Leofwine_draca EVIL UNDER THE SUN marks the second of Peter Ustinov's appearances as the famous Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot and it's very similar to look and feel as his first, DEATH ON THE NILE. Once again a bunch of glamorous but ageing Hollywood stars are stranded in a remote exotic setting, where one of their number (an incredibly bitchy Diana Rigg) is murdered and Poirot has to work out who did it. I enjoyed this film slightly more than the two previous Poirot movies of the 1970s, because it has a lighter touch and more comedy, that makes it very amusing at times. The cast is very strong and has nice roles for Roddy McDowall, James Mason, and an on-form Maggie Smith, and I did get a hoot out of Colin Blakely's Yorkshireman. As ever, the only thing that took the edge of this - and it was the same with the other Poirot movies - is that it feels very drawn out, particularly in the first half. The murder takes forever to happen and too much time is spent merely wallowing in the star power instead of getting on with the plot. Still, it's a fun watch.

Fletcher Conner Of his three feature film turns as the famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Evil Under the Sun is Peter Ustinov's best performance. Once again Poirot travels to an exotic local to observe a star studded cast (in this case Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, and James Mason) of upper crust British snobs and waits for one of them to be murdered. Of course, every one has both a motive and an alibi and it is up to Poirot to solve the crime without the police getting in his way.Ustinov shines in his most obnoxious turn as the fussy Belgian and while he is not quite on the level of Albert Finney and David Suchet, he plays the character as he should be played. Guy Hamilton ably directs, keeping it moving at a good pace while allowing the mystery to unfold and giving the audience a chance to solve it without making it easy. It does leave you to wonder though, has Poirot ever gone on a vacation without someone being murdered?

mark.waltz A most glorious murder mystery set on a beautiful island paradise, this is pretty, witty, and certainly even gay as it surrounds the world of musical comedy and the temperamental star (Diana Rigg at her most gloriously bitchy) who becomes the victim of "evil under the sun". Of course, she's not exactly a saint, making enemies of many old acquaintances and rivals which includes her own husband, a queeny costume designer, a husband and wife producing team, a former sparring partner of her chorus girl days, and her younger lover and his troubled wife. Toss in a Cole Porter background score, and along with the gorgeous sets and breathtaking period details, you have a fun-filled romp that is made even more delightful and de-lovely by its all-star cast.Peter Ustinov is downright hysterical here as he adds more comedy after taking on "Death on the Nile", and he is supported by a most glorious cast of talented actors. Outstanding among these is Maggie Smith as Daphne, the owner of the hotel who tosses in a few barbs at Rigg's way when she checks into her resort then interrupts her song. Others along the way include Roddy McDowall as the flamboyant costume designer, Sylvia Miles as a trashy producer, and that's just a few of the delights this keep em' guessing mystery tosses in. So raise a glass of Dom Perignon to this eccentric bunch of droll social climbers and society wanna-bee's for the most light-hearted and fun of all the Christie all-star films of the late 70's and early 80's.

AaronCapenBanner Guy Hamilton took over directing duties on this third cinematic Hercule Poirot film, adapted from the Agatha Christie novel. Peter Ustinov does return however, investigating a case of a fake diamond for an insurance company that leads to an exotic Adriatic resort where a group of rich and famous people have gathered. When a scandalous woman(played by Diana Rigg) is murdered, there is(of course) no shortage of suspects, and Poirot must determine who did it... Ustinov improves as Poroit, though David Suchet owns the role after filming the entire canon for his TV series, Peter is helped by a fine supporting cast and beautiful location filming, giving this a nice atmosphere that is appealing.