Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Overview

Sidney Lumet’s 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express is widely considered one of the greatest cinematic adaptations of an Agatha Christie novel. Boasting a remarkable ensemble cast of Hollywood legends and distinguished British actors, a sophisticated period production, and a compelling central performance by Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, the film expertly brings Christie’s beloved 1934 mystery to life.

The film was a major critical and commercial success, and remains a cornerstone of the mystery genre in cinema. With its intricate plot, stylized visuals, and strong performances, Murder on the Orient Express reinvigorated public interest in classic whodunits and launched a series of star-studded Christie adaptations in the years to follow.

Plot Summary

On a snowbound luxury train traveling from Istanbul to Calais, world-renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. The victim is Samuel Ratchett (played by Richard Widmark), a shady American businessman who had received threats prior to the journey and is found dead in his cabin, stabbed multiple times.

With the train stuck in a snowdrift in the remote Balkans, Poirot is called upon to solve the mystery before the train resumes movement — and the killer has a chance to escape.

What follows is a meticulous and suspenseful series of interviews with the other twelve first-class passengers, each of whom seems to have something to hide. Poirot gradually uncovers that all the suspects are connected to a tragic kidnapping case from years earlier — the murder of the child Daisy Armstrong, a fictional echo of the Lindbergh baby case.

The revelation is one of the most famous twists in mystery literature: every suspect on the train played a part in Ratchett's murder, acting as vigilante executioners for the man they believed to have escaped justice. Poirot, faced with a morally ambiguous solution, presents two explanations to the authorities — one conventional, the other truthful — and allows the latter to go unpunished.

Performances

Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot

In one of the most unrecognizable performances of his career, Albert Finney dons heavy makeup, a false mustache, and a thick Belgian accent to become the meticulous, brilliant, and eccentric Hercule Poirot. His interpretation is animated, fussy, and obsessive — a Poirot who gestures wildly, speaks sharply, and bristles with intensity.

Finney’s Poirot is less warm than later portrayals (such as Peter Ustinov or David Suchet), but what he lacks in gentility, he makes up for in intensity and authority. His climactic monologue, delivered in a single uninterrupted scene as he unveils the truth to the stunned passengers, is one of the most commanding performances in 1970s cinema.

Ingrid Bergman as Greta Ohlsson

Ingrid Bergman delivers an understated and affecting performance as Greta Ohlsson, a nervous Swedish missionary. Though her screen time is limited, she made a powerful impression — enough to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Bergman plays Greta with quiet intensity, bringing pathos to a character wracked by guilt and sorrow.

Lauren Bacall as Mrs. Hubbard

Bacall plays the brash, loud, and flamboyant Mrs. Hubbard, who claims to be a simple American matron — though her true identity is central to the film’s mystery. Bacall relishes the role, turning in a delightful performance filled with false innocence and theatrical flair.

Sean Connery as Colonel Arbuthnot

As Colonel Arbuthnot, Sean Connery brings gravitas and understated emotion to the role. Though not the flashiest part, Connery provides a strong masculine counterbalance to the ensemble and plays well against Vanessa Redgrave’s Mary Debenham.

Ensemble Highlights

The rest of the cast reads like a who’s who of film royalty. John Gielgud is prim as Ratchett’s British valet, Jacqueline Bisset adds elegance as a countess, Anthony Perkins (channelling a bit of Psycho) is twitchy and secretive as Ratchett’s secretary, and Wendy Hiller offers stern resistance as the Russian princess Dragomiroff. Each cast member gives their character a distinct personality, enriching the mystery with believable motives and emotional layers.

Direction and Production

Sidney Lumet, known for such intense, character-driven dramas as 12 Angry Men and Network, applies his theatrical sensibility to the claustrophobic confines of the Orient Express. Despite the film’s limited setting, Lumet keeps the visuals fresh by using inventive blocking, camera movement, and tight editing to create visual dynamism.

The production design by Tony Walton is lavish, evoking the golden age of travel with luxurious compartments, opulent dining cars, and richly textured details. The 1930s fashion, makeup, and decor are carefully curated to enhance the sense of period authenticity.

The score by Richard Rodney Bennett is lush and suspenseful, mixing classic orchestration with eerie motifs that underline the emotional undercurrents of the plot.

Themes and Analysis

Justice vs. Legality

One of the most powerful themes in Murder on the Orient Express is the moral ambiguity of justice. The film asks whether a crime can be excused if it’s committed in the name of righting a previous wrong. Poirot, a man of reason and order, must reconcile his principles with human emotion, making the ending as morally complex as it is satisfying.

The Facade of Civility

The characters present themselves as polite, respectable citizens — aristocrats, professionals, artists. But beneath their exteriors lie pain, grief, and rage. Lumet carefully peels back these layers to reveal that civilization can be a mask — and sometimes, vengeance can be communal and calculated rather than chaotic.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Murder on the Orient Express received widespread acclaim, with critics praising its intelligent adaptation, elegant production, and compelling cast. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Finney), and won for Best Supporting Actress (Bergman).

The film’s commercial success spawned a series of other Christie adaptations, including Death on the Nile (1978) and Evil Under the Sun (1982). Finney did not reprise his role, but his Poirot remains one of the most memorable.

In terms of legacy, the film set a benchmark for ensemble mystery filmmaking, influencing countless later films and series. Its style, structure, and tone paved the way for later entries in the genre — including Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 remake and even modern riffs like Knives Out (2019).

Final Verdict

Murder on the Orient Express (1974) is a masterfully crafted mystery film — a glamorous, cerebral, and impeccably acted adaptation that remains true to Agatha Christie’s vision while elevating it with cinematic flair. Albert Finney’s commanding performance, Sidney Lumet’s direction, and the golden-age cast make it one of the definitive Christie adaptations. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Poirot or new to classic mysteries, this version of Orient Express is essential viewing.