Monsieur Hercule Poirot! | MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974) | Movie Reaction

[@gylmano]

5:56 "It's the silence of death". Poirot sometimes switches to French. Also previously, from Ratchett's compartment "It's nothing. It was a nightmare". 6:21 "Obviously, I'm having a nervous breakdown". Emolument is a somewhat anticuated word for "salary".

[@henryellow]

Thanks for translating! 😊

[@Jukka-hk1mb]

The list of supporting actors/actresses is one of the most formidable ever: Ingrid Bergman, Lauren Bacal (You really need to watch "To Have and Have Not"), Vanessa Redgrave, Jacqueline Bisset (Remember to watch "Bullit"), Sean Connery, John Gielgud (Check out "Arthur"), Anthony Perkins, Richard Widmark ...

[@melenatorr]

Completely agree for need to watch "To Have and Have Not"!!!

[@henryellow]

That one's on my list 😉 I'm sure I'll get to it eventually.

[@kiemer4531]

Bergman won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in this movie

[@vincentsaia6545]

Wendy Hiller originated the role of Elisa Dolittle in the original production of George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALIAN, which was adapted into the musical MY FAIR LADY, Rachel Roberts was married to Rex Harrison who starred as Henry Higgins in the play and movie MY FAIR LADY, and Albert Finney co-starred in TWO FOR THE ROAD and had an affair with Audrey Hepburn who played Alisa Doolittle in the movie MY FAIR LADY.

[@HuntingViolets]

Eliza. Hiller was also in the (I think) first film version of _Pygmalion,_ with Leslie Howard as Higgins.

[@vincentsaia6545]

@@HuntingViolets Correct.

[@Dej24601]

My favorite Wendy Hiller role is in the exquisite Powell/Pressburger film “I Know Where I’m Going” (1945.)

[@HuntingViolets]

@@Dej24601 A big influence on _Good Omens,_ I believe.

[@gylmano]

It was an usual theme for Agatha Christie's mysteries to blur the line between death penalty and murder. In her novels "And Then There Were None" and "Cards on the Table" (this last one is one of Poirot's), the potential murderers/victims were people guilty of previous crimes who had got away with murder, so if you ignore rule of law and due procedure, killing them is not murder but execution.

[@gregschultz8639]

In the book, Hector MacQueen's father's reputation suffered as he was pressured to go after Paulette (Suzanne in the book), so Hector is the only one in the train to have participated in revenge for someone who did not die.

[@alicewilloughby4318]

But he got very fond of Daisy's mother, didn't he?

[@gregschultz8639]

​@@alicewilloughby4318 I mean its mentioned, yeah. But I wouldn't say Norman Bates-Fond the way Anthony Perkins portrays him in this version.

[@HuntingViolets]

Ingrid Bergman won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in this.

[@Dej24601]

Hercule Poirot is Belgian and his name is French. The last name is pronounced “pwa or pu-a” with emphasis on the last syllable but the final letter T is never pronounced in French, so it would be “ROW.” Think of the first syllable as sounding similar to “noir” as in Film Noir, but a little bit more breathy since Poi is a softer sound than Noi. ☺️

[@Missy-24]

Nicely explained.

[@henryellow]

Monsieur Pwarow~!

[@johnnehrich9601]

Charles Lindberg's solo plane flight across the Atlantic made him the Neil Armstrong of his time (~ 1930). When his baby was kidnapped, the nation was shocked to its core, particularly due to the unhappy ending. Christie used this real life even as the basis of this book.

[@JeffGes]

And that "kidnapping and murder" can lead to a great amount of befuddled book-reading. There are quite the controvesies, and few conspiracies agree with the others.

[@henryellow]

So it was actually inspired by a true story... The poor baby, only 20 months old.

[@johnnehrich9601]

Agatha Christie is considered the queen of mysteries. Her two favorite main characters were Miss Maple, an old unmarried woman who everyone ignores because she comes across as fluffy-brained. And Belgian detector Hercule Poirot, who starred in 37 of her books. In 1975, Christie published a story about him, called "Curtain" where he dies at the end. The New York Times ran his obituary on their front page, the only time ever they featured one for a fictitious character. Over the years, many actors have portrayed Poirot with more or less fidelity to Christie's stories. Of course, some people like a version different from the books. For others (including myself), David Suchet is the gold standard. He extensively studied all the books to bring out every odd Poirot mannerisms. There is a 47-minute KZbin segment on the lengths he took for this, including talking the Christie descendants: Being Poirot He went on to star in an adaptation of EVERY book and short story where he appeared. ---- Personally, this is not my favorite Poirot story (no matter who is playing him), as I think there is a plot-hole big enough to drive a train through. All the passengers could deny what they told Poirot, give each other alibis, claimed they all saw the murder jump off the train. Hell, they could turn around and jointly accuse Poirot!

