This movie was the first and best of Peter Ustinov's performances as Hercule Poirot. Though physically not very accurate to Agatha Christie's description of the little Belgian detective, for this one movie everything worked and the discrepancy was not a problem. The film is well-paced, with all the plot turns and clues coming with perfect timing, not too fast to be confusing, but not too slow to strain the rather flimsy fabric of the story. The whole cast is very good, especially Bette Davis as a malevolent old spider of a woman, gleefully tormenting her long-suffering companion, Maggie Smith. The scene where she smiles indulgently at a group of Egyptian children waving at her on the river bank, only to sink into mortified disgust as they turn around and moon her, is a highlight of the movie. The climax of the film is quite surprising, and unlike many mysteries, does not cheat the viewer by withholding vital information until the last moment. We feel the pleasure of being honestly fooled throughout, and the conclusion is thoroughly satisfying.
185 Reviews
A Top Notch Bunch Of Pros
littlemartinarocena14 September 2007
Jack Cardiff was the director of photography, Anthony Powell, the costume designer, Nino Rota composed the score, Anthony Shaffer signed the screenplay and the list goes on and on and I haven't even mention the cast yet. Agatha Christie's novels have a structure that is a sort of cardinal rule. Murders, a set of suspects, all of them with a motive for the killing and then the unmasking of the killer or killers. Anthony Shaffer, the author of "Sleuth" milks it for all its worth. Snippets of wit trying not to obstruct the implausible plot. Tough gig. Dressed in a fantastic Nino Rota score, Jack Cardiff does his marvelous thing and Anthony Powell envelopes the stars in costumes that are not only stunning but character revealing in the most entertaining way. Peter Ustinov's Poirot is great fun and the cast moves through the carefully plotted story with disarming precision. Mia Farrow is the only one who plays it for real. Her jealousy is so believable that in a way we're guided by her pain and dismiss the obvious. Bette Davis does a Bette Davis impersonation for our benefit, I guess, and she gets away with it. Maggie Smith, Davis's long suffering lady in waiting, is always fun to watch and I imagine she had a lot of fun herself pushing around Bette Davis. My favorite? Angela Lansbury's Salome Ottobourne. Her alcoholic pulp fiction writer is a complex, compassionate, realistic caricature. David Niven,Jack Warden, Jon Finch, Olivia Houssey, Lois Chiles, Jane Birkin etc complete the who's who of this whodunit. I haven't mention the director: John Guillermin, from "The Towering Inferno" fame.
Remains A Lively And Delicious Favourite Treat
gezmar31 July 2005
The screen version of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile would be one of the definitive adaptions of the very old fashioned(but still strangely popular) murder mystery genre. After twenty-seven years the movie holds up very well.
The most was made of the Egyption setting of the film as it was filmed mostly on location and the stunning ancient sites of Egypt are filmed beautifully. Tourism in Egypt apparently increased significanlty after the film's release. Not surprising.
Also making the film a treat is the wonderful cast. Peter Ustinov stepped into the role of Hercule Poirot for the first time and despite no resemblance to Christie's descriptions of Poirot, made the role his own for the next decade. Ustinov gives a stern but comic portrayal of Poirot which is balanced with the casting of Ustinov's close friend David Niven as Colonal Race, Poirot's sidekick.
Heading the feast of suspects is the legendary Bette Davis as a grand dame with a sour Maggie Smith as her paid nurse/companion. There bickering scenes together are a hilarious highlight of the movie. Angela Lansbury is also a scene stealer as a tipsy, uninhibited novelist who does a hilarious tango with David Niven. Mia Farrow delivers a very good dramatic performance, as the women scorned which almost steers away from the usual cardboard stereotype characterisations of Agatha Christie.
Director John Guillerman let his great cast have fun with their characters partly because veteran thriller writer Anthony Shaffer wrote the screenplay. Although the murder mystery is a clever one and played out very well Shaffer injected the script with more wit and spice than the original novel had. (The Bette Davis and Maggie Smith scenes being the best example) The soundtrack of the film is an underrated gem with veteran composer Nino Rota producing a grand, sumptuous, inviting and mysterious soundtrack which perfectly complements the setting and the drama. Also his arrangement of the tango tune "Jealousy" is the best I've ever heard.
All this makes for a fun, lively old fashioned treat of a film that can be returned to from time to time.
The most was made of the Egyption setting of the film as it was filmed mostly on location and the stunning ancient sites of Egypt are filmed beautifully. Tourism in Egypt apparently increased significanlty after the film's release. Not surprising.
Also making the film a treat is the wonderful cast. Peter Ustinov stepped into the role of Hercule Poirot for the first time and despite no resemblance to Christie's descriptions of Poirot, made the role his own for the next decade. Ustinov gives a stern but comic portrayal of Poirot which is balanced with the casting of Ustinov's close friend David Niven as Colonal Race, Poirot's sidekick.
