Death on the Nile

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Death on the Nile

PG

Released Sep 29, 1978

2h 20m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

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19 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

On a luxurious cruise on the Nile River, a wealthy heiress, Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles), is murdered. Fortunately, among the passengers are famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) and his trusted companion, Colonel Race (David Niven), who immediately begin their investigation. But just as Poirot identifies a motley collection of would-be murderers, several of the suspects also meet their demise, which only deepens the mystery of the killer's identity.

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Joe Clay

The Times (UK)

... The Egyptian locations are the ideal backdrop to colonial intrigue and the cast is a corker, including Jane Birkin, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven and Maggie Smith.

Mar 28, 2024

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

For fans of the novel, there are a few changes, but none that overwhelm the essence of the story, allowing viewers to take a trip on the Nile with the world-famous sleuth and his inimitable talents.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 21, 2023

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Its a fun, if somewhat slow-moving murder mystery that favors glamor and drawing room banter over suspense, like a lavish version of a British TV mystery set in the 1930s.

Mar 12, 2022

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

Death on the Nile is an admirable addition to the Christie-on-film canon with a cast of game, if sometimes hammy, actors and just the right amount of murder, mystery and mayhem.

Rated: B

Sep 25, 2020

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The intricacies of the plot, the top production values, and a splendid cast add up to stellar entertainment.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 6, 2020

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Once it gets going, Death on the Nile is bright and leisurely, like a vacation, and the notes of humor are enough to keep things from getting too heavy.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 5, 2020

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Julian S

It knows exactly what it is—campy, star-studded, and easily one of the finest whodunits ever put to screen.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Sammy B

This is such a great film! Especially since the cast is full of legendary stars! I also loved it because it stayed true to the original plot details! A great movie to watch when you find yourself with a rainy day and nothing else to do!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/24

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Glafira Regina O

One of the best costume films conveying the era and customs of the 1930s. Some points diverge from the book, but the story still feels coherent and well-crafted. Some of the actors underperform, but most of them look interesting and memorable. And although after the new version of 2020, I remember the image of a slightly different Poirot, the inimitable Peter Ustinov still got used to the role of a capricious and cunning Belgian.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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Jack C

This film is vastly superior to Branagh’s convoluted nonsense. It is faithful to the book, Ustinov is on top form and the performance of stars like Bette Davis and Maggie Smith is shining. This is a must-see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/22/24

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Rudy A

Christie with a light touch and a top notch cast makes for a perfect entertainment. Far, far superior than the latest Branaugh effort.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

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HR G

Sir David Suchet is the spitting image (looks and speech) of Poirot from the books but for me, Sir Peter Ustinov will always be THE Poirot in Evil Under the Sun and Death on the Nile. Amazing cast all around.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/18/24

Full Review

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John Guillermin

Director

Peter Ustinov

Hercule Poirot

Bette Davis

Mrs. Van Schuyler

David Niven

Colonel Race

Jane Birkin

Louise Bourget

Lois Chiles

Linnet Ridgeway

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Synopsis

On a luxurious cruise on the Nile River, a wealthy heiress, Linnet Ridgeway (Lois Chiles), is murdered. Fortunately, among the passengers are famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) and his trusted companion, Colonel Race (David Niven), who immediately begin their investigation. But just as Poirot identifies a motley collection of would-be murderers, several of the suspects also meet their demise, which only deepens the mystery of the killer's identity.

Director: John Guillermin
Producer: John Brabourne, Richard Goodwin
Screenwriter: Anthony Shaffer
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Mersham Productions Ltd.
Rating: PG
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 29, 1978, Original
Release Date (DVD): Jan 27, 2009
Runtime: 2h 20m

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