Poirot (TV Series) Evil Under the Sun (2001) User Reviews

A beautiful adaptation.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 29 October 2015]

There will naturally be comparisons between this, and 1982's adaptation with Peter Ustinov, but for me this is the standout version.

I really like the tone of this episode, it's beautifully made, the cinematography is first rate, it's so easy on the eye. The music works so well.

The murder is fantastically done, it's convincing, and feels logical. The revelation is wonderfully clever, I love how it was staged.

Nice touches of humour, you can't help feeling sorry for Poirot. Mrs Castle is amusing, but the character is practically anonymous in comparison to Maggie Smith's portrayal.

Some great casting, Michael Higgs and the beautiful Tamzin Malleson are spot on as the Redfern's, just as I see them in the novel.

Somehow it feels like an end of an era (I am ignoring Murder in Mesopotamia because I don't care a huge deal for it.) When Five little pigs returned the show took on a much more serious tone, the adaptations were perhaps more true to the books. It would be an age before we'd get to see our wonderful Miss Lemon and Inspector Japp.

I have never cared for the 1982 film which I always find overly theatrical and brash, the Suchet version is literally superior in every department. No need for gimmicks in this version, it's all about the story and the acting.

I just wish they'd filmed it when the sun shone brightly, Evil under the sun, it's more like Evil under the clouds. 9/10

comparisons with the 1982 version are inevitable

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 10 March 2014]

Hastings has invested in a new restaurant, and as Poirot gets ready to go, he complains to Miss Lemon that his suit is too tight. He must speak with his tailor. Miss Lemon suggests that he should speak with his waistline. Affronted, Poirot, Japp, and Hastings are at the restaurant when Poirot keels over. He is rushed to the hospital where he is pronounced...obese! And his heart has been affected. He reluctantly goes to a health resort, accompanied by Hastings.

Thus begins "Evil Under the Sun," one of the longer episodes of the Hercule Poirot series starring the great David Suchet, Hugh Fraser as Hastings, Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon, and Philip Jackson as Inspector Japp. Hastings and Poirot are newly arrived when Poirot feels the sensation that evil is afoot, somehow focused on a glamorous film star, Arlena Stuart (Louise Delamere). Though she is at the resort with her husband and stepson, Stuart is overtly flirting with Patrick Redfern (Michael Higgs) while his quiet wife (Tamzin Malleson) looks on. When Stuart is found murdered, Poirot's worst fears are confirmed.

There are plenty of suspects, including Stuart's stepson (Russell Tovey) and her husband (David Mallinson), an intense minister who sees evil everywhere, a shady businessman, and an old girlfriend of Stuart's husband. Just one problem -- it seems everyone has an alibi. Poirot's body may be at rest, but the little gray cells go right to work.

Fans of Christie will recall that, back in the day when big-budget feature films or TV movies of Christie's novels were in fashion, this story was made starring Peter Ustinov and an all-star cast that included Maggie Smith, James Mason, and Diana Rigg. I think both stand on their own merits. Ustinov was a fabulous Poirot, but it was a character of his own creation, not the Poirot created by Christie, which Suchet does so brilliantly. The '82 version had a little more humor, a spectacular location, and its structure was somewhat different.

I enjoyed both versions, this one for Suchet and the cast regulars. The basic story is good -- you don't need much else.

Carried out to perfection

[ingemar-4 · 9/10 · 25 July 2015]

David Suchet is a picture perfect Poirot, both in looks and acting. He follows the character very closely as described by Christie, complete with the egg-shaped head, the over-attended mustache and, not least, his manners.

This is the best episode in the series I have seen so far. It follows the original story very closely, just makes a few small adjustments to add some logic and motivation. It it packed of characters portrayed by actors who are perform remarkably well - unlike the stiff acting in the Ustinov version. I enjoy them all so much that I can't pick my favorite. We see Poirot, Hastings and Japp, of course, but also the nervous Stephen Lane (Tim Meats), the goofy Horace Blatt (David Timson), the pale and discrete Christine (Tamzin Malleson), the handsome Patrick, the charming Mrs Darnley (Marsha Fitzalan), and of course Lionel (Russell Tovey), who expresses his worries and dislike just enough… but my favorite character is probably Emily Brewster (Carolyn Pickles), who is particularly expressive. Oh, I forgot Kenneth Marshall (David Mallinson) and major Barry (Ian Thompson), two more characters who are delivered faultlessly.