Heading the feast of suspects is the legendary Bette Davis as a grand dame with a sour Maggie Smith as her paid nurse/companion. There bickering scenes together are a hilarious highlight of the movie. Angela Lansbury is also a scene stealer as a tipsy, uninhibited novelist who does a hilarious tango with David Niven. Mia Farrow delivers a very good dramatic performance, as the women scorned which almost steers away from the usual cardboard stereotype characterisations of Agatha Christie.
Director John Guillerman let his great cast have fun with their characters partly because veteran thriller writer Anthony Shaffer wrote the screenplay. Although the murder mystery is a clever one and played out very well Shaffer injected the script with more wit and spice than the original novel had. (The Bette Davis and Maggie Smith scenes being the best example) The soundtrack of the film is an underrated gem with veteran composer Nino Rota producing a grand, sumptuous, inviting and mysterious soundtrack which perfectly complements the setting and the drama. Also his arrangement of the tango tune "Jealousy" is the best I've ever heard.
All this makes for a fun, lively old fashioned treat of a film that can be returned to from time to time.
Sumptuous version of classic Christie mystery...absorbing entertainment...
Doylenf28 August 2004
Murder aboard a Nile steamer in the 1930s is deftly handled here thanks to a good script and some excellent performances.
There can be no question about it--if you're a mystery fan of the sort of crime novels Agatha Christie wrote during her prolific writing career--this is for you. The script fashioned from one of her best works gives a number of interesting actors roles they can chew the scenery with--and most of them do. I can't praise Angela Lansbury enough for her deft and daffy portrayal of a tipsy authoress--so good, she deserved at least an Oscar nomination. The only real flaw is the film's tendency to move at a rather slow pace before things get more intense.
Other acting kudos among the suspects aboard a Nile steamer belong to Bette Davis as an elderly dowager with a penchant for stealing jewelry; her servant, Maggie Smith, with whom she exchanges some priceless barbs; Simon MacCorkindale and Lois Chiles as lovers; Mia Farrow as a vengeful ex-sweetheart; and of course Peter Ustinov as Poirot. David Niven has the least colorful role and can do little with it as he endeavors to help Poirot solve the mystery. The plot has all the ingenious twists we come to expect of Christie and is a very clever one--if slightly improbable when you stop to think about it--depending heavily on luck and coincidence.
But it's all delivered as entertainment and wrapped up in a package designed to stir the senses with an excellent musical score, some fine scenery and Oscar-winning costumes. It's a relief that the writer decided to keep the period of the novel in the 1930s rather than update it as has been done with other Christie stories--notably, MURDER IS EASY ('82) which was updated to include computer technology as part of the plotline. The period flavor here is an added pleasure.
Flavorful, and highly amusing whenever Bette Davis and Maggie Smith have a go at some wisecracks, with an ending that will surprise you if you fail to catch some of the clues. Superior entertainment.
There can be no question about it--if you're a mystery fan of the sort of crime novels Agatha Christie wrote during her prolific writing career--this is for you. The script fashioned from one of her best works gives a number of interesting actors roles they can chew the scenery with--and most of them do. I can't praise Angela Lansbury enough for her deft and daffy portrayal of a tipsy authoress--so good, she deserved at least an Oscar nomination. The only real flaw is the film's tendency to move at a rather slow pace before things get more intense.
Other acting kudos among the suspects aboard a Nile steamer belong to Bette Davis as an elderly dowager with a penchant for stealing jewelry; her servant, Maggie Smith, with whom she exchanges some priceless barbs; Simon MacCorkindale and Lois Chiles as lovers; Mia Farrow as a vengeful ex-sweetheart; and of course Peter Ustinov as Poirot. David Niven has the least colorful role and can do little with it as he endeavors to help Poirot solve the mystery. The plot has all the ingenious twists we come to expect of Christie and is a very clever one--if slightly improbable when you stop to think about it--depending heavily on luck and coincidence.
But it's all delivered as entertainment and wrapped up in a package designed to stir the senses with an excellent musical score, some fine scenery and Oscar-winning costumes. It's a relief that the writer decided to keep the period of the novel in the 1930s rather than update it as has been done with other Christie stories--notably, MURDER IS EASY ('82) which was updated to include computer technology as part of the plotline. The period flavor here is an added pleasure.
Flavorful, and highly amusing whenever Bette Davis and Maggie Smith have a go at some wisecracks, with an ending that will surprise you if you fail to catch some of the clues. Superior entertainment.
Relaxing entertainment.
KEVMC13 April 2004
An heiress is murdered while honeymooning on a Nile cruise. Fortunately, the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is holidaying on the same paddle steamer, and begins an investigation. However, it would seem that all of the other passengers on board have clear motives for committing the murder.
This was the second of Agatha Christie's novels featuring Hercule Poirot to be filmed, after the success of 'Murder On The Orient Express' a few years earlier. The great Peter Ustinov, who so recently passed away, took on the role this time, and injected it with his own droll humour. Indeed the whole film seems rather tongue in cheek, with the all star cast having fun with their roles. Bette Davis, Maggie Smith and Jack Warden all enjoyably ham it up, but Angela Lansbury manages to outdo them all with a delightfully over the top performance as the perpetually drunk author of erotic novels. David Niven, ever the archetypal British gent, proves a good foil as Poirot's partner in the investigation.
