September 15, 2017 marks the 127th anniversary of the birth of the world-famous queen of the detective genre Agatha Christie. The author of many histrionically intertwined plays, psychological novels and short stories captivated her readers not only with bright heroes and elaborate plots, but also with the subtlest psychology of her books. By the way, to touch the great heritage and immerse yourself in the gloomy atmosphere of a magnificent detective, you can not only read the books of the magnificent Agatha Christie, but also watch movies shot on her works! Especially for you, we picked up the TOP 10 best adaptations of Agatha Christie (and it was very difficult!).
The Witness of the Prosecution (1957)
Why is it worth watching this movie? Yes, if only because critics of the American Film Institute recognized him as one of the best judicial dramas. They did it unanimously, but in fact five hundred people took part in the discussion! Another reason why this film can be considered one of the best adaptations of Agatha Christie is the fact that 55-year-old Marlene Dietrich starred in it .
Lawyer Wilfried Robarts is seriously ill, and therefore doctors categorically forbade him to engage in criminal cases. Thanks to the care of Miss Plimsall's home nurse, Sir Robarts complied with all the doctors' recommendations, but one day his attorney came to the lawyer's house. Not one came - along with him on the threshold of the house of Wilfrid Robarts appeared a suspect in the murder of Leonard Voul. The story of this man is shocking to a lawyer; Robarts simply cannot believe in it. But the innocence of a new client can only be confirmed by his wife Christina (whose role is played by the magnificent Dietrich), and therefore the prospects for an acquittal verdict of the judge are extremely vague. In addition, the suspect inherited a fortune from the murdered woman, which means that Voul could have a motive. Leonard is arrested, but Robarts continues to believe the accused.
It is worth noting that the entire film adaptation is built exclusively around the trial. Only occasionally does the viewer manage to "get out" of the courthouse.
“She said murder” (1961)
In the list of the best adaptations of Agatha Christie, George Pollock’s film “She Sayed Murder”. Another name for this tape is "At 16:50 from Paddington." The main character of the detective is the legendary Miss Marple. The logical thinking of this elderly lady can be envied by the best detectives and police analysts. The fate of Miss Marple is connected with mysterious adventures and complicated affairs with mysterious murders. This time a woman witnesses a crime on the railway - right in the compartment of a train passing by, she sees the murder being committed.
Of course, Miss Marple is in a hurry to report the incident to the police, but the police do not find the victim’s body, and popular wisdom says: “There is no body - no business.” But a woman with a sharp mind has an opinion on this matter. For example, a criminal could throw the victim’s body right out of the window ... The lady, annoyed by the inaction of the police, herself takes up the investigation of this mysterious incident. Miss Marple begins the investigation right from the station, she gets on the same train. During the trip, she discovers that on one section of the road the train slows down a little - only in this way can it safely enter the turn on a high embankment. Confirm the emerging suspicions of a woman will help the address book and a map of the area.
Of course, the image of the main character is very far from the book original, but if you consider this film as a creative experiment of the writer and her close friend Margaret Rutherford, then watching the film will bring only positive emotions.
Death on the Nile (1978)
Admirers of the writer’s talent say that the best adaptation of Agatha Christie is “Death on the Nile,” filmed by director John Gillermin in 1978. Viewers and critics emphasize Poirot, saying that it was in this film that he turned out to be very emotional and deep. Pleased with the appearance in the film of cult actors, for example, Maggie Smith and Angela Lansbury.
The plot unfolds on the deck of a luxury cruise ship. The heiress of the multi-million dollar fortune, Linneth, having married her lover's best friend, goes with her chosen one on a trip along the Nile. In turn, Jacqueline, in whom Linnet took the man away, decides to spoil the cruise for the newlyweds - and also appears on board the ship. There are many other detractors of Linnet. Further events are obvious - the girl is found dead. Hercule Poirot, traveling the Nile, set to work. Long searches and polls allowed the detective to suggest that the clue is close, and the instrument of crime was also found. But suddenly new killings began ...
“The Mirror Cracked” (1980)
Speaking of the best film adaptations of the works of Agatha Christie, one cannot fail to note the movie “The Mirror Cracked” by Guy Hamilton. In her novel, the writer left behind mysterious stories about mansions and heirs, turning to the scandals of the Hollywood backstage. In this work there is rivalry, and intrigue, and, of course, movie stars. And there are secrets that have stood the test of time.
