Plot Details: This opinion reveals no details about the movie's plot.

Most fans of the genre will agree that David Suchet's portrayal of the Agatha Christies Beligian Sleuth has now become the definitive. It is easy to forget however that Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney each delivered excellent and timeless performances in the role of Poirot.

Peter Ustinov played Poirot in several films, the first 2, "Death on Nile" and "Evil under the Sun" are top notch films. "Murder Under the Sun" is in fact one of my all time favorite films. Following his success as Poirot in the first two British Poirot productions, Ustinov was forced to endure involvement in several poor quality, made for TV American productions, (Thirteen at Dinner", "Murder in Three Acts", and "Dead Man's Folly").

A most under-rated film, "Evil under the Sun" was filmed in 1982 and was directed by Guy Hamilton ("Gold Finger", “Diamonds are Forever”). Hamilton directs a fantastic case which along with Ustinov includes Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Roddy McDowell, James Mason and Nicolas Clay. Music from Cole Porter adds to the campy, fun attitude of the film.

While it seems a bit of a guilty pleasure to call a murder mystery “fun”, this production honestly delivers entertainment. Remember “Murder on the Orient Express”? The idea was that the characters were deliberately “over the top”. Their costumes, behavior and personalities were intended to be caricatures. Hamilton used this technique in “Evil under the Sun” but in a less extravagant manner.

Ustinov plays his Poirot with in his amiable style, until it comes time to reveal the murderer, then the gloves come off. He is a bit vain, friendly and ultimately likeable. Poirot’s trip to go for a swim while wearing his extremely large and flamboyant robe is a riot and is delivered in Ustinov’s comedic style.

My favorite line in the film is delivered by Maggie Smith; ‘ she could always throw her legs up higher than the rest of us….and wider.”. Roddy McDowell’s portrayal of a campy celebrity writer is just wonderful and “oh so snappy”.

I would definitely recommend this film to view with close friends who have never experienced Ustinov as Poirot. It is easy to see why prior to David Suchet, Ustinov was considered the definitive Poirot. “Evil under the Sun” is entertaining. Script, acting and music come together to make a great film which in this case is nearly timeless.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older