Agatha Christie's Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot, solves the murder of an actress at a Balkan resort.Agatha Christie's Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot, solves the murder of an actress at a Balkan resort.Agatha Christie's Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot, solves the murder of an actress at a Balkan resort.
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Featured reviews
Evil Under The Sun sounds so ominous, like a older horror film but in fact it's a sunny, bright, sparkling film with an international cast.
If you've seen Death on Nile and liked it then this would be enjoyable. Certainly much more entertaining than Murder on the Orient Express. The characters here are much more entertaining, especially Dianna Rigg, who plays the glamorous, snooty bitch.
It is engaging after everyone is settled on the island and it did hold my attention. I would say that the most unappealing component of the film is the soundtrack which is distracting in several scenes. Almost big band-like music in scenes where someone is walking! I almost got the feeling the music was celebrating a loud outfit worn by Maggie Smith. Clothing is a big deal in this film. The costumes are as entertaining as some of the characters. Even Roddy McDowell is attired in colorful outfits here.
All in all, not bad. I think most people will enjoy it.
If you've seen Death on Nile and liked it then this would be enjoyable. Certainly much more entertaining than Murder on the Orient Express. The characters here are much more entertaining, especially Dianna Rigg, who plays the glamorous, snooty bitch.
It is engaging after everyone is settled on the island and it did hold my attention. I would say that the most unappealing component of the film is the soundtrack which is distracting in several scenes. Almost big band-like music in scenes where someone is walking! I almost got the feeling the music was celebrating a loud outfit worn by Maggie Smith. Clothing is a big deal in this film. The costumes are as entertaining as some of the characters. Even Roddy McDowell is attired in colorful outfits here.
All in all, not bad. I think most people will enjoy it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What can I say, this is an excellent film, only equal to The Suchet Poirot Murder On the Links, it's the most enjoyable Agatha Christie That Ustinov has ever made!!!! 10/10 Stars!!!
Did you know
- TriviaDespite not being in the original novel, early versions of the script included the character of Colonel Race, played by David Niven in Death on the Nile (1978). Niven was offered to return but had to decline due to his failing health.
- GoofsIn the film, Patrick Redfern was wearing swim briefs ("Speedos") on many occasions (suntanning on the beach, steering a motorboat with Myra Gardener on board), and it is suggested that, since the film was set in the 1930s or 1940s, that the male "overall" swimsuit was "norm", and the "Speedo" type suit was an anachronism. This is not true; by 1936 (after the Olympics) men started wearing one piece and much tighter fitting "Speedo" suits. The film is probably set before 1939 (the book was written in 1941), and by this time, fashionable and daring men would have worn this type of swimsuit, particularly to secluded getaways, such as the setting for the movie.
- Quotes
Arlena Stuart Marshall: Oh, dear! I'm the last to arrive.
Daphne Castle: Have a sausage. You must be starving having to wait all that time in your room.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits feature watercolors by British architect and artist, Sir Hugh Casson, who taught King Charles III to paint. The titles for each actor feature an item of costume, prop or setting relevant to their character and those for the production team are similarly themed.
- Alternate versionsThe BBC have edited two scenes from the film for broadcast. The first is the scene where Arlena Marshall is discussing the proposed show with the Gardners, after Odell tells her that it is called "It's Not Right, and It's Not Fair", Arlena's next line, "Sounds like a black man's left leg" has been cut. The second is in the scene where Kenneth Marshall reveals to his wife that he knows she booked Patrick Redfern into the hotel. Her response, "The bitch Daphne!", is also cut.
Details
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- Also known as
- Muerte bajo el sol
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Box office
- Budget
- $10,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $6,110,000
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,690,774
- Mar 7, 1982
- Gross worldwide
- $6,111,426
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