Where the film really scores is in the locations and photography. Egypt proves a stately backdrop to proceedings and veteran Cinematographer Jack Cardiff makes the most of it. The 1930's setting also gives an air of genteel opulence to the surroundings. While the film couldn't claim to be a classic tension filled mystery, it is a pleasant, laid back and enjoyable entertainment, that's clever enough to keep you guessing until the end.
This was the second of Agatha Christie's novels featuring Hercule Poirot to be filmed, after the success of 'Murder On The Orient Express' a few years earlier. The great Peter Ustinov, who so recently passed away, took on the role this time, and injected it with his own droll humour. Indeed the whole film seems rather tongue in cheek, with the all star cast having fun with their roles. Bette Davis, Maggie Smith and Jack Warden all enjoyably ham it up, but Angela Lansbury manages to outdo them all with a delightfully over the top performance as the perpetually drunk author of erotic novels. David Niven, ever the archetypal British gent, proves a good foil as Poirot's partner in the investigation.
Where the film really scores is in the locations and photography. Egypt proves a stately backdrop to proceedings and veteran Cinematographer Jack Cardiff makes the most of it. The 1930's setting also gives an air of genteel opulence to the surroundings. While the film couldn't claim to be a classic tension filled mystery, it is a pleasant, laid back and enjoyable entertainment, that's clever enough to keep you guessing until the end.
Classic Tale
crumpytv4 April 2022
Best Christie Adaptation
Scarlet-2230 August 2001
I had read DEATH ON THE NILE (probably Christie's best novel, superior to the overrated MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS) before I saw the movie, so I was sure there would be no real suspense. But, to the everlasting credit of everyone involved, the movie does manage to hold the book's air of mystery throughout. It's not as faithful to the book as it could have been--a whole major subplot is given just a few small scenes; several characters who were more substantial in the book are reduced to barely more than window dressing--but it is remarkably true to the main story, sticks to it nicely, and allows both Poirot and the viewer to come to such a completely logical conclusion about the murder that you will wonder on repeat viewings how you could have possibly missed the clues the first time.
The real gems in this film are not the leads and big names, but the smaller parts--Simon MacCorkindale as Doyle, Lois Chiles as Linnet, Jane Birkin as Louise. In particular, Simon MacCorkindale (more familiar to American audiences from MANIMAL, FALCON CREST, and COUNTERSTRIKE) is a criminally underused actor, and he does a spectacular job here in this, his first movie role, playing the hopeless and hapless Simon Doyle, caught between two captivating women (Lois Chiles and Mia Farrow--wow, what a choice to have) and ultimately driven by greed as he chooses between them.
This film is finally out in DVD, and widescreen at that, so if you like good murder mysteries and old-fashioned costume dramas, pick yourself up a copy and prepare to be entertained.
The real gems in this film are not the leads and big names, but the smaller parts--Simon MacCorkindale as Doyle, Lois Chiles as Linnet, Jane Birkin as Louise. In particular, Simon MacCorkindale (more familiar to American audiences from MANIMAL, FALCON CREST, and COUNTERSTRIKE) is a criminally underused actor, and he does a spectacular job here in this, his first movie role, playing the hopeless and hapless Simon Doyle, caught between two captivating women (Lois Chiles and Mia Farrow--wow, what a choice to have) and ultimately driven by greed as he chooses between them.
This film is finally out in DVD, and widescreen at that, so if you like good murder mysteries and old-fashioned costume dramas, pick yourself up a copy and prepare to be entertained.
A Great Adaption!
r-downey123 May 2005
I watched this film when it was broadcast on channel four last Christmas and I was so blown away by it that I had to buy the movie on DVD. Coming from a true fan of murder mystery TV shows with my all-time favourite series being Midsomer Murders, I can tell you this has to be one of the best detective dramas ever to be adapted from one of Agatha Christie's novels. Peter Ustinov gives a wonderful performance as Christie's world famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who along with his sidekick has to solve three violent shootings on a luxury cruise ship sailing off the coast of Egypt. The story is full of red herrings, great and really well acted characters and lots of fantastic humour. It is also very gripping with a crime that is forever tricky to work out and a truly unpredictable killer gives the film a perfect ending. I would suggest to all fans of classic British Murder Myestries to see this 1970's Agatha Christie tale but you will have to be prepared to be blown away by it. I overall give Death on the Nile 8/10 stars.
ONE OF THE BEST DETECTIVE STORIES EVER WRITTEN!
ONE OF THE BEST DETECTIVE STORIES EVER WRITTEN!
Peter Ustinov is great as Poirot, no spoilers included
Kingslaay3 June 2017
After watching every Poirot episode played by David Suchet I knew the bar was set very high. However Peter Ustinov gives a marvellous portrayal of the famous Belgian detective. His acting is effortless as he easily slips into Hercule Poirot's shoes in this mystery. He is very believable as a the great sleuth and you feel he has been doing this all his life. This also happened to be one of the best Agatha Christie Poirot novels that was dramatized. A mystery so well planned and executed it would fool the best of us.
