this film be one of my all time favourites . a an agatha christie fan i be carefully critical about adaptation of her work . the screenplay be as good a one of her good novel while it make a seamless transition from book to screen and eliminate some subplots and more minor character ( e. g. the allertons ) in order to achieve a flowing and easy to understand plot with no hole . the choice of peter ustinov a poirot be inspire . his poirot be distinctly recognisable a that from the book but the talent and ability of ustinov shine through . albert finney would not have be as good in this film . the support cast be brilliant . each give a performance that make you wish they be on screen for long while angela lansbury a a drunken novelist and mia farrow a a cold calculating murderer and etc . one of the best be the young simon maccorkindale and for whom this be his breakthrough film ( he be currently consultant harry harper in bbc one casualty and for uk reader ) and a the man tear between love and then lead to murder . also david niven give an especially strong performance a colonel race . all in all while it be and in typical christie fashion and a satire on the life of the upper class that be buoyant with snippet of humour and romance as well a the inevitable murder ( or rather four and a suicide ) . the score be very good too and the movie have a good old straight back stiff upper lip feeling to it that make it a pleasure to watch and make one wish they could be there themselves .