Evil Under the Sun

The best still remains "Death On The Nile". I feel that the "first act" of "Evil Under The Sun" is ever-so-slightly too long. And the very final moments of the film, after the revelation of the killer(s) and AFTER the classic "Jane Birkin walking down the staircase" scene, could have been better executed. Other than that, this is a highly enjoyable film that can be watched multiple times. The first time, you'll like it more for the cleverly conceived mystery, which I would actually classify as one of Agatha Christie's best; it seems almost unsolvable, yet it's so simple when it's all explained. In the following viewings, you'll appreciate more the magnificent locations (I'm still planning to visit "Daphne's place" someday - I'd love to see how and if it has changed over the years), the quotable dialogue, the delightful performances from the entire cast (starting of course with Sir Peter Ustinov, so funny when he's reveling in his own brilliance), the grandiose score. The generally excellent David Suchet "Poirot" series also adapted this story, in 2002, but that version can't hold a candle to this one in my opinion. (***)

Agatha Christie's novels may not be intellectually stimulating but they are perfect light reading and this delightful film recaptures that quality. Slickly directed by Hamilton and well-played by all the cast, there is a striking and surprising opening on the rainswept Yorkshire moors before we are whisked off to sun-drenched Majorca. The plot twist is one of Christie's most cunning devices, which she re-used on several occasions. And of course, as everyone else has commented, the music is sublime.

This is a first rate film.

Rarely are so many top actors seen together in one production.

What the director did was to take an Agatha Christy murder mystery and sparkle it with humour and dry wit. Maggie Smith is absolutely priceless and her bitching with Diana Rigg is reminiscent of Wilde`s importance of being Earnest. Each of the actors look as though they had a terrific time throughout the production as they camp up the roles but still manage to keep the serious side of the plot going.

A must see.

Definitely one of the more enjoyable adaptations of Agatha Christie novels due to brilliant dialog exchanges between members of an all-star cast--as well as the inclusion of a number of attractive Cole Porter tunes amid spectacular scenic backgrounds. If you enjoyed Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot in 'Death on the Nile' you'll find him twice as amusing in this one. But the film really belongs to Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith who have a fine time with the witty, brittle lines. James Mason and Roddy McDowall are also impressive, as are a number of other players who form the usual vast number of suspects. A clever, if contrived, plot that strains credibility--depending so much on coincidences--but as usual, Christie is clever enough to cover any weaknesses with other distractions. Enjoyable for any mystery fan. The photography of the seaside spa is a feast for the eyes.

Death On the Nile is definitely the best of the Peter Ustinov outings, with its sumptuous scenery and costumes, fine performances and an overall successful attempt to do justice to the book. Evil Under the Sun is not quite as good, it does start off a little slow and it does drag in places. But other than that, it is a hugely enjoyable film that is in my opinion one of the better Agatha Christies out there.

The scenery in this film is absolutely breathtaking as are the colourful costumes, captured perfectly by the magnificent cinematography. Arlena Marshall's dresses are amazing, and I admit when I first saw the movie I was like I want a dress like that. The soundtrack by Cole Porter is wonderful, and a real treat to the ears. One of the film's highlights was the song Arlena(marvellously played by Diana Rigg) sings, it somewhat reminded me of Marlene Dietrich.

The film also benefits from a very clever plot, that is definitely among Agatha Christie's best. Throughout, it is beautifully constructed, with some clever and not at all confusing subplots. The dialogue is very inspiring, sometimes flowery and at other times witty. My favourites were the bitching of Arlena and Daphne Castle, they were so funny and original, and by far one of the highlights of the film. Another highlight was the final solution, a truly ingenious one, one of my favourite denouncements of all time.

And what about the acting? Superb from all involved! Peter Ustinov while not looking exactly like Christie's dapper detective in the books seems to be enjoying himself enormously here and it really shows. As I've said already, I loved Diana Rigg as Arlena, quite frosty and very detestable in terms of character, but in terms of a truly talented actress like Rigg, it was a marvellous performance. Jane Birkin is great, as is Nicolas Clay, both of whom are under-appreciated actors and put everything into their characters. Other than Rigg, the other standout for me was Maggie Smith as Daphne. Then again, Smith never disappoints in anything she's in, and being one of my all-time favourite actresses, she gives one of her more understated performances here. James Mason was fine, though he could have done with more screen time.

All in all, one or two minor flaws, but overall an absolutely terrific film. And I do admit, I prefer it over the David Suchet version. 8.5/10 Bethany Cox