But the most important character to get right must be the glamorous Arlena (Louise Delamere), who, very much unlike Diana Rigg, manage to combine lovely and diva in a way that I can believe in. Diana Rigg's Arlena in made only for hating, nobody could possibly be interested in a romance with her and she obviously hates everybody, but Delamere's Arlena really works.

And I just love the scenery! I think it very much fits what the novel describes, giving me pictures of a scenery that I could never quite grasp in the novel. It is quite beautiful, including the fascinating vehicle to travel to the island as well as the Pixy Cove scenery.

All in all, I feel that this must be the "reference copy" version of this story, staying very close to the original story and doing it very well. It is vastly superior to the Ustinov version in all ways I can think of. I see that Ustinov's version also has its following, but I can't really see why. The biggest difference is in the acting, and in that this version is miles ahead.

A truly great effort for a TV series episode!

"The definitive version."

[jamesraeburn2003 · 10/10 · 12 August 2005]

Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) suffers a collapse while dining out with Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson) and Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser). Poirot is rushed into hospital where he is told that his weight may have lead to a problem with his heart thus causing the collapse. In order to recover and to lose some weight, Poirot accompanied by Hastings visits a health farm on "Burgh Island", which is situated on the Devon Coast. The setting is ideal and the weather is as fine as one could wish, but wherever Poirot goes there is usually a crime of some sort. And there is - a murder! This time the victim is the flirtatious heiress Arlena Stewart (Louise Delamere) who is found strangled on the beach. As usual Poirot has several suspects to investigate including Christine Redfern (Tamzin Malleson), the wife of journalist Patrick Redfern (Michael Higgs), whom was flirting with Arlena in front of Christine much to her upset. Then there's Arlena's 17-year-old son Lionel Marshall (Russell Tovey) whom resented his step mother's flirtations with other men as did her husband Kenneth Marshall (David Mallinson). But there are other strange guests at the resort including Major Barry (Ian Thompson) who is less than friendly towards Poirot and Hastings warning them to leave as the island isn't the safest place to be but refuses to explain why. Nobody it seems can be ruled out as the possible killer...

EVIL UNDER THE SUN was previously filmed in 1982 as a big-budget all star spectacular starring Peter Ustinov as Poirot. However, this remake by ITV is easily the definitive version of Agatha Christie's classic mystery thriller. First of all it reverts back to the original setting of the book on the Devon coast whereas the Ustinov version was relocated to a lavish Adriatic island and as a result the sense of foreboding English menace of Christie's works was lost and matters were not helped by the casting of big name stars who were cast on the basis of their celebrity status rather than on their suitability to Christie's characters and the whole thing had the air of a star-studded charity matinée. In this new version, the entire cast suit their parts down to the ground. Michael Higgs (Eddie Santini in ITV's "The Bill") is excellent as the womanising yet quick tempered journalist Patrick Redfern and Tamzin Malleson is good as his wife Christine, whom has to put up with her husband's obvious flirtations with Arlena. Louise Delamere is fine as the ill-fated Arlena Stewart and we can sympathise with her character as she was naive in that she had no idea that her wealth coupled with her flirtatious nature could ever lead to her demise. There isn't a single miscast part in the entire film (as is usual with this series) and David Suchet is definitely the best actor to have ever played Poirot as he really does capture all of the character's eccentricities with great conviction and above all, he really is made for the part while Hugh Fraser as Hastings and Philip Jackson as Japp are equally outstanding as both Poirot's colleagues and closest friends. As with the best films there is a good chemistry between them. For example, Japp can't adjust to Poirot's eccentric lifestyle and is always peeved when he thinks that he's got an open and shut case and Poirot always finds that Japp's suspects are innocent beyond doubt. Yet at the same time they are extremely close friends and it is rare to find this sort of chemistry between the leads in most of today's films and television shows. Brian Farnham's direction is spot on, the settings are first class with immaculate attention to the period detail of the mid-1930's. It would be interesting to see what this creative team would do with Murder On the Orient Express.