The supporting cast was superb as well and gave great performances. We have a rich list of acclaimed stars giving life to Agatha Christie's characters.
The supporting cast was superb as well and gave great performances. We have a rich list of acclaimed stars giving life to Agatha Christie's characters.
Another case for Agatha Christie's sleuth Hercule Poirot
dawdobb3 April 2006
The book, from which this film was adapted, is probably one of Agatha Christie's best. The plot centres on Linnet Doyle, a woman who stole her best friend's fiancé. The scorned Jackie pursues the couple wherever they go, and when she follows them onto a Nile cruise, it seems that Jackie is not the only one who has a motive for murder. Of course, the ever dependable Poirot is on hand to solve the incredibly cleverly planned crime.
This film contains some fantastic scenes set in the heart of Egypt, along with an all star cast. The most brilliant performance of all comes from Angela Lansbury, who plays Mrs. Otterbourne, a drunken old writer who apparently used Linnet in one of her overly erotic books and is consequently being taken to court where she may loose everything. Lansbury captures the humorous side but also the unfortunate aspect of the character and it is this immense acting ability that should have won her an Oscar.
The chemistry between the main characters is marvellous and at the end, when the final solution to the affair is presented, the audience is shocked when they learn who did it, appreciating fully the extent of Christie's genius. This is a fantastic film, which builds up tension fantastically, and is perhaps one of the greatest films ever made, and is always underrated.
This film contains some fantastic scenes set in the heart of Egypt, along with an all star cast. The most brilliant performance of all comes from Angela Lansbury, who plays Mrs. Otterbourne, a drunken old writer who apparently used Linnet in one of her overly erotic books and is consequently being taken to court where she may loose everything. Lansbury captures the humorous side but also the unfortunate aspect of the character and it is this immense acting ability that should have won her an Oscar.
The chemistry between the main characters is marvellous and at the end, when the final solution to the affair is presented, the audience is shocked when they learn who did it, appreciating fully the extent of Christie's genius. This is a fantastic film, which builds up tension fantastically, and is perhaps one of the greatest films ever made, and is always underrated.
Still Great
Tweetienator11 April 2020
Peter Ustinov is my favorite Hercule Poirot and Death on the Nile is a jewel of the who dunnit crime genre - fantastic cast, fantastic pictures and settings and a top notch production make this work a great pleasure to watch. Last but not least, the story of Death on the Nile is proof, that Agathe Christie is a master of crime stories, her plots, twists and characters of her stories are (still) marvelous. Classic!
Fantastic film!!!!
rps-229 December 2001
A wonderful cast of superb actors playing a wonderful cast of outrageous characters. Exotic locale. Lots of laughs. Great lines. ("If there are two things I hate it's heat and heathens.) Ustinov gives a somewhat harder spin to Christie's Poirot than Suchet but he's just as wonderful. Angela Lansbury should have had the Oscar for best supporting actress that year for her tipsy, dipsy authoress. Maggie Smith is her usual incredible self. The great and always fascinating Bette Davis. And the wonderfully synchophantic "manager" of the steamer. All this with exotic locations, superb camera work and well paced suspense. Not too often I vote a ten. On this one I did. Bravo!
Suspense and intrigue with Hercules Poirot on board a cruise in Egypt
ma-cortes5 May 2006
This whodunit deals with Hercules Poirot (Peter Ustinov) as the Belgian sleuth man in he case of killing a rich heiress (a ravishing Lois Chiles ) aboard a luxurious Nile cruise steamer . He investigates the travelers and numerous suspects , all the support cast (George Kennedy , Bette Davis , Angela Lansbury , Jane Birkin , Olivia Hussey , John Finch..) . Who is the killer? , can he find the guilty? . Hercules is helped by a personage likeness to Dr. Watson (David Niven) . After the clues have been shown we will get a chance to give the answer with Poirot finding out about the culprit at a twisted finale with outstanding surprises . Then are taken the murders from different viewpoints of everyone aboard which it makes a little bit boring , endless and overlong .
The film is a detective story in which you are the detective . In the picture there is mystery , emotion , love , suspense and wonderful outdoors like are: the pyramids Keops , Kefren , Micerinos , sphinx Gyze , temples : Karnak , Luxor and the rout of river Nile in the cruise ship . This movie was made and released about 41 years after Agatha Christie's source novel of the same name was first published in 1937 . Nice acting by the great Peter Ustinov . Interpretation actors are first-rate , Peter Ustinov acting is similar to Albert Finney (Murder on the Orient Express). Ustinov starred various Hercules Poirot , this is first of six appearances playing Detective Poirot by him , these are the followings : Evil under the sun (Guy Hamilton), Appointment with Death (Michael Winner) and for TV with low budget as : Murder in three acts , Dead man's folly and Thirteen at dinner ; but the best considered is Death on the Nile . Though Ustinov made the character famous on the big and later small screen , he was actually the tenth actor to play Poirot in film & TV . This was also Ustinov's only outing as Poirot during the 1970s, all other five appearances were made during the 1980s .
