Death on the Nile (1978)

 

Coming four years after the star-studded 1974 film, Murder on the Orient Express, comes the equally star-studded Death on the Nile. It arrives with a change in actor for main character Hercule Poirot after Albert Finney, who already found the prosthetic makeup he wore in the previous film unbearable, imagined undergoing a similar process this time in the Egyptian desert would be even worse and politely declined the opportunity to return. Aside from that, this follow up follows a similar set-up with a group of colorful characters in an isolated location, swapping a train for a boat, and a murder to solve where everyone is a suspect. 

When Jackie de Bellefort (played by Mia Farrow) introduced her fiance Simon (played by Simon MacCorkindale) to her best friend Linnet (played by Lois Chiles), the last thing she expected was for the two of them to fall in love and get married soon after. They decide to honeymoon in Egypt after the wedding and are shocked to discover that jilted Jackie is following them and determined to disrupt their holiday. In an attempt to ditch her, Linnet and Simon board the paddle steamer SS Karnak that will be traveling along the Nile river. On board is an assortment of characters who also happen to have a connection to Linnet and Simon. There is Linnet's trustee, Andrew Pennington (played by George Kennedy), who needs Linnet to sign several documents he put together to try and cover up money he embezzled from her. There is renowned author Salome Otterbourne (played by Angela Lansbury), who is being sued by Linnet and traveling with her daughter Rosalie (played by Olivia Hussey), Elderly American socialite Mrs. van Schuyler (played by Bette Davis) and her companion Miss Bowers (played by Maggie Smith), who blames Linnet's father for financially ruining her own father. James Ferguson (played by Jim Finch) is an outspoken Communist who resents Linnet's wealth. Dr. Ludwig Bessner (played by Jack Warden) faces exposure from Linnet for his unorthodox practices with some of Linnet's friends who were patients. Also among them is acclaimed detective Hercule Poirot (played by Peter Ustinov), who is traveling with his friend Colonel Race (played by David Niven). When Linnet turns up dead with a single gunshot to the head, it falls to Poirot and Race to figure out who killed her, which proves to be a challenge when everyone else on board has a good motive.   

The film was directed by John Guillermin from a script by Anthony Shaffer from the classic Agatha Christie novel. This film, unlike it's predecessor, takes it's time setting up not only the main conflict between Jackie, Linnet, and Simon but also the other passengers as the narrative gets them all to Egypt and onto the river cruise. To their credit, they do manage to make the events compelling enough to hold the viewers attention until we finally get to the central mystery. Once we get into the central mystery, the film does throw in several twists to keep the audience guessing as well. The location shoots in Egypt are captured quite well with some fantastic cinematography from Jack Cardiff as they characters at various points visit the pyramids or other, similar locations as the threat to Linnet rises. The costume design throughout the film is also worth noting as it actually won an Academy Award for designer Anthony Powell, with outfits worn at various points by both Bette Davis and Angela Lansbury being distinct standouts. 

The filmmakers managed to assemble a great cast to bring their assortment of colorful characters to life. Peter Ustinov does great as Poirot, giving his character more warmth as he interacts with the other characters. Bette Davis is a natural fit for her role as the feisty Mrs. Van Schuyler who frequently trades barbs with her companion, Maggie Smith, making the two of them a joy to watch throughout the movie as they bicker like an old married couple. Angela Lansbury is likewise having a very good time playing the eccentric Salome Otterbourne. Jack Warden similarly lays it on thick as the controversial Dr. Ludwig Bessner with a thick accent and similarly amusing colorful flourishes. David Niven does well as Colonel Race and plays off Ustinov well as the two try to solve the mystery. Lois Chiles manages to keep Linnet sympathetic despite the fact that it would be easy for her character to be incredibly unlikable considering she steals her best friend's fiancé. Mia Farrow likewise is a good fit for the enraged Jackie, who is determined to ruin Simon and Linnet's honeymoon. Simon MacCorkindale lays on the charm as the attractive Simon and it is easy to see why Linnet would fall for him too.

Overall, Death on the Nile is a solid follow-up to Murder on the Orient Express. The opening of the film may drag for some but it manages to remain entertaining as it goes about setting up it's intricate backstory that leads to the central mystery. It's populated with a great cast that are clearly having a fun time playing their characters. The locations in Egypt are photographed wonderfully and captured with great 1930's style, matching the time period of the film. The primary setting on the paddle steamer is captured well and the filmmakers allow it to feel appropriately claustrophobic and isolated. This one is definitely well worth checking out, especially if you are a Poirot fan.