[@AceMoonshot]

Most of Agatha's stories were full of plot holes, inconsistencies, information that magically appears for no reason at the end. The last one always annoyed me as a person that liked to try to solve the mystery. Withholding the big secret, that always comes out of left field, seemed like a cheat to me. That said, from solely the film versions, I always got the feeling they wanted Poirot to know. Or at least was pleased that he found out. I agree on Suchet. He was the most committed to the role over the decades. You used the term, Gold Standard. Which is pretty apt. Anyone playing the part will always be compared to him. Unlike with Poirot, I tend to like several of the Miss Marple actresses, though. And if I am honest, I enjoying watching her more than Poirot.

[@henryellow]

Oh wow, thanks for the fun fact! I wonder how Poirot fans reacted when they saw him in the obituary back then. "a plot hole big enough to drive a train through" 😂 Now you've made me think about it. Here's how I saw it: The murder was carefully planned a year (or more) in advance. All the "evidence" were prepared for that day. Everything was perfect and ready to be executed. BUT Poirot came out of nowhere. There was no way for them to make major changes to the plan. The most they could do was try to confuse Poirot a little. All their alibis were supposed to be solid, because everyone can prove their whereabouts during Ratchet's "fake time of death". During the interviews, Poirot asked some weird, seemingly off topic questions. Some questions don't even seem to be related to the murder. They weren't prepared for it and could only answer the best they could. At the end, when Poirot revealed the truth, it should be noted that there was no solid evidence to back up his "second theory". He solved it all in his head, but could not provide any useable evidence in court. If he went to the police with the second theory, the police might believe him due to his reputation, but it would not hold up in court. All the evidence supports the first theory. Thus, all of them would've gotten away with the murder anyway.

[@johnnehrich9601]

@@henryellow Yes, he had no legal standing anywhere. What also got me is all the characters let him known in different ways that they were connected to the Armstrong murder. Many of the cases that were "solved" in Christie's works was that the detective(s) and the readers(viewers) know who did it but not enough evidence, at least at that point, to hold up in court. Sometimes in her works, they figure out a way to trick him/her into confessing. Christie wrote Curtain during the air bombings in England during WWII, where she thought she might die. When she didn't, she just held it back. I don't really know if the book was published first and word got out or the obituary took people by surprise. I can't read/watch Curtain as it is too said - I like my fictional characters to live on forever, never even aging. But the Poirot in the books and as played by Suchet is endearing. He is a funny little man with his unique characters but he is a fun character with whom to spend time. Should you get a chance to watch a Suchet version, I'd suggest the ABC Murders.

[@henryellow]

I see... Thanks for sharing about it 😊 After reading/watching Curtain, you can just read another book and pretend he's come back alive! Sure, I'll watch the Poirot TV series if I get the chance 😊

[@douglascollier7767]

This is hands down the very best version of this story. Period. It's fantastic ❤

[@vincentsaia6545]

Anthony Perkins and Martin Balsam previously appeared together in PSYCHO.

[@gregschultz8639]

And funny enough, Michael York (The Count) and Olivia Hussey who plays Rosalie in the sequel Death on the Nile (78) played Tybalt and Juliet respectively in Romeo and Juliet

[@user-oh6if4or5x]

Death On The Nile (1978) , with Peter Ustinov

[@melenatorr]

The book is good, quick read, with, of course, lots more internal detail than a movie can give us. Agatha Christie was an ingenious craftsperson, and I recommend reading her books. Especially "And Then There Were None", of which I have never seen a completely satisfactory movie adaptation. There's a recent miniseries that comes close, but it takes liberties and short cuts which tampers with the underlying theme of the novel. So I would read that novel first, before watching any adaptations, if you're of a mind to.

[@Dej24601]

The plot is loosely based on the kidnapping case of the son of Charles Lindbergh, who completed the first solo, nonstop, transAtlantic flight in May 1928.

[@henryellow]

It's sad to find out that the "kidnapping and murder" actually happened...

[@paulalexandredumasseauvan2357]

you made the right choice! this is, BY FAR, the best movie version of this mystery! great video, enjoyed watching you going through the clues with poirot 👍

[@Jontor11]

Agatha Christie movies are great fun. You must check out the Christie movies 'Death on the Nile' (1978), 'Evil under the sun' (1982). And finally 'The mirror crack'd'(1980). All movies have loads of great actors in it.

[@henryellow]

Sure, thanks for suggesting these! 😊

[@vincentsaia6545]

I first saw the movie on TV when I was a kid and was very surprised at the ending.

[@gregschultz8639]

Its always such a treat to see reactors watching the classic versions rather than the remakes. Let alone the fact that you're reacting to Agatha Christie! I highly recommend And Then There were none. Either the 1945 version which is public domain, or the 2015 version.