"But you forget mon ami that there is evil everywhere under the sun."

[bensonmum2 · 8/10 · 29 June 2015]

As I've written before when discussing a movie based on one of Agatha Christie's books, doing a proper plot summary is difficult. If you're unfamiliar with the source, I don't want to write too much and give anything away. If you are familiar with Christie's work, a plot summary seems unnecessary. Suffice it to say that a woman is murdered, there are lots of suspects with both motives and alibis, and Poirot is on hand to solve the mystery.

Watching this version of Evil Under the Sun, I cannot help but compare it with the 1982 big Hollywood version. I adore that movie. Yeah, it's not particularly true to the book and much is played for camp, but I love it just the same. Overall, this version seems to be truer to Christie's work and has a more serious tone (although there are some wonderfully comedic moments). So which version is better? Well, that's hard to say. I'll just a list a few random thoughts I have on each movie:

2001 - As I said, it seems truer to the source (at least from what I can remember - haven't read the book in 20 years). Suchet makes a much better Poirot than Ustinov. Suchet nails all the quirky mannerisms. I also enjoy Ms. Lemon's presence in this one. Her character and interaction with Suchet are just perfect. No Roddy McDowell also makes this one better. He's way too over-the-top in the earlier film. Finally, the overall feel is closer to Christie. There's more of a sense of foreboding that works well in the movie.

1982 - Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith are brilliant. I love their scenes together. I prefer Jane Birkin to Tamzin Malleson in the role of Christine Redfern. Not sure why the writers of the newer film decided to make the Marshall child a boy, but the girl in the earlier film works better (and, if I remember correctly, is in agreement with Christie's book). And, I felt this one did a better job of explaining a confusing time line of events surrounding the murder.

You really can't go wrong with either movie. Both are excellent and I rate both a solid 8/10.

Very good indeed!

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 5 May 2009]

I think the 1982 version is one of the better Peter Ustinov outings, but this one is a solid attempt of recreating a truly complex mystery. It is beautifully shot with stunning scenery and photography and the music was memorable. David Suchet, as always, is impeccable as Hercule Poirot. He doesn't need to be loud to be Hercule Poirot, but his french/Belgian accent convinced me perfectly, and at least he looks the part of Hercule Poirot. Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson gave solid support as Hastings and Japp, as did Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon. The episode starts with Poirot having a heart attack, and is ordered to stay on an island, where a rather sinister murder occurs. A fine ensemble of actors and actresses acquit themselves well, particularly Michael Higgs as Redfern. The final solution is among Agatha Christie's best, very thought-provoking and almost impossible. Though my only complaint is I wasn't sure, about whether the drugs subplot had anything to do with the book, as I haven't read it, but it could well be. Also the actress of Arlena Marshall, lacked the style that Diana Rigg brought to the Peter Ustinov version. In conclusion, a beautifully shot and complex mystery with an 8.5/10 Bethany Cox.

David Suchet is the perfect Poirot

[belder · 15 October 2002]

David Suchet makes a perfect Hercule Poirot. He has just the right level of doggedness and prissiness. This is the Agatha Christie classic (made into a rather ordinary film with Peter Ustinov) in which Poirot has to solve the murder of an actress on a holiday island (the setting this time in an island off the coast of Britain) and literally everyone on the island has a motive for murder. The key to the plot is all in the timing. This is Poirot perfect and lots of good fun.

Back to the roots in Devon...

[binapiraeus · 10/10 · 6 November 2014]

For every 'newbie' Agatha Christie enthusiast, this episode of the David Suchet Poirot series certainly is a great experience; a most intricate murder case set on a small island off the coast of Devon, the series' well-known protagonists Poirot, Hastings, Miss Lemon and Chief Inspector Japp in their very best shape, a very competent supporting cast, and, as always throughout the series a carefully and beautifully reconstructed 1930s' atmosphere. Those who have read the novel will find certain alterations, but none that would spoil either the plot or the atmosphere.

