Kenneth Branagh’s Murder On The Orient Express is released today and I haven’t decided whether to see it or not. The cast is fantastic but I love the novel and the 1974 film too much to trust myself not to heckle. I rarely break the Wittertainment Code of Conduct but I did share my thoughts with the audience during The English Patient (I may have wished for Ralph Fiennes’ speedy demise so I could go home) and Jerry Maguire (not a fan) and I don’t want to risk it happening again.
Instead, I may indulge in one of my all-time favourites, Death On The Nile. When I say I love an ensemble cast this one is a little more star-studded than most. Peter Ustinov is Poirot and then the star power keeps ramping up. Mia Farrow, Maggie Smith, David Niven, Bette Davis and Dame Angela Lansbury are highlights. It’s all old-fashioned glamour, jealousy, greed and murder.
I’ve seen the film countless times and still love the denouement. Poirot gathering all the characters together to reveal the killer and show off his little grey cells.
As this Agatha Christie, it’s a study of human nature. That woman knew people and plot.
It’s one of my weekend afternoon films. You need a cuppa, a bit of cake, a comfy sofa and stick this on.