Michael Winner’s ‘Appointment with Death’ adapts Agatha Christie novel

The film ‘Appointment with Death’, directed by Michael Winner, is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s mystery novel featuring the detective Hercule Poirot. The story follows a wealthy American widow, Emily Boynton, who organizes a luxury cruise to the Holy Land to ease tensions with her children regarding her late husband’s inheritance. When she is found murdered, Poirot, who happens to be on the same voyage, investigates the family members, all of whom possess motives for the crime.

While the film remains relatively faithful to the core plot of the novel, it features some notable changes, such as a shift in the setting from Petra. The production is noted for its cast, including Peter Ustinov in his sixth portrayal of Poirot, alongside Lauren Bacall, Carrie Fisher, and Piper Laurie. Critical reception of the adaptation has been mixed, with some describing it as a languid production that focuses heavily on recreating sumptuous banquets.