Sick Product of a Sick System

Really Surprised!

Absolutely Fantastic

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

When a woman turns up murdered on an isolated island resort, it is up to a vacationing Hercule Poirot to work out who did it when all present have iron-clad alibis in this Agatha Christie murder mystery adaptation. The film is notable as Peter Ustinov's second turn as Hercule Poirot following 'Death on the Nile' in 1978 and with a Cole Porter soundtrack used just as effectively as Nino Rota's score to the 1978 film and with equally good performances, 'Evil Under the Sun' is likely to go down well with most who enjoyed the 1978 film. That said, this follow-up has never enjoyed the same solid reputation as 'Death on the Nile' and it is easy to see why. The tension is not quite the same with a less claustrophobic setting and due to the fact that the murder does not occur until around halfway in. The way Poirot entraps the killer at the end does not quite ring true either. The solution to the mystery though is deliciously elaborate though and this entry benefits from one of Maggie Smith's most delightful performances. As the resort manager, Smith turns amateur sleuth to help Poirot out, citing that "both our reputations are at stake" and in a way, the film becomes just as much about her fascination with finding out which of her guests is guilty as it is about Poirot's fascination with the case. Couple that with her own animosity towards the murder victim, and it makes for a highly memorable turn. James Mason has a strong supporting part too as he scoffs at Poirot's detective work, very proud of the fact that he does not have an instant ready alibi.

I absolutely worship Agatha Christie and am addicted to reading, watching and listening to everything she ever did. This year alone, I think I read at least twelve of her novels and (re-)watched a handful of movies that are based on her legendary writings. This woman truly was a genius and there are few creative minds that I respect and admire more! It's only been a few months since I watch "Death on the Nile" for the fourth time, but for some inexplicable reason this was just the first time that I laid my hands on "Evil under the Sun". From many viewpoints, this film is extremely similar to the aforementioned "Death on the Nile" (1978) and, to a lesser extent, "Murder on the Orient Express" (1974). All films feature a sizeable cast of characters, of which each and every single one is eccentric and on the verge of loathsome, and - in good old Agatha Christie tradition - they also all have the profile as well as the motives to be a potential and secretive murderer. All three films also take place in a confined and inescapable location (a train, a cruise ship or in this case a remote tropical island) and it takes a relatively long time before the pivot murder is being committed, allowing more than enough time to elaborate on all the suspects' motives and their feelings of hatred towards the murder victim. In this tale, which was moved from the English coast towards a high- society island resort in the Adriatic Sea, the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot investigates the whereabouts of a valuable diamond. The beautiful and famous actress Arlena Marshall is also on the island to spend her honeymoon with her new but much older new husband Kenneth and step-daughter Linda. Poirot quickly notices that literally everyone on the island bears a deep grudge against Arlena, whether it's because of historical feuds, her adulterous nature or her stubborn business decisions. When Arlena's body is eventually found, strangled on the beach, all suspects quickly provide Poirot with waterproof alibis. I'm not entirely sure if Mrs. Christie would have appreciated the fact that her story was transferred to a more tropical location, since she was so typically British with regards to her locations and character drawings, but at least director Guy Hamilton splendidly makes use of the holiday resort setting and masterfully directs the extended A-listed cast. Peter Ustinov literally merges with his Poirot character and many of the great names in the supportive cast clearly had an excellent time appearing in this grotesque whodunit. The 1945 film "And Then There Were None" inarguably remains the greatest Agatha Christie adaptation, and personally I was more blown away by "Murder on the Orient Express" as well, but "Evil under the Sun" nevertheless comes highly recommended in case you're looking for something to watch on a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon.

A most glorious murder mystery set on a beautiful island paradise, this is pretty, witty, and certainly even gay as it surrounds the world of musical comedy and the temperamental star (Diana Rigg at her most gloriously bitchy) who becomes the victim of "evil under the sun". Of course, she's not exactly a saint, making enemies of many old acquaintances and rivals which includes her own husband, a queeny costume designer, a husband and wife producing team, a former sparring partner of her chorus girl days, and her younger lover and his troubled wife. Toss in a Cole Porter background score, and along with the gorgeous sets and breathtaking period details, you have a fun-filled romp that is made even more delightful and de-lovely by its all-star cast.Peter Ustinov is downright hysterical here as he adds more comedy after taking on "Death on the Nile", and he is supported by a most glorious cast of talented actors. Outstanding among these is Maggie Smith as Daphne, the owner of the hotel who tosses in a few barbs at Rigg's way when she checks into her resort then interrupts her song. Others along the way include Roddy McDowall as the flamboyant costume designer, Sylvia Miles as a trashy producer, and that's just a few of the delights this keep em' guessing mystery tosses in. So raise a glass of Dom Perignon to this eccentric bunch of droll social climbers and society wanna-bee's for the most light-hearted and fun of all the Christie all-star films of the late 70's and early 80's.

Guy Hamilton took over directing duties on this third cinematic Hercule Poirot film, adapted from the Agatha Christie novel. Peter Ustinov does return however, investigating a case of a fake diamond for an insurance company that leads to an exotic Adriatic resort where a group of rich and famous people have gathered. When a scandalous woman(played by Diana Rigg) is murdered, there is(of course) no shortage of suspects, and Poirot must determine who did it... Ustinov improves as Poroit, though David Suchet owns the role after filming the entire canon for his TV series, Peter is helped by a fine supporting cast and beautiful location filming, giving this a nice atmosphere that is appealing.