[@henryellow]

It's on my list. Thanks for your suggestion! 😊

[@hollyodell4012]

Excellent choice, fantastic cast. 👍

[@SloanePaoPow]

You must watch "Death On The Nile" starring Peter Ustinov as Poirot from the 1970s. It's fantastic!

[@henryellow]

I've got it on my list. I'll get to it eventually! 😊

[@uma.n2680]

You should watch the series Agatha Christie's poirot starring David Suchet, it's 70 episodes from 1989 to 2013, all Poirot novels adapted (well somewhat) it's definitly worth watching.

[@henryellow]

I'll add it to my tv series list, thanks! 😊

[@jeffbassin630]

Your comments and reactions are brilliant! I very much enjoy all of your KZbin videos!

[@henryellow]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy them 😊

[@douglascollier7767]

Check out Witness for the Prosecution. It's fantastic 👏

[@henryellow]

I'll be reacting to that soon! 😉

[@JeffGes]

This movie led me to start reading Agatha Christie books. WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957) didn't do it, but this one did. And isn't it great to see Detective Arbogast fully recovered after being knife-murdered by 'Mother' Bates? Whew... I'm glad he healed - some never do-! By hte way - I've never read this book - I read other Poirot and Miss Marple books but not this one.

[@henryellow]

After Detective Arbogast was murdered, he woke up an Italian and owns a train line 😂. Some don't get that lucky!

[@HuntingViolets]

I'm glad you reacted to this version of the movie. I hope you'll do more Christie.

[@Dej24601]

Many people agree that David Suchet was an ideal Poirot, but that the version he was in of MOTOE was inferior to this one by Lumet with Finney. However two more Agatha Christie-based films star Peter Ustinov as a credible and easy-to-like Poirot are ‘Evil Under The Sun’ and ‘Death on The Nile,’ both with incredible casts, unbelievable costumes, gorgeous locations, fantastic movie scores and a nice mix of humor, so I would recommend those, for a fun movie experience.

[@henryellow]

Those two movies are on my list. I didn't know they were Poirot movies. Thanks for your suggestions! 😊

[@texasdustfart]

There are too many clues in this room.

[@suzie_lovescats]

The 2010 version is the best 😉

[@AceMoonshot]

Excellent reaction, as always. I liked this film but my favorite film based on an Agatha Christie book was, "And Then There Were None" (1945) I must have watched it ten times over the years, which seems the fitting number of times to watch it lol. But I highly recommend watching it. Although the three episodes BBC series in 2015 was also excellent. Great cast too, headed up by Charles Dance. Not quite as good, but as a kid when I first saw it, I loved it, was the 1974 version. Might be the first Oliver Reed film that I watched.

[@melenatorr]

And I just finished a mild complaint about not being satisfied with any of the "And Then There Were None" adaptations I've seen. I do agree that the Charles Dance adaptation is very good, probably the best I've seen, and Maeve Dermody is especially fine, probably the best Vera or Vera equivalent I've watched. But I have quibbles about this version too, specifically, I feel that some of the details are misunderstandings of the underlying theme and motives of the book. They work for the miniseries, but not for the heart of the original. The 1945 version has a fantastic cast. I mean, how can I resist: Barry Fitzgerald; Walter Huston (father of John Huston, and one of my favorite actors); C. Aubrey Smith!; Louis Hayward, one of the earliest screen d'Artagnans (sp). I mean...! The script follows Christie's own stage adaptation, which is significantly different from the novel. I still prefer the novel, but this is great fun.

[@AceMoonshot]

@@melenatorr Oh, I can count on one hand the number of films that I felt come close to their print material counterparts. So while I might be disappointed, I'm never really surprised. I try my best to treat them as totally separate entities. That said, of the versions of Ten Little Whatevers that I have watched, the Charles Dance BBC one comes closest. (even so, the 1945 version is the one I enjoy best) But in fairness, there are a bunch of versions I have not watched. Japan did their takes on various Christie novels a while back. And while I enjoyed them to a degree, they were largely forgettable. But there are still couple of British ones that I have not seen. And I have seen none of the Indian or Russian versions. So, far as I know, they could be excellent versions. Or just awful. I should make an effort to watch them but my Watch List is so long and always just getting longer...

[@melenatorr]

@@AceMoonshot So many versions, so little time!

[@AceMoonshot]

@@melenatorr Indeed.

[@melenatorr]

@@AceMoonshot I have read and heard there's a Russian version of "And Then There Were None" that is very, very good.

[@celinhabr1]

The book is fantastic. I hope you'll do more Agatha Christie movies adapts.

[@henryellow]

I will in the future 😊

[@fex2911]

You should watch Evil UnderThe Sun next, another star studded Poirot mystery.

[@henryellow]

That movie is on my list. I'll get to it eventually 😊

[@fex2911]

@@henryellow ok, look out for some familiar faces from Orient Express, and the actress who played Lady Olenna Tyrell in Game Of Thrones.