The movie gets a lush costume design (Anthony Powell) and magnificent production designs . Colorful and glimmer cinematography by excellent cameraman Jack Cardiff (Black Narcissus , African Queen) . The location shoot in Egypt went for seven weeks of which four were spent on the steamer riverboat 'Karnak' and three filming in places such as Luxor , Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel . Sensitive and atmospheric music by Nino Rota (The Godfather) , he's Federico Fellini's usual musician . This film was well directed by John Guillermin . John was habitual of disaster films (The towering inferno , Skyjacked , King Kong , Kong lives) , adventures (Tarzan in India , Tarzan's greatest adventure , Sheena ) , Wartime (Bridge of Remangen , Guns at Batasi , I was Monty's double) and intrigue (Death on the Nile , Shaft in Africa , The whole truth) . The flick will appeal to suspense lovers and Agatha Christie-Poirot novels buffs .
The film is a detective story in which you are the detective . In the picture there is mystery , emotion , love , suspense and wonderful outdoors like are: the pyramids Keops , Kefren , Micerinos , sphinx Gyze , temples : Karnak , Luxor and the rout of river Nile in the cruise ship . This movie was made and released about 41 years after Agatha Christie's source novel of the same name was first published in 1937 . Nice acting by the great Peter Ustinov . Interpretation actors are first-rate , Peter Ustinov acting is similar to Albert Finney (Murder on the Orient Express). Ustinov starred various Hercules Poirot , this is first of six appearances playing Detective Poirot by him , these are the followings : Evil under the sun (Guy Hamilton), Appointment with Death (Michael Winner) and for TV with low budget as : Murder in three acts , Dead man's folly and Thirteen at dinner ; but the best considered is Death on the Nile . Though Ustinov made the character famous on the big and later small screen , he was actually the tenth actor to play Poirot in film & TV . This was also Ustinov's only outing as Poirot during the 1970s, all other five appearances were made during the 1980s .
The movie gets a lush costume design (Anthony Powell) and magnificent production designs . Colorful and glimmer cinematography by excellent cameraman Jack Cardiff (Black Narcissus , African Queen) . The location shoot in Egypt went for seven weeks of which four were spent on the steamer riverboat 'Karnak' and three filming in places such as Luxor , Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel . Sensitive and atmospheric music by Nino Rota (The Godfather) , he's Federico Fellini's usual musician . This film was well directed by John Guillermin . John was habitual of disaster films (The towering inferno , Skyjacked , King Kong , Kong lives) , adventures (Tarzan in India , Tarzan's greatest adventure , Sheena ) , Wartime (Bridge of Remangen , Guns at Batasi , I was Monty's double) and intrigue (Death on the Nile , Shaft in Africa , The whole truth) . The flick will appeal to suspense lovers and Agatha Christie-Poirot novels buffs .
You can't go back...
avamac23 June 2017
I'm sure I found this at least amusing....tho not riveting...when it was new. But it pales when compared with the Suchet version in every way, and most particularly in pacing, which is excruciating. And the photography. Strained through a clotted scrim....what's with that? I found myself more taken with the costumes than the plot.....that cannot be good. And poor Ustinov has been so overshadowed as to be irrelevant.
Superb, delightful, funny...
Gardiner8 January 2000
This film has to be one of my all-time favourites! I must have seen it at least 100 times and I always enjoy it as much every time. One of the greatest casts EVER, music is stunning (NINO ROTA) and the scenery is breathtaking. SEE IT. There haven't been many films like this and there certainly haven't been any to match it since when it comes to this particular genre. Surprised it hasn't been released on DVD yet.. oh well.
Star rating: 4 out of 5
jennifer_litchfield4 January 2003
Death on the Nile takes the viewer on a genteel cruise aboard the paddle-steamer 'Karnak' as it, along with its motley collection of passengers, wends its way through the stunning scenery of historic Egypt. Unfortunately on this voyage the Nile proves to have disturbing currents, and a wealthy heiress with a propensity for making enemies is shot. Corpulent Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot is on hand, and, as the body-count rises, must tax his legendary 'little grey cells' to the limit in order to expose the assassin in their midst.
The charm of this film is that to most of the audience it will be foreign in both time and place. The Egyptian location provides a visual feast, with visits to the pyramids, the inscrutable sphinx, and the eerie wailing statue of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Scenery like this makes it somewhat easier to forgive the movie its overlong running time of almost 2 ½ hours. The story (originally penned by Agatha Christie) is set in the 1930s - the golden age of detective fiction - when murder investigations were much less clinical affairs than they are today. In an era before DNA sampling, Poirot uses the narratively more interesting approach of involving suspects in conversation, and reading between the lines.
