Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun" (1981) Maggie Smith, Peter Ustinov, Diana Rigg & Roddy McDowall

Book Vs. Movie: Evil Under the Sun
The Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 1982 Film

Agatha Christie's Evil Under the Sun (1941) is a masterclass in misdirection and suspense. The 1982 film adaptation, directed by Guy Hamilton and featuring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, transforms the story into a glamorous whodunit set in a sun-soaked Mediterranean locale.  Both versions center around the murder of actress Arlena Stuart at a resort, with Poirot reluctantly drawn into the investigation, uncovering secrets among the guests, each with a motive. While the book is set on a secluded Devon island during World War II, featuring a more introspective tone, the film opts for colorful costumes and picturesque settings, filmed in Mallorca. Poirot in the book is sharp and formal, while Ustinov’s portrayal is warmer and more humorous, appealing to some fans for its charm and theatricality.

Between the original novel and the film — did we prefer one over the other? Have a listen to find out! In this episode, the Margos discuss:

• Agatha Christie & her character of Poirot 
• The differences between the book and the movie
• The cast includes: Peter Ustinov (Hercule Poirot,) Colin Blakley (Sir Horace Blatt), Jane Birkin (Christine Redfern), Nicholas Clay (Patrick Redfern), Maggie Smith (Daphne Castle), Roddy McDowall (Rex Brewster), Sylvia Miles (Myra Gardener), James Mason (Odell Gardner), and Diana Rigg as Arlena Stuart Marshall. 

Clips Featured:

• “Poirot swims”
• Evil Under the Sun 1982 trailer
• “Cattiness & Cocktails”
• “Poirot deduces”
• Music by Cole Porter

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