Directed by
Sidney Lumet
Made by
Paramount Pictures
After successfully concluding a case in the Middle East, detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) sets off for England aboard the famed Orient Express. During this journey, he reunites with his friend Bianchi (Martin Balsam), who is the director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, and notices that the train is unusually full for the season, with all first-class cabins booked.
Just as the train departs Istanbul, a wealthy American businessman named Ratchett ([Richard Widmark]) approaches Poirot, offering a hefty sum of $15,000 for his services, as he has been receiving death threats. However, Poirot dismisses the case as uninteresting and declines the offer. As night falls, the train becomes ensnared in a fierce snowstorm in the Balkans. The following morning, the shocking news emerges: Ratchett has been found brutally killed in his cabin.
Determined to uncover the truth, Poirot, alongside Bianchi, enlists the help of Dr. Constantine ([George Coulouris]), a Greek doctor traveling unnoticed in another coach, along with Pierre Michel ([Jean-Pierre Cassel]), the middle-aged French conductor who is also among the suspects but aids in the investigation. As they delve deeper, