Evil Under the Sun

It's one of those films I'd almost forgotten about after David Suchet's outing, but Ustinov's has a huge charm which can be overlooked no further.

The plot for some part is a little far fetched, but such is the quality of the writing and the mystery itself it doesn't matter in the slightest, for it to have worked the timings would have had to have been literally to the minute.

The characterisations are the strong point of the film. Ustinov made a brilliant debut in Death on the Nile, and he shows once again just how good he was in the role. Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith are wonderful in their respective roles in particular, both actually make their characters more interesting then they appear in the book, the interplay between the two is wonderful, so much fun. Nicholas Clay and Jane Birkin are fantastic also, her transformation is sensational, what a beauty!

It is a lavish looking film, the locations are sensational, and the costumes are superb, they really add a glamorous note to it, Rigg looks sensational in many scenes.

Overall 9/10. It's a great story, it's brilliantly acted, and the characters are just magical, it's hugely entertaining!

Peter Ustinov recreates the role of Poirot, following the wonderful Death On The Nile. This is not the story as Agatha Christie wrote it, but here we have a rare example of the movie being better than the book. In fact it would be more accurate to say that here we have a murder mystery based on an idea by Miss Christie. We are presented with is a cast of characters, a murder victim, and just about everyone has a motive. Poirot of course, deduces who did it. The sun in question, under which this evil takes place, shines down on a privately owned island in the Mediterranean, giving us a warm and exotic location.

There isn't one bad performance among the cast, several of whom have appeared before in at least one other Poirot story. Maggie Smith and Jane Birkin in Evil Under The Sun; Dennis Quilley and Colin Blakely in Murder On The Orient Express. Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith almost steal the show as two women who smile sweetly at each other as they spit venom! But every bit as good are Blakely, Quilley, Mason, McDowall and the rest. And while all this is going on, the soundtrack is solid gold Cole Porter, which has been orchestrated perfectly to fit the story.

This movie is pure fun. Make yourself comfortable, suspend disbelief and allow yourself to be transported to another era and location for a couple of hours of enjoyment.

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. (***)

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.

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.