the screen version of agatha christie death on the nile would be one of the definitive adaption of the very old fashion ( but still strangely popular ) murder mystery genre . after twenty seven year the movie hold up very well . the most be make of the egyption setting of the film a it be film mostly on location and the stunning ancient site of egypt be film beautifully . tourism in egypt apparently increase significanlty after the film release . not surprising . also make the film a treat be the wonderful cast . peter ustinov step into the role of hercule poirot for the first time and despite no resemblance to christie description of poirot and make the role his own for the next decade . ustinov give a stern but comic portrayal of poirot which be balance with the casting of ustinov close friend david niven a colonal race and poirot sidekick . head the feast of suspect be the legendary bette davis a a grand dame with a sour maggie smith a her paid nurse or companion . there bicker scene together be a hilarious highlight of the movie . angela lansbury be also a scene stealer a a tipsy and uninhibited novelist who do a hilarious tango with david niven . mia farrow deliver a very good dramatic performance and a the woman scorn which almost steer away from the usual cardboard stereotype characterisation of agatha christie . director john guillerman let his great cast have fun with their character partly because veteran thriller writer anthony shaffer write the screenplay . although the murder mystery be a clever one and play out very well shaffer inject the script with more wit and spice than the original novel have . ( the bette davis and maggie smith scene be the best example ) the soundtrack of the film be an underrated gem with veteran composer nino rota produce a grand and sumptuous and inviting and mysterious soundtrack which perfectly complement the setting and the drama . also his arrangement of the tango tune jealousy be the best i have ever hear . all this make for a fun and lively old fashioned treat of a film that can be return to from time to time .