Agatha Christie adaptations have become an annual highlight on British television. This month, a new rendition of the Queen of Crime’s 1944 novel Towards Zero debuts on BBC One, featuring a stellar cast that includes Anjelica Huston, Matthew Rhys, and Mimi Keene. However, this adaptation is burdened by many of the same issues that plague numerous modern interpretations of Christie’s work. While there is a certain reverence for the interwar setting, attention to period detail often falls short, and the author’s hallmark blend of whimsy and incisive satire is often overshadowed by a weighty narrative. To provide a remedy for this trend, here is a curated list of adaptations of Christie’s masterpieces that successfully navigate these pitfalls, offering a glimpse into how the golden age of detective fiction can be faithfully brought to life on screen. As Christie aptly noted, “In the midst of life, we are in death,” and amidst the plethora of forgettable adaptations, a few gems stand out:
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
One adaptation that towers above the rest is Sidney Lumet’s cinematic take on Murder on the Orient Express. Albert Finney portrays a rather quirky Poirot, prone to emotional outbursts, but the film’s pacing and stunning production, set aboard a picturesque snow-covered train traveling from Istanbul to Paris, make it undeniably captivating. Murder on the Orient Express is heralded as one of the quintessential crime novels, deserving of an adaptation that lives up to its legacy, complete with one of the most impressive ensemble casts in cinematic history. The film boasts an Oscar-winning performance from Ingrid Bergman, who plays one of the suspects on the Calais Coach, alongside a star-studded lineup that includes Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, and Jaqueline Bisset. The film is so compelling that I often find myself advocating for its status as a Christmas classic, just to enjoy an extra viewing during the holiday season.
Streaming on ITVX Premium
The Pale Horse (2020)
Accomplished screenwriter Sarah Phelps has frequently been tasked with reimagining Christie’s works for the small screen. She began her journey with a gripping adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution, featuring Toby Jones, but has also ventured into less successful adaptations, including And Then There Were None, Ordeal by Innocence, and a notably controversial version of The ABC Murders, starring John Malkovich as a rather unorthodox Poirot. However, credit is due for her adaptation of The Pale Horse, which offers a suitably eerie and sultry reinterpretation of a somewhat limited novel. The plot centers around a woman who dies clutching a list of names, all of whom have sought the services of a coven of psychics in a quaint rural village. This rare Christie work that dips into the supernatural illustrates that creative freedom often flourishes when working with less venerated material.
Streaming on BBC iPlayer
Death on the Nile (1978)
The 1970s saw a trend for star-studded adaptations of Christie’s novels, and Death on the Nile stands out as one of the finest representations of the globe-trotting Poirot. This adaptation skillfully intertwines the enchanting romantic backdrops of a travel novel with a complex narrative involving the murder of an heiress aboard an Egyptian luxury cruise. Peter Ustinov’s portrayal of Poirot is a highlight, and John Guillermin’s direction, paired with Anthony Shaffer’s screenplay, creates a visually stunning experience. The film’s impressive cast includes Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven, Maggie Smith, and Jane Birkin, along with future Miss Marple Angela Lansbury, creating an ensemble powerful enough to illuminate the SS Karnak as it sails from Alexandria to Wadi Halfa.
Streaming on ITVX Premium
The Mirror Crack’d (1980)
While Poirot often receives the spotlight in adaptations, director Guy Hamilton, known for his work on Bond films, helmed The Mirror Crack’d, based on the 1962 novel featuring the indomitable Jane Marple. Angela Lansbury, at the age of 55, took on the role of Marple, but the film also draws attention for its supporting cast, particularly Elizabeth Taylor in her final British film role as a glamorous yet faded movie star. The ensemble cast, set against the backdrop of the idyllic yet deadly village of St. Mary Mead, also includes Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis, Kim Novak, and Edward Fox, adding to the film’s allure.
Streaming on ITVX Premium
Miss Marple (1984–1992)
For reasons unknown, Miss Marple has often played second fiddle to her Belgian counterpart. However, the BBC’s Miss Marple series, which dramatized all 12 Marple novels (with some rearrangement, beginning with The Body in the Library in 1984 and concluding with The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side in 1992), stands as a brilliant adaptation. Although Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie would later portray playful versions of Marple for ITV, Joan Hickson remains the definitive Miss Marple, skillfully leveraging the underestimation of those around her. Despite the frequent occurrences of brutal murders, this series captures the quintessential cozy mystery vibe, infused with a distinctly British underdog spirit.
Streaming on U
Poirot (1989 – 2013)
This iconic series began as an adaptation of Christie’s short stories, occasionally featuring carefully crafted feature-length specials. David Suchet’s casting as the impeccably groomed sleuth was a masterstroke, and the early expansion of the roles for Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser), Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran), and Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson) fostered an ensemble dynamic that suited television wonderfully, contrasting the solitary nature of the novels. Among the adaptations, The Mysterious Affair at Styles receives its definitive portrayal, while The ABC Murders, featuring a remarkable performance by Donald Sumpter, stands out as the best interpretation of one of Christie’s most celebrated novels. However, I often express a rather mundane opinion at dinner parties that the series began to decline in quality in 2002 when production transitioned from LWT Productions to Granada.
Streaming on ITVX
Murder by Death (1976)
While not a direct adaptation, Murder by Death serves as a delightful parody of Christie’s classics, showcasing her influence within the whodunit genre. This film is a comedic treasure, featuring a host of references to Christie’s work. James Coco plays Milo Perrier, a Poirot-inspired character, while Elsa Lanchester embodies the role of Miss Marbles (a clear nod to Miss Marple). The film’s ensemble cast, including Peter Sellers, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Alec Guinness, and the incomparable Truman Capote, navigates a whimsical version of And Then There Were None, making it arguably the only entertaining screen adaptation of that esteemed novel.
Streaming on Prime Video (£)
