Review of Death on the Nile (1978) by Bill S — 25 Feb 2016
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.
This review of Death on the Nile (1978) was written by Bill S on 25 Feb 2016.
Death on the Nile has generally received positive reviews.
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