But it's us 'lifetime' Agatha Christie fans, who of course will know the 1982 movie starring Peter Ustinov, who will find it very difficult to answer the question: which is the better version?? Of course, the 1982 version 'transported' the whole goings-on into the Adriatic, with not only a stylish Mediterranean flair, but also a great all-star cast; the atmosphere of the 30s was being captured equally well, and there even were some elements from the novel that were changed in the 2001 version. BUT: fact is that Agatha Christie had never meant the ADRIATIC sun when she wrote that famous book with that famous title...

So I believe we must admit, that, although regarding their artistic value we could call it a tie between the two versions, there is one VITAL element here that had been eliminated in the 1982 version: the VERY British surroundings of Devon (which are captured in some magnificent landscape shots), which give us back the GENUINE atmosphere of the novel.

Besides, as mentioned before, David Suchet is simply THE 'Poirot', not only concerning his appearance, but also every little detail of his demeanor, his speech, and even his movements. The fact that the roles of Hastings, Miss Lemon and Inspector Japp are much bigger here than in the novel is probably due to their popularity with the audience, and they certainly are quite useful for the purpose of adding humor to the case; and so, in my opinion, this is one of the very best episodes of the whole series - and a rare case where an episode of a TV serial equals and in some points even surpasses a great, elaborate and hugely successful movie...

The kind of vacation you need a vacation from.

[rmax304823 · 7/10 · 5 November 2006]

I've been trying to figure out the difference between the Poirot TV series and the handful of Poirots that came out during the 1980s as feature films, and the answer may be brass.

David Suchet as the TV Poirot and his assembled guests, acquaintances, friends, and suspects are always poised and elegant. At the most dramatic times they don't get much past snippy, cheerful, or slightly bored. The locations are more often closer to home and a little gloomy. Even the music -- that boop-de-boop saxophone theme -- is witty but subdued.

Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney -- the Hollywood Poirots -- are louder, their gestures more outlandish. And their costars are identifiable performers like Lauren Bacall or Sean Connery, who bring to the parts not only their own brand of brashness but who help us tell the characters apart. And the scores are symphonic -- majestic, overwhelming. No sly saxophone here. Oh, no. The BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC or something.

In the TV programs people walk around and talk. In the Hollywood versions they ride horses, kill cobras, climb pyramids, use speedboats instead of outboards, and everything is drenched in sunlight.

This two-hour episode is pretty good. Christie conceived of Hercule Poirot basically as a "not-Sherlock-Holmes." Suchet fits the bill nicely. He's fussy, wimpy, plump, short, and minces delicately around. Compared to the Hollywood Poirots, he plays the character literally. Ustinov and Finney roll their eyes and torture their facial muscles but Suchet keeps it down to a nod and a wink. Poirot is "not Sherlock Holmes" in another way too. He's the product of a feminine creativity. If Holmes was into science, Poirot is definitely not. Instead he's skilled at nosing out intrigues, hidden motives, time lines. Unlike Holmes, Poirot begins each investigation from scratch and uses nothing more than readily available clues. No knowledge of criminal history, no fingerprints, no chemistry. And he's not the action figure that Sherlock Holmes was. No singlestick duels or tumbles down Reichenbach Falls. Poirot depends more on schedules and his intuitive grasp of human nature.

The location here isn't as exotic or opulent as that in the Hollywood version, and it has a bit more humor. (Suchet forced to lunch on an inedible-looking upside-down cup of some unidentifiable organic junk.) It's enjoyable overall. Christie fans will love it.

There is evil always under the sun!!

[tkatsoufris · 8/10 · 12 December 2020]

This Suchet edition is excellent in spite of the lack of an all-star cast or a cosmopolitan Adriatic background. Ustinov's movies habitually aim for grandeur and glitz (even in the delightful way Ustinow imposes his own flamboyant personality and comic improvisations on the role);. Often this happens at the cost of staying faithful to the book. The current production has it all in perfect balance. Suchet is, as always, impeccable and easily the living embodiment of Christie's creation. The production is suitably lavish. Japp, Hastings, Miss Lemon and all the secondary roles are certainly up to the task. Highly recommended from a life long Christie fan to like-minded Christie fans!?!

