"Murder", She Wrote: Revisiting Poirot in "Murder on the Orient Express"

The novel, Murder on the Orient Express, is one of the most famous detective stories of all time and its main character, pompous Belgian Hercule Poirot, is the quirkiest and most original detective since Sherlock Holmes. The novel is smooth on its tracks and amusing. Christie, now recognized as the Queen of Crime. She has sold millions of books and remains one of the best mystery writers of all time. One of the greatest of Agatha Christie's novels is brought to the screen with a fantastic story line, a glorious all-star cast, and beautiful scenery. When famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is on his way to London on the famous Orient Express, he meets a man named Ratchett who hires him as a bodyguard, because of getting threatening letters, Poirot turns the job down. The next day, he turns up dead in his compartment with twelve stab wounds. Inspired by the real life "Lindbergh kidnapping case", Christie's novel flows smoothly without hitting a bump. Ratchett turns out to be involved with the "Armstrong kidnapping case". The film is extremely accurate. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat, and has you guessing who the killer is. Albert Finney was a great Poirot. Ingrid Bergman took home an Oscar for her role in the film. Sean Connery shines as Colonel Arbuthnot. The rest of the cast shines throughout the film. But my favorite of the cast, other than Finney, is Lauren Bacall as the American woman, who talks non-stop, Mrs. Hubbard. Both are truly works of art. Book: A+
Movie: A

"Murder" Most Foul: Review for "A Murder Is Announced"

A Murder Is Announced is part of the PBS/Mystery! series Marple. It is a series of Miss Marple mysteries adapted from the works of her creator, the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. This particular film is based on the novel of the same name. "A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks, 6:30. Friends, accept this as the only intimation." This little notice appeared in the daily newspaper, where the classifieds are. 10 people arrive at Little Paddocks, the house of Letetia Blacklock. At 6:30, the lights go out and someone tries to kill Letitia, only to end up dead himself. It is up to Miss Jane Marple to solve the crime! Geraldine McEwan, the newest incarnation of Miss Marple, plays her brilliantly and emotionally. In the final scene, as the killer is being revealed, Miss Marple weeps with such emotion (for her niece was also murdered) that your stomach with tremble with great sorrow. But somethings are unnecessary: Mrs. Hinchcliffe and Mrs. Myrgycroft, who arer fond friends in the novel, are in a relationship. Totally unnecessary. Grade: B+

"Death" Becomes Her: Review for "Agatha Christie's Poirot: Death on the Nile"

David Suchet returns as the dapper Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. This "film" is part of the A&E series Agatha Christie's Poirot. This is a rather accurate adaptation of the Christie novel of the same. Lynette Ridgeway, played brilliantly by Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) has everything one could imagine. Her friend, Jacqueline de Belfeur, is engaged to Simon Doyle, but poor Doyle is out on his luck. He needs money, so Jaquie decides to be Lynette to give Simon a job on her new estate as land agent. But a few months later, it is announced that Lynette is engaged to Mr. Doyle: she's stolen Jacquie's fiancee! Jacquie is filled with anger and wants revenge, so she follows the two wherever they go: Italy and abroad.When the couple are relaxing peacefully in Aswan, Egypt. Jacquie surprises them with a drunken visit in a ballroom. Miss Ridgewat tries to convince Poirot to try to get Jacquie to use her common sense. The couple then decide to take a trip up the Nile, trying to evade Jacquie; but surprise, surprise, Miss de Belfeur shows up to make the trip misserable, while Poirot watched in earnest. Lynette and Simon take a look at some of the sites, and while they sre restinng, someone dislodges a large ruin which almost kills Lynette! But Jaquie was far from the scene, so she couldn't have done it! That night Jacquie feels unbelievably depressed and gets drunk. In her state, she shoots Simon! During the night Lynette is shot throught the head, and again Jaquie could not have done it! It is up to Monsier Poirot to catch the killer. This adaptation of the classic crime is very good, and pretty accurate. Jacquie's performance is not emotional enough (e.g. she "begs" Lynette to give Simon the job, but she sounds too bored and dull and not enough excited). David Suchet's pervormance is unforggetable, but this Poirot is not as humorous or soft spoken as was in the original PBS Mystery! series.

Grade: B+
Stars: 3.5/5

Stars: 7/10