Murder on the Orient Express Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy train gets stuck, and everyone on it decides to collectively seek revenge for a kidnapping by stabbing a guy a bunch of times, which is somehow justice.

🍿 Murder on the Orient Express: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: Istanbul and the Orient Express

In 1935, Hercule Poirot, the renowned Belgian detective, finds himself unexpectedly aboard the Orient Express after concluding a case in Istanbul. The train, unusually full for that time of year, is packed with a diverse group of passengers from various nationalities and social classes. Among them is the unpleasant and menacing Samuel Ratchett, who seeks Poirot’s protection, claiming to have received death threats. Poirot declines, sensing something inherently untrustworthy about Ratchett.

The Murder and the Impassable Snowdrift

During the night, the Orient Express is brought to a halt by a heavy snowdrift in Yugoslavia. The following morning, it is discovered that Ratchett has been brutally murdered in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. With the train stranded and no possibility of escape, Poirot is persuaded by his friend, Signor Bianchi, a director of the railway company, to investigate the murder and identify the killer before the local authorities arrive.

Unraveling Ratchett’s True Identity

As Poirot begins his investigation, meticulously interviewing each passenger and examining the evidence, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies. He soon discovers that Ratchett was not who he claimed to be but was, in fact, a notorious gangster named Cassetti. Cassetti was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of young Daisy Armstrong years prior, a crime that led to devastating consequences for the Armstrong family and those connected to them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney): The meticulous Belgian detective tasked with solving a murder on the Orient Express.
• Ratchett (Richard Widmark): The wealthy, yet vile American businessman who is murdered on the train, revealing a dark past.
• Bianchi (Martin Balsam): A director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits and Poirot’s friend who assists in the investigation.
• Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave): A calm and composed young woman with a hidden connection to the Armstrong family.
• Mrs. Harriet Hubbard (Lauren Bacall): A talkative and flamboyant American passenger with a secret identity related to the victim’s past.
• Colonel Arbuthnott (Sean Connery): A British officer and friend of the Armstrong family traveling on the Orient Express.
• Countess Elena Andrenyi (Jacqueline Bisset): A beautiful, young countess with a hidden identity connected to the Armstrong tragedy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hercule Poirot: “It is finished. The case is solved.” – Poirot’s declaration after revealing the complex solution to the murder, marking the end of his investigation.
• Hercule Poirot: “There are two possibilities. One is simple, the other, fantastic.” – Poirot presents the two conflicting scenarios to explain the crime.
• Signor Bianchi: “What Poirot says is always right.” – Bianchi’s unwavering belief in Poirot’s abilities, underscoring the detective’s reputation for brilliance.
• Mrs. Hubbard: “I’m simply not going to be murdered in my bed!” – Mrs. Hubbard’s over-the-top reaction to the danger, showcasing her dramatic personality and fear.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,634,716
• Worldwide Gross: $27,659,517

💥 Murder on the Orient Express Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Murder on the Orient Express’! From the moment the train left Istanbul, I was hooked. The way Sidney Lumet built suspense was incredible, and the cast was a dream. Seeing Ingrid Bergman win the Oscar for her performance was so special. This movie made me want to travel the world and solve mysteries. I even bought an Agatha Christie book after watching it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Agatha Christie novels”
  • “Lovers of classic murder mysteries”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts and period dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy intricate plots and suspenseful storytelling”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (stabbing)”
  • “Some thematic elements involving kidnapping and murder”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Lumet’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a visually stunning and suspenseful adaptation of Christie’s classic. The all-star cast shines, and the meticulous attention to detail creates an immersive and captivating viewing experience. While the pace is deliberate, it adds to the intrigue.
• The New York Times: “A stylish and entertaining whodunit, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ benefits from its lavish production design and charismatic performances. Albert Finney’s portrayal of Poirot is captivating, even if a bit eccentric. The film may not be groundbreaking, but it offers a satisfying and enjoyable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The all-star cast’s performances were truly captivating.: Viewers were impressed by the ensemble’s chemistry and the individual talent each actor brought to their role.

The film’s luxurious setting and costumes transported viewers back in time.: Many appreciated the attention to detail in recreating the elegance and opulence of the 1930s.

Overall Consensus: A classic whodunit with a star-studded cast and lavish production values, delivering an engaging and suspenseful mystery.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1975

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Albert Finney’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot was praised by Agatha Christie herself, though she did comment that his mustache was not quite as grand as she had imagined.”
• “The lavish costumes were designed by Tony Walton, who aimed for historical accuracy and elegance, reflecting the 1930s setting and the characters’ social status.”
• “The film was shot on location in France and Turkey, adding to its authenticity and visual appeal. The train interiors were meticulously recreated in a studio to provide a controlled environment for filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Murder on the Orient Express?

Murder on the Orient Express (1974) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and streaming options. You might find it on platforms that offer classic movies like The Criterion Channel or Turner Classic Movies’ streaming service. Purchasing a physical copy (DVD or Blu-ray) is another option for collectors and cinephiles.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Murder on the Orient Express, you might like these similar films:

• Death on the Nile (1978): Another Agatha Christie adaptation featuring Hercule Poirot solving a murder in an exotic location with a star-studded cast.
• Evil Under the Sun (1982): A stylish Agatha Christie mystery with Poirot investigating a murder at a resort, offering similar intrigue and ensemble performances.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a clever plot and quirky characters, reminiscent of the classic Agatha Christie style.
• Gosford Park (2001): A drawing-room mystery set in a British country house with a large ensemble cast and intricate relationships, similar to the enclosed setting and character dynamics of Murder on the Orient Express.

🛒 Murder on the Orient Express Related Products

• Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic mystery in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes features and commentary for true fans.
• Murder on the Orient Express (Poirot) Hardcover – October 1, 2002: Read the original book the movie was based on.
• Murder on the Orient Express: Agatha Christie Collector’s Edition: Own a limited edition collector’s set with exclusive artwork, memorabilia, and a booklet about the making of the film. A true treasure for collectors.
• Art Deco Posters: An Art Deco Poster reminiscent of the movie poster

🎧 Soundtrack

Murder on the Orient Express features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Overture And Kidnapping” – performed by Richard Rodney Bennett
• “Main Title” – performed by Richard Rodney Bennett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Murder on the Orient Express – Agatha Christie – So You Haven’t Read

Never read the book ‘Murder on the Orient Express’? No problem! This video gives you the rundown so you can still enjoy the movie. Honestly, knowing the background makes the film even better!

Murder On The Orient Express Cast Reveal Funniest Moments | MTV Movies

Want to know what it was like working with Judi Dench and her puppies? This video is a hilarious peek behind the curtain with the cast sharing their funniest moments from the set. You’ll crack up!

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