The cast is certainly star-studded, but unfortunately several of the characters tend towards stereotypes. However, there are some wonderful performances by several of the silver screen's grandes dames - Bette Davis, Maggie Smith, and particularly Angela Lansbury as the inebriated author of appallingly bad romance novels.
Although a little slow initially, various techniques (such as dead silence being used as the ultimate suspense music) keep the viewer's interest piqued right through until Christie's trademark denouement.
The charm of this film is that to most of the audience it will be foreign in both time and place. The Egyptian location provides a visual feast, with visits to the pyramids, the inscrutable sphinx, and the eerie wailing statue of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Scenery like this makes it somewhat easier to forgive the movie its overlong running time of almost 2 ½ hours. The story (originally penned by Agatha Christie) is set in the 1930s - the golden age of detective fiction - when murder investigations were much less clinical affairs than they are today. In an era before DNA sampling, Poirot uses the narratively more interesting approach of involving suspects in conversation, and reading between the lines.
The cast is certainly star-studded, but unfortunately several of the characters tend towards stereotypes. However, there are some wonderful performances by several of the silver screen's grandes dames - Bette Davis, Maggie Smith, and particularly Angela Lansbury as the inebriated author of appallingly bad romance novels.
Although a little slow initially, various techniques (such as dead silence being used as the ultimate suspense music) keep the viewer's interest piqued right through until Christie's trademark denouement.
Sumptuous adaptation of a superb book!
TheLittleSongbird19 May 2009
Death on the Nile is a long and complicated book, and this does the book justice in my opinion, despite one or two misjudgements. I have seen all 6 of the Ustinov movies, and will say that the weakest is Appointment with Death. The film looks absolutely gorgeous, and the music score was just perfect. The script was excellent, and if you haven't read the book, you wouldn't have guessed the final solution in a million years. Peter Ustinov clearly enjoys himself as Hercule Poirot, sure he mayn't look like the Poirot in the book, but his performance more than compensates. People say that this film is too long and drags. At nearly 3 hours, I think the film needed to be long to capture the essence of the book, though I do agree that it drags in the middle. The supporting actors were in general very good, especially the delicious overplaying by Angela Lansbury and Maggie Smith. I also liked Mia Farrow as Jaqueline and Simon McCorkindale as Simon. Bette Davis was very good as Mrs Van Schuyler, David Niven was excellent in an otherwise thankless role, Olivia Hussey was lovely though underused and George Kennedy was good but has been better. In fact, the only actress I wasn't too keen on was Lois Chiles as Linnette. Linnette in the book is blond and bitchy, but Lois Chiles looked as though she had mousy hair and she didn't quite have the bitchiness of the character right. That said, this is a beautiful looking film, that is fairly faithful to the book. All in all, 8/10. Bethany Cox.
"An Enjoyable Christie Adaptation"
carmenjulianna14 January 2023
This multi-cast version of "Death on the Nile" is quite enjoyable, as there are a multitude of characters to unravel and, a plot that keeps you guessing almost until the end. The Casting was superb..
It is always a pleasure to watch so many talented actors fused together in one mystery movie..
Peter Ustinovs' take on the character 'Hercule Poirot is rewarding (played with a little humour)..
There have been so many different actors that have tried to capture the true authenticity of 'Christies Belgian Detective 'Hercule Poirot' but have failed tremendously. 'Peter Ustinovs' version is a pleasant & entertaining one. This movie is a rare treat and a delight to watch on a Sunday afternoon whilst awaiting dinner being prepared..:):):)
To have 'Miss Bette Davis, 'Dame Maggie Smith', 'Dame Angela Lansbury' 'David Niven' 'Simon MacCorkindale' and 'Mia Farrow' to name but a few, all together in one movie, Wow.! To have so many talented actors is an absolute delight:)
The other delightful performances 'Ustinov' performs in as 'Hercule Poirot' are:- 'Appointment With Death'
'13 at Dinner', 'Dead Mans Folly,' 'Death on the Nile,' 'Murder in three Acts' and, 'Evil under the Sun' These mystery movies are a pleasure to watch and enjoy with family or friends, together you'll have an enjoyable experience.! Keeps the mystery & Suspense right up until the very end..!
Thumbs Up triple fold..;):):)
Thumbs Up triple fold..;):):)
The best of the big movies of Agatha Christie.
Sleepin_Dragon27 November 2015
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
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
A delightful Agatha Christie's classic
pasaribuharisfadli8 February 2022
Not as great as Sidney Lumet's Murder on the Orient Express, of course, but Death on the Nile is not without its merit. Still delightful, even in a repeat viewing.
Some alterations and tweaks were managed to elevate its source material into a more fascinating murder mystery. I especially admire the creative genius who picked Maggie Smith to embody the fiercer and wittier version of Miss Bowers.
Some alterations and tweaks were managed to elevate its source material into a more fascinating murder mystery. I especially admire the creative genius who picked Maggie Smith to embody the fiercer and wittier version of Miss Bowers.
