Rating: PG
Genre:
Mystery
Release Date: 04/08/2008
Sound: DD1
Run Time: 116 Minutes
Distributor/Studio: Starz/Anchor Bay
Peter Ustinov makes his second appearance as Belgian detective
Hercule Poirot in this adaptation of the popular
Agatha Christie mystery. When noted stage star Arlena Marshall (
Diana Rigg) is found murdered while visiting a posh island resort, Poirot is called upon to find the culprit, but given Marshall's shrewish personality and propensity for making enemies, the question isn't "Who wanted to see her dead?" but "Who didn't?" The suspects include Rex Brewster (
Roddy McDowall), a writer penning a biography of Arlena that the actress tried to stop; Odell and Myra Gardener (
James Mason and
Sylvia Miles), theatrical producers who were financially shafted when Arlena refused to appear in a show; Arlena's husband, Kenneth (
Denis Quilley); Kenneth's lover, Daphne (
Maggie Smith);
Patrick Redfern (
Nicholas Clay), who was having an affair with Arlena; and Christine (
Jane Birkin), Nicholas' wife. Ustinov would play Poirot again three years later in the made-for-TV feature
Thirteen at Dinner.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide