"Evil Under the Sun" is one of Agatha Christie's most brilliantly conceived mysteries. And this fine British TV production, with David Suchet as the incomparable Hercule Poirot, tells and shows it superbly. It is one of the more tantalizing of the complex Poirot mysteries. One becomes so used to looking for red herrings with Christie, that about a third of the way into the film it's obvious that there's more to it than a murder that hasn't yet happened. It gives a sense of multiple crimes that may or may not be connected. So, it doesn't seem like any red herrings are in this story, but that there's considerable crime afoot.
One might call it a mega-mystery. Everything is there. The audience gets to see everything that Poirot will eventually tie together for the solution. That is, all except the deviations from the facts and how they were pulled off. Captain Hastings says something that unlocks the key to the solution in Poirot's little gray cells.
Poirot is joined by his usual sidekicks in this multiple-mystery. And the considerable cast of characters turns in top performances all around. The setting is another unique spot in the U.K. - Burgh Island near Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon, England. The scenes in and around the Burgh Island Hotel are splendid. This location is in the SW of England, on the Channel coast.
Poirot and Hastings go to the Burgh Island resort for Poirot's health. He had become sick after eating at the El Ranchero restaurant at its grand opening night. Hastings is one of the principal owners of the new Argentinian venue. Poirot is pleased by the excellent food, but becomes seriously ill. Miss Lemon, following the doctor's orders, ships him and Hastings off to the Burgh location for a two-week rest and healthy vacation. To Poirot, that means the horror of having to eat bland food in small quantities. But all works out well for the super sleuth who regains his health as he discovers that crime is afoot at the health resort.
I watched this film when it first aired on TV in the States, and by now have watched it four times. When one leaves a few years between viewings, Agatha Christie's mysteries can continue to entertain for decades. I even forget who the culprits are in some, and it's often like watching a different story.
As with many Poirot films, this one has some light touches of humor with Poirot and his companions. Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Miss Lemon, "You look very smart, Mr. Poirot." Hercule Poirot, "You think so, Miss Lemon? It is true."
Chief Inspector Japp, "Your brain never stops working, does it, Poirot?"
Captain Hastings, reading get-well cards to Poirot, "From everyone at the Forensics Department, Scotland Yard."
Chief Inspector Japp, "Broken bottles, running baths - trouble with you, Poirot, is you always have to make everything so complicated."
Rosamund Darnley, "Why is it that when you're around, people seem to drop like flies?"
Hercule Poirot, as a waitress sets down his plate of roast beef and vegetables, "Voila, Hastings! The little gray cells, they are the army of Napoleon." Captain Hastings, "You mean they march on their stomach."
Captain Hastings, "It's good to see you back on form, Poirot." Chief Inspector Japp, "Mm, hmm. One helping of spotted dick and you'll probably solve it."
One might call it a mega-mystery. Everything is there. The audience gets to see everything that Poirot will eventually tie together for the solution. That is, all except the deviations from the facts and how they were pulled off. Captain Hastings says something that unlocks the key to the solution in Poirot's little gray cells.
Poirot is joined by his usual sidekicks in this multiple-mystery. And the considerable cast of characters turns in top performances all around. The setting is another unique spot in the U.K. - Burgh Island near Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon, England. The scenes in and around the Burgh Island Hotel are splendid. This location is in the SW of England, on the Channel coast.
Poirot and Hastings go to the Burgh Island resort for Poirot's health. He had become sick after eating at the El Ranchero restaurant at its grand opening night. Hastings is one of the principal owners of the new Argentinian venue. Poirot is pleased by the excellent food, but becomes seriously ill. Miss Lemon, following the doctor's orders, ships him and Hastings off to the Burgh location for a two-week rest and healthy vacation. To Poirot, that means the horror of having to eat bland food in small quantities. But all works out well for the super sleuth who regains his health as he discovers that crime is afoot at the health resort.
I watched this film when it first aired on TV in the States, and by now have watched it four times. When one leaves a few years between viewings, Agatha Christie's mysteries can continue to entertain for decades. I even forget who the culprits are in some, and it's often like watching a different story.
As with many Poirot films, this one has some light touches of humor with Poirot and his companions. Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Miss Lemon, "You look very smart, Mr. Poirot." Hercule Poirot, "You think so, Miss Lemon? It is true."
Chief Inspector Japp, "Your brain never stops working, does it, Poirot?"
Captain Hastings, reading get-well cards to Poirot, "From everyone at the Forensics Department, Scotland Yard."
Chief Inspector Japp, "Broken bottles, running baths - trouble with you, Poirot, is you always have to make everything so complicated."
Rosamund Darnley, "Why is it that when you're around, people seem to drop like flies?"
Hercule Poirot, as a waitress sets down his plate of roast beef and vegetables, "Voila, Hastings! The little gray cells, they are the army of Napoleon." Captain Hastings, "You mean they march on their stomach."
Captain Hastings, "It's good to see you back on form, Poirot." Chief Inspector Japp, "Mm, hmm. One helping of spotted dick and you'll probably solve it."