Good all round effort but a little bland

[Iain-215 · 6/10 · 9 April 2008]

I have a confession to make here and that is that I have a real affection for the Ustinov film of this story! I know it took some liberties with the novel (and characters), arguably relied too much on comedy and was incredibly camp BUT I loved it! Actually, the plot (ie the method) is actually very faithful to the book.

As a result then, the dutiful Suchet version suffers (in my opinion) from being a little too bland. The insertion of the Poirot regulars from this period in the series is also a little irritating and I wish they had left Kenneth Marshall's offspring as a girl. There were some decent performances in this in some of the smaller roles (Rosamund and Miss Brewster particularly) but some of the major ones were a bit lacking - crucially I felt the Redferns and Arlena herself. A little too much was made of the smuggling subplot but, to be fair, it is there in the novel. I'm biased I know but this was not one of my favourites from this series.

Superb film of a tantalizing Agatha Christie mega mystery

[SimonJack · 10/10 · 7 June 2019]

"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."

Enjoyable

[lje32677 · 7/10 · 15 July 2003]

As with the late Jeremy Brett and Sherlock Holmes, I can only see David Suchet as Agatha Christies "Hercule Poirot", though Peter Ustinov was a great actor. "Evil Under the Sun" is much as the Poirot mysteries of the past. The wonderful characters of Hastings(Hugh Fraser), Miss Lemon(Pauline Moran) and Chief Inspector Japp(Philip Jackson)join Poirot in the solving of a mystery on England's South Coast at a health spa. As the story continues, each character reveals a little bit more of their personalities, and the watcher sees each has gotten a reason to kill Arlena Stuart(Louise Delamere). There are several twists and turns and the ending is surprising, yet as the ending appears all the answers were already there if the watcher looks closely.

I do recommend this film for all those who love Agatha Christie and David Suchet. My only wish; I would hope that David Suchet would think seriously of making "Murder on the Orient Express".

Disappointing

[ruschinbirgit · 2/10 · 29 June 2023]

Even though the acting was good as usual, this adaption has nothing to do with the original story. Japp being there investigating makes no sense. Strange people were invented and the heroin story was just total nonsense. Very much prefered the 1982 adaption with Peter Ustinov.

Even though the acting was good as usual, this adaption has nothing to do with the original story. Japp being there investigating makes no sense. Strange people were invented and the heroin story was just total nonsense. Very much prefered the 1982 adaption with Peter Ustinov.

Even though the acting was good as usual, this adaption has nothing to do with the original story. Japp being there investigating makes no sense. Strange people were invented and the heroin story was just total nonsense. Very much prefered the 1982 adaption with Peter Ustinov.

S8E1: Evil Under the Sun: Accessible pieces, great sets and design, and a satisfying (if improbable) mystery well solved (SPOILERS)

[bob the moo · 10 March 2015]

A visit to Hastings' new restaurant may well provide Poirot with a surprisingly good meal, but it also is the scene of a medical emergency – with rest being the prescribed treatment. As a result Poirot and Hastings head off to an island resort to join others seek sun and relaxation. The guests include many odd characters and, although he is on vacation, Poirot cannot help but pick up a few things here and there. These nuggets prove most important, whenever one of the guests is found to have been murdered.

The second (of two) episodes of the seventh season of Poirot was very enjoyable and I was pleased to find that this one was too. I say this mainly because as with the previous episode, the mystery worked at a level which I could enjoy it; I do not expect to ever solve the case before Poirot and to be outside tending the garden by the time he does his final reveal, but I do like the episodes that give the viewer access to clues and red-herrings which provide food for thought. The better films do this well, so that when I get to the end of the film and Poirot arranges all the pieces, at least I have the majority of the pieces in front of me already. That is how it is with Evil Under the Sun, it gives the viewer a lot of detail so that even if you do not get anywhere near the solution, there are certainly things to think about – the touch of white on the skin, the bath being run, the rather deliberate fight in front of Poirot, the glass bottle, and plenty of other pieces to the puzzle are well presented here, and I enjoyed that the film made them relatively easy to pick up on – even if I did not get them together in any shape. There is no shame to this though, because the solution is almost impossible to have figured out (at least for me it was) because it is so detailed and precise that it manages to both be ridiculous but yet also entirely plausible (or at least the way Poirot fits it together makes it seem so). Again, this makes the final reveal pleasing because, although I was of course behind Poirot, I had pieces in my mind and enjoyed seeing them fit together.

