinematography too. Shot on the Nile, with the characters also visiting pyramids and other ancient sites. Star-filled cast (as seems to be the custom for Poirot movies): Peter Ustinov (as Poirot), David Niven, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury (who really should have been able to solve the mystery herself...), George Kennedy, Maggie Smith, Olivia Hussey, Jack Warden and Harry Andrews. Also includes Lois Chiles who I am surprised did not turn out to be a bigger star (if you see her in this movie, you'll understand...). Solid performances from all of them. Maggie Smith, as Miss Bowers, gets the funniest lines, though has limited screen time.

Taking the role of Hercule Poirot (played by Albert Finney just four years earlier) and making it his own, Peter Ustinov is excellent in this Agatha Christie adaptation, capturing character's trademark indignation at being called French and fixation on his moustache while providing charisma too. The most striking aspect here is the story though. As with 'Murder on the Orient Express', Poirot is confounded by an enigmatic mystery as a much despised woman is murdered on a cruise. Again, everyone is a suspect with a motive and again it is up to Poirot to solve the murder as police intervention is impossible when travelling down the River Nile. The story admittedly does not have quite the same impact once one knows the solution. The comic relief (mostly from a wide-eyed I.S. Johar) also gets more on the nerves upon revision. In general though, the film stacks up well to revision since everything hinges on the character interactions and all concerned are in top form. There is a condescending Bette Davis whose nasty wit is only matched by her spiteful servant, played by Maggie Smith. There is also the always solid Jack Warden, here with a German accent, David Niven as dignified as ever and the list goes on. The revelation scene is also handled brilliantly. The camera never sits still as Poirot converses with the killer, unsteadily walking around the room in close-up and medium close-up, providing an air of uncertainty that sends a chill down the spine. And for a film set among such picturesque locales, 'Death on the Nile' offers a delightfully spine-tingling tale.

Not taking into account the TV series of BBC and ITV I would class this as the best of the movies with Christie's name on.A beautiful lavish film, which boasts sublime direction, a wonderful cast, a gorgeous accompanying score, and the perfect mix of story and drama. The scenery is fabulous, the whole movie is a true feast for the eyes, the Pyramids, the Nile, even the costumes. It comes as no surprise the movie won an Oscar for costume design, they were spot on.The casting is impeccable, it is a flawless mix of people, Lois Chiles is incredibly beautiful, so believable. My favourite role of Mia Farrow's, I believe her all the way through. Simon MacCorkindale was perfect casting too, a great piece of casting with an enviable jawline. Too many wonderful performances to comment on them all, but Maggie Smith and Bette Davis win it for me, they made a sensational double act.I loved Ustinov's characterisation of Poirot, for me he beats Finney, whom I did admire but found a little on the theatrical side, there was something more natural about Ustinov, albeit he's not exactly how I visualise the famous Belgian sleuth. I mentioned in my review of Murder on the Orient Express that I felt Finney suited the flavour of that movie, and I'll say the same for Ustinov here, somehow it fits him perfectly.Often when I'm asked what my favourite movie of all time is I answer 'Death on the Nile,' it has so many incredibly good elements. It is a magnificent film, the story itself is one of my favourites. 10/10