An exotic array of characters boards the famed Orient Express in Istanbul, including punctilious detective Hercule Poirot. However, even his presence cannot prevent a fellow passenger’s murder.
This is easily the best screen adaptation of an Agatha Christie whodunnit and, for those unfamiliar with either book or film, the solution will take your breath away.
Albert Finney makes fussy Belgian detective Poirot seem every bit as preposterous as Christie intended, yet without relying on the oversize mannerisms of Peter Ustinov, and he earned an Oscar nomination for his wonderful performance.
The supporting cast does everything that is expected of it, with Ingrid Bergman’s Oscar-winning turn just about the pick of a stellar selection.
Praise should also go to director Sidney Lumet for lashing on the style and keeping you guessing until that ending.
Hercule Poirot
Albert Finney
Mrs Hubbard
Lauren Bacall
Bianchi
Martin Balsam
Greta Ohlsson
Ingrid Bergman
Countess Andrenyi
Jacqueline Bisset
Pierre Paul Michel
Jean-Pierre Cassel
Colonel Arbuthnot
Sean Connery
Beddoes
John Gielgud
Princess Dragomiroff
Wendy Hiller
Hector McQueen
Anthony Perkins
Mary Debenham
Vanessa Redgrave
Hildegarde Schmidt
Rachel Roberts
Ratchett
Richard Widmark
Count Andrenyi
Michael York
Hardman
Colin Blakely
Foscarelli
Denis Quilley
Dr Constantine
George Coulouris
Director
Sidney Lumet