A Deadly Nile Tour
bkoganbing13 December 2006
I'm not quite sure why Albert Finney did not want to play Hercule Poirot again after the smash success of the all star Murder on the Orient Express. It certainly would have provided him with steady work and a well known fictional character to be identified with.
Finney's decision was Peter Ustinov's gain and our good fortune. Even with two Academy Awards for two vastly different parts, I think most people remember Peter Ustinov as both the big and small screen Belgian sleuth.
Given Poirot's eye for detail something Adrian Monk could envy and his stunning success rate one might think that if homicide were planned as it was very carefully in Death on the Nile, if Hercule Poirot is around, call off the plans and save them for another day. Of course if potential perpetrators did that, then Agatha Christie would run fresh out of story ideas.
As he often does Poirot just happens to be on the seen when a very filthy rich American heiress, the Paris Hilton of the Thirties is shot and killed while on a honeymoon on a Nile cruise.
There's sure no lack of suspects. Her family attorney George Kennedy is on the scene, a flamboyant mystery writer Angela Lansbury. an old dowager and her companion Bette Davis and Maggie Smith, an old flame of the groom Mia Farrow, and the groom himself Simon MacCorkindale.
It's a clever plot actually involving some risk to the doer. But witnesses pop up and that's where things go awry.
David Niven is on the scene as well. Poirot's normal Watson, Hastings is not accompanying him so Niven pinch hits. That's a bit of an inside joke because Peter Ustinov made his screen debut in David Niven's The Way Ahead and in the British army he was Niven's orderly back in the day.
My favorite in the film however is Jack Warden who plays a quack German doctor who confesses treating a patient with armadillo urine. I'll bet it was one expensive armadillo.
For fans of Agatha Christie's immortal Belgian sleuth everywhere.
Finney's decision was Peter Ustinov's gain and our good fortune. Even with two Academy Awards for two vastly different parts, I think most people remember Peter Ustinov as both the big and small screen Belgian sleuth.
Given Poirot's eye for detail something Adrian Monk could envy and his stunning success rate one might think that if homicide were planned as it was very carefully in Death on the Nile, if Hercule Poirot is around, call off the plans and save them for another day. Of course if potential perpetrators did that, then Agatha Christie would run fresh out of story ideas.
As he often does Poirot just happens to be on the seen when a very filthy rich American heiress, the Paris Hilton of the Thirties is shot and killed while on a honeymoon on a Nile cruise.
There's sure no lack of suspects. Her family attorney George Kennedy is on the scene, a flamboyant mystery writer Angela Lansbury. an old dowager and her companion Bette Davis and Maggie Smith, an old flame of the groom Mia Farrow, and the groom himself Simon MacCorkindale.
It's a clever plot actually involving some risk to the doer. But witnesses pop up and that's where things go awry.
David Niven is on the scene as well. Poirot's normal Watson, Hastings is not accompanying him so Niven pinch hits. That's a bit of an inside joke because Peter Ustinov made his screen debut in David Niven's The Way Ahead and in the British army he was Niven's orderly back in the day.
My favorite in the film however is Jack Warden who plays a quack German doctor who confesses treating a patient with armadillo urine. I'll bet it was one expensive armadillo.
For fans of Agatha Christie's immortal Belgian sleuth everywhere.
Classic murder mystery, great cast
gbill-7487724 June 2021
An old-school whodunit that follows what seems like a pretty standard template - everyone around a woman who's been murdered has a motive and the means for committing the crime, and it takes a detective with great observational powers to get to the bottom of it, eventually calling them all together to expose the culprit. It feels a little like a made-for-TV movie in how constructed it all is and it didn't seem that hard to see through the red herrings and guess who did it, but there are some nice surprises along the way. There's also an incredible cast, though between some of them being underused and others hamming it up, I can't say that the performances lived up to the names. I loved the shots on location in Egypt in the first half of the film, and wish there had been more of them, since they elevate the production considerably. I could have used less of the stereotypical, childish native characters though. All in all it's certainly not a masterpiece, but it's lively enough, and if you like a classic murder mystery story, this might be up your alley.
Good, old-fashioned entertainment
Karl197511 January 2002
The main virtue of "Death on the Nile" is Agatha Christie's unbeatable whodunit plot, which is arguably even more beautifully constructed than that of "Murder on the Orient Express." The latter had been adapted for the screen in 1974 by one of America's great filmmakers, Sidney Lumet.
Like its predecessor, "Death on the Nile" was filmed with a fine all-star cast, in which Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, Angela Lansbury, Maggie Smith, Mia Farrow, David Niven and Jack Warden stand out. Ustinov's Hercule Poirot is perhaps a bit less eccentric than Albert Finney's or David Suchet's, but I actually like all three interpretations.
The film is as lavishly produced as "Orient Express." It has nice costumes and beautiful natural locations. John Guillermin isn't as strong a director as Lumet is. Consequently, the images in "Death on the Nile" are pretty, but less artistically interesting than those in the preceding film. Moreover, Guillermin's visual storytelling is a bit repetitive (he shows all the possible versions of the murder in detail, which tends to become a bit tedious after a while), and the first half could have been shortened a bit. Still, the direction is way above average, and Guillermin handles the action scenes and the solution in a convincing way.