Events unfold in a typical, calm and cozy place typical of England with lushly blooming gardens and traditional afternoon tea parties. This is where the shooting of the historical film takes place. The brightest and most talented Hollywood stars take part in the filming. By the way, they are struggling to substitute each other to get the main role. As a result, a corpse is found on the set. As in all the works of Agatha Christie, everyone has a reason to kill, and any participant in the filming process, including the killer himself, can become the next victim.
In the film adaptation of this novel, Agatha Christie was attended by Elizabeth Taylor, Angela Lansbury, Geraldine Chaplin.
The Secret of Blackbirds (1983)
Among the best adaptations of Agatha Christie and The Secret of Blackbirds, this is the first Soviet film in today's selection. It was shot based on a novel called "A Pocket Full of Rye." Filmed in Estonia. But the initial screen saver and shots telling the viewer that the film is taking place in England were shot in London on an amateur camera.
The role of Miss Marple was played by the famous Estonian actress Ita Ever, in addition to her in the film appeared the irresistible Love Polishchuk and the magnificent Andrei Kharitonov. In the story, a millionaire industrialist is poisoned under very mysterious circumstances. His wife and maid are sent for him to the next world. Of course, suspicion falls on all members of the family. Miss Marple and Inspector Neal must not only figure out the killer, but also prove his guilt.
Ten Little Indians (1987)
One of the brightest and best adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels is “Ten Little Indians”. 10 people who are completely unfamiliar with each other (with the exception of a married couple) are invited to a certain island, completely cut off from the mainland. At the very first dinner, a mysterious voice confuses all guests with the fact that it makes everyone accused of murder. Next begins the real mysticism. The first murder takes place right in front of the audience. At the same time, the mysterious avenger plays a terrible game with the guests - in each room he leaves a children's room for black children, which becomes the main element of the film.
Thanks to the literary gift of the writer, the viewer remains in suspense until the very end of the film, because it is almost impossible to guess who the killer is - suspicions fall on one or the other inhabitant of the mansion. And if the viewer correctly guesses the identity of the mysterious avenger, he can only find out about his motives in denouement. Why is this film adaptation included in the top 10 adaptations of Agatha Christie? The answer is obvious: all thanks to the well-developed characters of the heroes, following the details and the indescribably gloomy atmosphere of the film.
The Big Alibi (2008)
Agatha Christie’s novel "Hollow" became the basis for the film Pascal Bonitzer "The Big Alibi." A chic mansion in the suburbs of Paris, great music, champagne ... This house, as always, is full of guests. But this time a terrible tragedy will interrupt the fun. The plot focuses on the murder of psychoanalyst Pierre Collier. The corpse is his wife, in whose hands a smoking gun. Of course, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance, but because the inhabitants of the mansion will have to solve the crime. In the book version, the investigation is conducted by the famous detective Hercule Poirot, but in the film this character is missing. That is, the guests themselves must find the killer.
Miss Marple (1984-1992)
Among the best film adaptations of Agatha Christie ’s books are the Miss Marple series, based on the adventures of the popular heroine Jane Marple. The broadcast of the series on the BBC One began in 1984 and continued until 1992. The series was based on all 12 novels about this unique woman, and there are also 12 episodes.
The main role is played by British actress Joan Hickson. She managed to embody the image in such a way that all fans of Agatha Christie were in real delight. Critics noted the excellent work of the director and screenwriters. It is worth noting that the creators of the series handled the Agatha Christie version very carefully, and therefore were able to save both the plot and the incredible British atmosphere.
“Poirot Agatha Christie” (1989-2013)
It is difficult to argue that this series is the best adaptation of Agatha Christie. One of the reasons is that the actor, who plays the main role, responsibly approached the creation of the image of a detective. He studied the history of Belgium to understand where Poirot spent his childhood, studied with teachers and read all the books of Agatha Christie. Today, millions of viewers claim to have no other Hercule Poirot than David Suchet.
Murder on the Orient Express (2010)
The film "Murder on the Orient Express" completes the selection of the best adaptations of Agatha Christie. The work itself can be safely called the standard of the detective genre. And therefore, all the film adaptations of this story were created with special care, reliability. Of course, the 1974 version with Sean Connery and Albert Finney amazes with its color, but viewers note that the 2010 version with David Suchet turned out to be more interesting.
By the way, in November 2017, a new adaptation of this novel by Agatha Christie was released. The director of the picture was Kenneth Branag, he also played a major role. In addition, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Michelle Pfeiffer took part in this version of the film.