Opened: September 29, 1978

Directed by: John Guillermin

Starring: Peter Ustinov, Jane Birkin, Lois Chiles, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Jon Finch, Olivia Hussey, George Kennedy, Angela Lansbury, Simon MacCorkindale, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Jack Warden, I. S. Johar, Harry Andrews & Sam Wanamaker

Featuring some of the greatest talents of its time, Death on the Nile is a fantastic adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel that will keep you guessing even if you’ve already figured out who the murder is.

When Jacqueline de Bellefort (Mia Farrow) loses her lover Simon Doyle (Simon MacCorkindale) to her friend Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles), she follows them on their travels. After Jacqueline accidentally shoots Simon aboard a river cruise, Linnet is found dead, and Detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) investigates.

Though there’s a bit of overacting and director John Guillermin amps up the drama, the film has several bright comedic moments – mostly from quips by Bette Davis and Maggie Smith’s characters – and it keeps you intrigued. The scenes are beautifully shot on location and the costumes are divine.

Final say: Death certainly brings mystery to life. ★★★★☆