To me, "Murder on the Orient Express" is the most artistically satisfying Poirot film, but "Death on the Nile" is the most entertaining of the Poirot adaptations with Ustinov as the Belgian detective. "Evil Under the Sun" is also enjoyable, since its strong second half more than compensates for the overlong exposition.
I'd give "Death on the Nile" a rating of *** out of ****.
Like its predecessor, "Death on the Nile" was filmed with a fine all-star cast, in which Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, Angela Lansbury, Maggie Smith, Mia Farrow, David Niven and Jack Warden stand out. Ustinov's Hercule Poirot is perhaps a bit less eccentric than Albert Finney's or David Suchet's, but I actually like all three interpretations.
The film is as lavishly produced as "Orient Express." It has nice costumes and beautiful natural locations. John Guillermin isn't as strong a director as Lumet is. Consequently, the images in "Death on the Nile" are pretty, but less artistically interesting than those in the preceding film. Moreover, Guillermin's visual storytelling is a bit repetitive (he shows all the possible versions of the murder in detail, which tends to become a bit tedious after a while), and the first half could have been shortened a bit. Still, the direction is way above average, and Guillermin handles the action scenes and the solution in a convincing way.
To me, "Murder on the Orient Express" is the most artistically satisfying Poirot film, but "Death on the Nile" is the most entertaining of the Poirot adaptations with Ustinov as the Belgian detective. "Evil Under the Sun" is also enjoyable, since its strong second half more than compensates for the overlong exposition.
I'd give "Death on the Nile" a rating of *** out of ****.
Entertaining enough
perfectbond15 November 2004
I haven't read any of the Agatha Christie novels, including the one on which this film is based, so I cannot comment on its effectiveness as an adaptation. As a film standing alone, I found it reasonably entertaining though I'll probably never see it again. I suppose I am not as enamored with the Poirot character as others. Still, during my viewing I found the ensemble cast of all-stars to be quite entertaining in the various roles. I especially liked the always entertaining Jack Warden as the Swedish doctor. Lois Chiles (Moonraker) was great just for being Lois Chiles The score, exotic locales and the Oscar winning costumes also contributed prominently in making Nile a worthwhile viewing experience. Good, 7/10.
Death on the Nile (1978)
jtwcosmos16 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"Bang!"
This is the story of a bunch of rich people having fun on a trip down the Nile. When some unfortunate events occur, Mister Hercule Poirot, world class detective, is called upon once more to solve the mystery. The movie has a great cast but a very lazy and dumb script.
The acting talent is impressive. Peter Ustinov, David Niven, Angela Lansbury, George Kennedy, all band together to make a "who done it" drama. Unfortunately they are old. And grumpy. The only one that was worth watching was Peter Ustinov, as always. On the other hand, Angela Lansbury should have never accepted this role.
The script is quite bad. It relies on a set of unlikely coincidences and a long list of brilliant people acting dumb. Especially the main character, the renowned detective Hercule Poirot is quite dumb for a smart guy. There are a lot of problems with the script that anybody can spot a mile away. Mia Farrow's character does way to much traveling, for a poor girl. Where does she get all that money from? And how come the ruthless rich girl doesn't dispose of her? And how come everybody on that boat is her enemy? And why does she even share a boat with anybody? And there are way too many guns laying around. So much negligence, somebody should be shot! Oh, wait...
Anyway. The solution to the mystery is a bit more ingenious than "the butler did it", but just as unbelievable. And it takes far, far too long.
Death on the Nile. If you don't like unpleasant characters, stay away. If you do like them, you will get more than your fair share. 3/10.
This is the story of a bunch of rich people having fun on a trip down the Nile. When some unfortunate events occur, Mister Hercule Poirot, world class detective, is called upon once more to solve the mystery. The movie has a great cast but a very lazy and dumb script.
The acting talent is impressive. Peter Ustinov, David Niven, Angela Lansbury, George Kennedy, all band together to make a "who done it" drama. Unfortunately they are old. And grumpy. The only one that was worth watching was Peter Ustinov, as always. On the other hand, Angela Lansbury should have never accepted this role.
The script is quite bad. It relies on a set of unlikely coincidences and a long list of brilliant people acting dumb. Especially the main character, the renowned detective Hercule Poirot is quite dumb for a smart guy. There are a lot of problems with the script that anybody can spot a mile away. Mia Farrow's character does way to much traveling, for a poor girl. Where does she get all that money from? And how come the ruthless rich girl doesn't dispose of her? And how come everybody on that boat is her enemy? And why does she even share a boat with anybody? And there are way too many guns laying around. So much negligence, somebody should be shot! Oh, wait...
Anyway. The solution to the mystery is a bit more ingenious than "the butler did it", but just as unbelievable. And it takes far, far too long.
Death on the Nile. If you don't like unpleasant characters, stay away. If you do like them, you will get more than your fair share. 3/10.
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