[@melenatorr]

One of the huge draws for this movie when it first came out was its roster of stars. In addition to Bergman, Perkins and Balsam we have, just in part: Lauren Bacall: last wife of Humphrey Bogart, and strong, scintillating presence. Here is a famous moment from her first movie, "To Have and Have Not" with Bogart: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5nIf4iNrreCrJo. I think you saw "The Big Sleep", and if so, that's Bacall too. Sean Connery as Arbuthnot. Bond. James Bond. 'Nuf said. Vanessa Redgrave, a member of the accomplished Redgrave acting dynasty. Wendy Hiller, the original screen version of Eliza Doolittle in "Pygmalion", Mrs. Thomas More in "A Man for All Seasons", the charming, confident anchor of "I Know Where I'm Going". Many other credits. Again, mostly stage. John Gielgud! Shakespearean gold! One of outstanding classically trained actors of his or any generation. Catch him as Cassius in "Julius Caesar" with Marlon Brando doing magnificent work as Antony. Richard Widmark as Ratchett. Adept at criminals and crazy people, perhaps his strongest role was against type, as the prosecuting attorney in "Judgment At Nuremberg" (which you must see). And Albert Finney as Poirot himself, in aged up make up. Here he is just a few years before, as the fun, lively Tom Jones in the movie of the same name: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6nFlnSff8eFfs0. And Finney aged up again for "Scrooge", in one of the many adaptations of "Christmas Carol".

[@henryellow]

Of all the movies you listed, I've only reacted to "Judgment at Nuremberg". You can find the reaction on my channel. I haven't even watched any James Bond movies yet. There are still too many movies I haven't seen... 😭 Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@YvetteKeyser]

Would you please consider reacting to the 1945 film ‘Leave Her To Heaven’ starring Jean Tierney? Also 1950 film noir ‘Harriet Craig’ starring Joan Crawford.

[@henryellow]

I'll add them to my list. Thanks for your suggestions! 😊

[@YvetteKeyser]

@@henryellow Thank you so very much and you’re welcome. ☺️

[@nathanliteroy9835]

I must say, despite the great cast, this is my second favorite varsion of Murder behind the 2010 vaersion from tv series with David Suchet - if only Poirot was played differently. It was the first version of the character I saw and he has always seemed a little bit out of place and a to energetic.

[@henryellow]

A lot of people have mentioned David Suchet as their favourite Poirot. I am intrigued, but his 13 seasons of Poirot episodes seem a bit daunting 😂

[@nathanliteroy9835]

@@henryellow You don't need to watch all 13 seasons since every episode is one off, so you can shoose most famous ones like Murder, or ones with highest ratings on IMDB. Also, it's not 13 seasons, it's just 70 episodes - so basically about 3 seasons of a standard American show.

[@TallyDrake]

I have almost all of Christie's novels, and tbh, MOTOE is not a favorite. I'm not a fan of most of the movie adaptations of her novels, especially the most recent ones. My suggestion is to watch the Poirot TV series featuring David Suchet, and some of the older movie versions of And Then There Were None. I can't speak to which TV series are the most accurate portrayal of Miss Marple mysteries because I have only seen one or two episodes of each, but I'd recommend avoiding the Marple movie adaptations.

[@henryellow]

I see. I might try to find the Poirot TV series then. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 😊

[@Cbcw76]

I don't know why I don't like this film so much - or rewatch it, rather. This should appeal to my interest in "What if-?" films... for example, "What IF a murder mystery listed all the possible scenarios, introducing all the possible murderers, their reasons? What if - ?" This SHOULD appeal to me. Yet... I walk away rather nonplussed, unimpressed. It makes me doubt MY values of what I think I SHOULD like vs. what I do like.

[@Cbcw76]

By the way, there are bound to be tales about the Lindbergh Baby kidnapping and justice/injustice that followed. If you're interested in this tale, gird yourself and volunteer to read a couple or three books on the subject.

[@Cbcw76]

If and when you see AIRPLANE! (1980, comedy), there's a queue of flight passengers lined up to deliver punishing blows to a screaming woman. Few modern AIRPLANE fans ever 'get' that scene because they won't have see this 6-year-earlier film. And I'm almost certain that the queue-to-kill happened in other tales (or events) as well... "surely", it's must have happened!

[@henryellow]

Your "What IF" film idea is very interesting. I'd watch that too 😂 I did read a little about the Lindbergh kidnapping, but I didn't dive deep into it. Oh, I did react to Airplane! (1980) quite some time ago. I had to search up that scene because I couldn't remember it. Is it really a reference to the Orient Express? The reference would have been clearer if it was twelve people who beat her up 😂. I'm sure the woman will no longer be panicking once they're done with her (because she'd be dead).