Death on the Nile 4K 1978

It seems that Agatha Christie has become a national treasure and her works are adapted for the screen no less often than Sherlock Holmes.

In my opinion, this production stands out primarily for its meticulous attention to detail in the costumes and props that reflect the era, and its stunning cast. Rarely do you see so many magnificent actors in one film at once — the supporting roles are played not just by stars, but by incredible professionals.

Maggie Smith plays Bowers, the companion and nurse of a wealthy old woman. She has a total screen time of 15 minutes at most, but her character is so well thought out and carefully played that you could write a separate book about her after watching the film. The legendary Bette Davis plays the richest, most malicious old woman, whom Bowers-Smith serves. Their bickering is indescribable, one of the funniest scenes, and at the same time, the tragedy of a dependent companion is so heartbreaking.

Angela Lansbury as a sexually preoccupied writer is a delight; she provokes fits of laughter just by appearing on screen. Jane Birkin as a maid, five minutes on screen, but everything is clear about the girl too. Olivia Hussey, the writer's daughter, is a typical romantic heroine, simply adorable. David Nielan is, as always, an English gentleman. Mia Farrow is simply magnificent—sometimes innocent, sometimes half-mad, sometimes unhappy and remorseful... and it's easy to believe her, she plays the part so well.

The other characters are also brilliantly portrayed. So brilliantly that by the end, I was no longer so interested in the plot as I was in the characters themselves. So even if you've read the book and know who the murderer is, it will still be interesting to see how everything ‘looked’. And, of course, the filming locations - Neel, the pyramids at Giza, even the main character's estate - are worth seeing.

A true classic adaptation, even if it doesn't feature the usual David Suchet. But Peter Ustinov's Poirot, in my opinion, has every right to exist.