The overall production is very good as one expects; the choice of location in Burgh Island hotel is really good, with a great look outside and the usual art deco furniture and fittings inside (I wonder where all this came from and where it all went in the end). The cast remain on good form and it is always pleasing to see the four main characters in an episode – even if, being honest, they could have done without Hastings since he did very little other than be a plot device at the start. Suchet is good as ever, with a nice comedic touch here which reminds me of the earlier films where this was more common. Fraser is good but has little to do. I am never sure about Moran's performances, but I did like her concern for her employer and her stern manner. Jackson is reliable as ever. The supporting cast don't have anyone really standing out, but everyone is pretty good across the board – interesting to see a young Russell Tovey in there.

The eighth season is to be another one which only has two films making it up – and screened over a year apart, so I am not sure what makes these two episodes a "season". The first of the two films sets a good standard, which follows on from the previous outing by being accessible, enjoyable, well paced and of course professionally mounted by all. It is not amazing by any means, but I enjoyed having the pieces nicely scattered – and when Suchet's Poirot delivers his conclusion so well, I never feel bad that I was not able to put them together for myself.

One of the best, and certainly more famous, Poirot mysteries

[grantss · 9/10 · 31 May 2016]

Hercule Poirot suffers a suspected heart attack while eating at Captain Hastings' new restaurant. His doctor suggests he rest, lose weight and get some exercise. A few days into this regime, Miss Lemon discovers a health resort on an island off Devon - perfect for Poirot. Poirot is packed off to the resort, with Hastings to accompany him. The other guests turn out to be an intriguing lot, with infidelity and hatred abounding. The centre of much of the infidelity and hatred is Arlena Stuart, the wife of wealthy Lionel Marshall. When she is found murdered, everyone's a suspect, but everyone seems to have a watertight alibi.

One of the best, if not the best Poirot, mysteries. Made famous by the 1982 movie starring Peter Ustinov as Poirot, it has a clever- yet-not-far-fetched plot. Poirot mysteries can sometimes be too complex and far-fetched, resulting in them being implausible , and unsolvable by the viewer. On the other hand, you don't want them to be too easy. Evil Under The Sun is clever yet plausible and solvable.

This is almost as good an adaptation as the 1982 Peter Ustinov movie. David Suchet is in top form and the murderer is not given away too easily. Nice setting and scenery too.

Evil Under the Burgh Island Sun

[safenoe · 9/10 · 18 December 2023]

I recorded Evil Under the Sun back in 2020, when the world was gripped in the pandemic, and it's only now that I've been able to watch it finally on my Tivo thing. Anyway, Evil Under the Sun was worth the wait, and I never expected Christine Redfern (Tamzin Malleson, famous for being the coroner in Misdomer Murders) to be involved in the murders. The Burgh Island scenery was beautiful and I can only guess that if the Greeks did a reboot of Evil Under the Sun, they would have a wealth of Greek Islands to choose from.

Anyway, definitely I recommend Evil Under the Sun and perhaps even watching Peter Ustinov's version.

An opulent beach spa is the setting in which Hercule Poirot attempts to unravel a murder mystery

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 5 December 2017]

The film sets in the provincial North Devon , England setting on Smuggler's Island off the Devonshire Coast from the Agatha Christie source 'Evil Under the Sun' novel . Various guests at a beach resort as suspects of a murder committed in a luxurious touristic place and Poirot trying to uncover the real murderer , including some red herrings . An amusing suspense and intrigue with Poirot on holidays . This whodunit deals with Hercule Poirot as the Belgian sleuth man in he case of killing a rich , unpopular actress in an island during a luxury vacation . An illness brings Hercule Poirot to an exclusive resort frequented by the rich and famous . While Poirot enjoys the glamorous hotel an actress is found murdered on the beach . When the murder is committed , everyone has an alibi . Hercule is surrounded by an interesting assortment of characters , including various wealthy people , but it appears that everyone hates the killed woman . He investigates the tourists and numerous suspects , all support cast . Who is the killer? , can he find the guilty ? . Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot , our favourite and intimate detective , must unravel the mystery at the ending . Can Poirot identify the killer before he ends his vacation ?

