Death On The Nile By Agatha Christie – Starring Mia Farrow – April 20th 1978 – Original Press Photograph

Publisher: The Press Association
Price: £75.00
Date: 20th April, 1978
Photograph Size: 18.2cm x 15.2cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Mia Farrow models the 1930s dress that she wears in the role of Jacqueline de Bellefort in the film. Dated to the reverse and with the stamps of the Shields Gazette and The Press Association. A scarce original photograph. The film was not released until the 29th of September 1978 in the USA and October 23rd in the UK. Slightly creased and marked but in very good condition overall.

Death On The Nile: A Brief Description

Death on the Nile (1978) is a British-American mystery film based on the 1937 novel by Agatha Christie, directed by John Guillermin and featuring an ensemble cast led by Peter Ustinov as the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The film is a stylish and lavish adaptation of one of Christie’s most beloved mysteries, set against the backdrop of an exotic and opulent cruise along the Nile River in Egypt. Known for its intricate plot, star-studded cast, and stunning visuals, Death on the Nile remains a notable entry in the genre of cinematic whodunnits.

Plot Overview:

The film opens with the murder of Linnet Ridgeway (played by Lois Chiles), a wealthy and beautiful American heiress who has recently married Simon Doyle (played by Simon MacCorkindale), a man whom Jacqueline de Bellefort (played by Mia Farrow) had been in love with. Jacqueline’s jealousy and obsession with Simon become central to the story as the couple embarks on their honeymoon cruise down the Nile. The murder takes place aboard a luxurious steamer, the S.S. Karnak, and Hercule Poirot, who is also aboard the ship, is soon called upon to investigate the crime.

Poirot’s investigation uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals, as the list of suspects expands. Each passenger aboard the ship has a motive, and as Poirot methodically unravels the truth, he reveals that the crime is far more complex than anyone initially anticipated. The film delves into themes of love, greed, and revenge, with each character’s past and personal desires coming into play.

Key Characters and Performances:

• Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov): Ustinov’s portrayal of Poirot is a masterclass in charm, intelligence, and subtle humour. While he doesn’t embody the more serious or eccentric aspects of the character that other actors like Albert Finney or David Suchet would later bring to the role, Ustinov’s performance is captivating for its wit, warmth, and humanity. His Poirot is less of a flamboyant detective and more of a dignified observer, navigating the intricacies of the case with a mix of shrewd intellect and dry humour.
• Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles): As the murder victim, Chiles brings a sense of elegance and beauty to her portrayal of Linnet, a wealthy young woman whose life is cut short by a jealous love triangle. Her character is central to the plot, and her tragic fate sets off the series of events that unfold aboard the Nile cruise.
• Jacqueline de Bellefort (Mia Farrow): Farrow plays Jacqueline, the spurned lover whose obsession with Simon Doyle drives her to extreme measures. Her portrayal is one of emotional intensity and vulnerability, providing a stark contrast to Linnet’s calm and composed persona. Farrow’s performance adds an element of complexity to Jacqueline, making her both a sympathetic and somewhat tragic figure in the narrative.
• Simon Doyle (Simon MacCorkindale): MacCorkindale plays the dashing, but morally ambiguous, Simon Doyle. His character is both charming and suspicious, and his role in the love triangle at the heart of the story makes him a key player in the investigation.
• Other Notable Cast Members:
  • Bette Davis as Miss Van Schuyler, a wealthy and eccentric American aristocrat with a suspicious past.
  • Angela Lansbury as Salome Otterbourne, a famous romance novelist whose sharp wit and hidden desires add intrigue to the mystery.
  • David Niven as Colonel Race, a former soldier who helps Poirot with the investigation.
  • George Kennedy as Andrew Pennington, a man with a murky financial history who may have a hidden agenda.

Direction and Cinematography:

John Guillermin, best known for directing The Towering Inferno (1974), brings a sense of grandeur and spectacle to Death on the Nile. The film’s direction is marked by sumptuous set pieces and a leisurely pace that allows for the gradual unravelling of the plot. The opulence of the Nile cruise is captured in stunning detail, with the film’s production design making full use of the Egyptian locations to evoke a sense of exotic luxury and old-world charm.

The cinematography, by Jack Cardiff, is one of the standout features of the film. Cardiff, a celebrated British cinematographer known for his work on films like The Red Shoes (1948) and Black Narcissus (1947), brings a vivid, colourful aesthetic to the film. The sweeping shots of the Nile River, combined with intimate interior scenes aboard the steamer, create a visually stunning contrast that enhances the suspense and atmosphere.

Themes and Style:

Death on the Nile is quintessentially a whodunit mystery, in the tradition of Agatha Christie’s best works. It is a story about human nature, deception, and the complexities of relationships. The film’s exploration of love, jealousy, and revenge is mirrored in the carefully constructed plot, which keeps the audience guessing until the final revelation. Much like many of Christie’s novels, the story delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, with each character having something to hide or a motive to conceal.

In terms of style, the film embraces the conventions of the 1970s period cinema, with costumes and performances that reflect the glamour of the era. The costumes, designed by Norma Moriceau, are particularly notable for their elegance and attention to detail, further enhancing the film’s luxurious atmosphere.

Music:

The film’s music, composed by Nino Rota, is an integral part of its mood and atmosphere. Rota’s score blends classical influences with a sense of adventure and intrigue, complementing the film’s narrative perfectly. The music’s theme is both romantic and suspenseful, underlining the tension that builds as Poirot uncovers more about the passengers’ secrets.

Reception and Legacy:

Upon its release, Death on the Nile was met with a generally positive response from critics and audiences. It was praised for its star-studded cast, lavish production, and stylish direction. While the film is sometimes criticised for its somewhat leisurely pace, most agree that it effectively captures the spirit of Agatha Christie’s novel and translates it into a visually stunning and engaging mystery film.

The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $14 million at the box office. It remains a popular adaptation of one of Christie’s most famous works and is often cited as one of the better Poirot films. The film’s legacy has only grown over the years, and it remains a favourite among fans of both Agatha Christie’s books and classic mystery cinema.

Conclusion:

Death on the Nile (1978) is a beautifully crafted mystery film that blends the elegance of its exotic setting with the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie’s story. Featuring a remarkable cast, including Peter Ustinov in his second appearance as Hercule Poirot, the film is a compelling and visually sumptuous adaptation that continues to be appreciated by fans of classic detective films. Its blend of mystery, glamour, and suspense, combined with strong performances and stunning cinematography, ensures its lasting place in the pantheon of great cinematic whodunnits.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: 6001: 6001Y 002493

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