David Suchet stars once more as ace Belgian detective in this enjoyable Agatha Christie mystery/whodunit with excellent pieces of scene-settings , and Poirot solving the murder of a shrewish actress at a spa . The film is a detective story in which you are the detective . Although there are not enough murder ; however , filmmaker sustains interest for the most avid Agatha Christie fans . In this episode there is mystery , emotion , suspense , wonderful outdoors and actors' interpretations are first-rate . The pairing of Poirot/Suchet and Hastings/Hugh Fraser gives top-notch fruits . And the arguments and discussions among suspects provide some delightful moments played by the accumulated talents of a fine support cast . After the clues have been shown we will get a chance to give the answer with Poirot finding out about the culprit at a twisted finale with outstanding surprises , but are taken the murders from different viewpoints of everyone , which it makes a little bit tiring and overlong . . Interesting plot well adapted , adding gorgeous locations and shot at a luxury hotel where Agatha Christie wrote the book "Evil Under the Sun" . The location is important , the island should be a star , just as the Nile steamer ¨Death on the Nile¨ and the Orient Express in the ¨Murder on the Orient Express¨ were stars . The movie gets a lush costume design and adequate production design . Along with colorful and sunny cinematography , being filmed on Burgh Island , Devon and including a sensitive and atmospheric musical score . Magnificent performances from a nice cast , a number of the cast had appeared in other Miss Marple chapters and Agatha Christie movies . This film was professionally directed by Brian Farnham who made a lot of episodes . The flick will appeal to suspense lovers and Agatha Christie-Poirot novels buffs

This series ¨Hercule Poirot¨ formed by 70 episodes stars the great David Suchet , usually accompanied by Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings , Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon . Splendid series in which David Suchet gives a fantastic acting similarly to Peter Ustinov . Suchet and Ustinov acting is similar to Albert Finney from ¨Murder on the Orient Express¨ . Ustinov starred various Hercule Poirot films, such as : ¨Evil under the sun¨ by Guy Hamilton with Jane Birkin , Nicholas Clay , Maggie Smith , Roddy McDowall ,Colyn Blakely , Sylvia Miles , James Mason , Denis Quilley , Diana Rigg ; it was made and released about forty-one years after Agatha Christie's source novel of the same name was first published in 1941 , being selected to be the 1982 Royal Film Performance , this movie was the first ever filmed version of this story, it being remade with ¨Poirot: Evil Under the Sun¨ (2001) with David Suchet . And ¨Death on the Nile¨ by John Guillermin with Lois Chiles , Bette Davis , Mia Farrow , Jon Finch , Olivia Hussey , I.S. Johar , George Kennedy , Angela Lansbury , Simon MacCorkindale, David Niven . And ¨Appointment with death¨ (1988) by Michael Winner with Piper Laurie , Lauren Bacall , John Gielgud , David Soul , Carrie Fisher , Jenny Seagrove . And for TV in low budget as : ¨Murder in three acts¨ ,¨Dead man's folly¨ and ¨Thirteen at dinner¨ ; but the best considered turn out to be ¨Death on the Nile¨ and ¨Evil under the sun¨ .

Evil Under the Sun

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 29 October 2017]

Poirot dines out in an Argentinian restaurant where Hastings has made an huge investment in. Poirot promptly collapses and is told to visit a health farm in a small island off the Devon coast to lose weight.

Once he arrives and gets small portions of healthy food, Poirot gets that foreboding feeling that something bad will happen. Pretty soon, young flirty heiress Arlena Stuart (Louise Delamere) is found strangled on a secluded beach.

Suspects include Arlena's stepson Lionel (Russell Tovey) who resented her playfulness, Christine Redfern (Tamzin Malleson) wife of a financial journalist who is clearly having a dalliance with Arlena. However there are other strange people about in the small island which has caves with a history of smuggling.

I found this straightforward adaptation a lot better than the 1982 Peter Ustinov feature film despite its all star cast. This version still has the humour and interaction between Japp, Hastings and Poirot. Miss Lemon gets some investigative work done and the feature length running time does not feel overly padded.

Inferior to the 1982 version, but watchable

[gridoon2024 · 6/10 · 18 March 2008]

The 1982 "Evil Under The Sun" is not my favorite Ustinov-Poirot film (that would be "Death On The Nile", of course), but I appreciated it more after seeing the Suchet version. This one isn't bad by any means (the ingenuity of Agatha Christie's story still comes through), but it is weaker than the Ustinov version in most respects: the characters are not as memorably drawn, the actors, although decent (Tamzin Malleson probably fares best), are not of the same caliber as the 1982 cast (James Mason, Jane Birkin, Sylvia Miles, Roddy McDowall, etc.), the locations, although pretty, are not as gorgeous as Majorca, and above all, many little details that were so much fun (the noonday cannon, the waving from the top of the cliff, etc.) are missing; in their place, we get a totally redundant drug trafficking subplot. I'd give the 1982 version *** out of 4 and this one **1/2. It's notable, however, for the last appearances of Hastings, Japp and Miss Lemon in this series to date.

Better than Ustinov but...

[standardmetal · 7/10 · 14 July 2003]

David Suchet is, for me, the authoritative Hercule and I must admit that Ustinov wore out his welcome with me a long time ago so I'm not well-disposed towards his version despite Diana and Maggie.

But, I find this version has the problem that most of the other Suchets have: there is an insistence of getting Hastings, Japp and Lemon into the story no matter what. In Christie, Hastings disappeared early in the series and Japp was only one of the inspectors. Lemon too didn't always appear. In this case, I find their appearance quite strained.

The presentation is good but the mystery is contrived (Agatha's fault.) and the culprits somewhat obvious.

7 out of 10.

That Silly Mustache!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 29 January 2011]

I love David Suchet's portrayal of Hercule Poirot. He succeeds Albert Finney and Sir Peter Ustinov in the television program of the series. David Suchet is fine and entertaining in his performance but you can't ignore that mustache that seems so fake. While the story is a mystery surrounded by possible suspects, Poirot has Hastings (Played by Hugh Fraser) and Miss Lemon. I enjoyed Carolyn Pickles in the role of Mrs. Brewster but I am not familiar with the other cast members who all did admirable jobs in bringing Dame Agatha Christie's mystery alive to recent audiences. I don't think they'll ever be anybody else to play Hercule Poirot as well as David Suchet. Sure there was Ustinov and even Albert Finney, but Suchet seems perfectly suited to the character. The film is pretty good even if you're not a regular fan of the series.

Kill the Actress

[tedg · 28 December 2003]

Spoilers herein.

Christie has a few constants. The first is that she always has someone involved who is in the publishing or performing business. The second is that you can count on her to twist elements of the genre that others don't.

The game is usually a tussle between writer and reader that follows very strict rules that Dame Agatha bends. We are always pleased when she outwits us in a clever way. The book seemed successful to me because of the way it manages all the red herrings – many more than usual.

This adaptation shoehorns them all in, but without finesse. All the clues are there, but are not presented in the relatively fair way Christie does. So we are left with an intrepid crew of four who are surprised at the end with us.

Readers of detective fiction should rebel! Yes, the characters in this TeeVee version are appealing, at least the detectives. But this is far from the mystery puzzle-story that was written.

Ted's evaluation: 2 of 3 – has some interesting elements.

Miss Lemon's unnatural vocal delivery

[frukuk · 11 March 2022]

Whatever happened to Miss Lemon's (Pauline Moran's) vocal delivery?

Surely she used to speak much more naturally? In this episode, her voice seems more nasal and her delivery is absurdly theatrical. Is this a weird piece of direction or did Pauline Moran unilaterally decide that her character needed to appear more "substantial"?

A very irritating development.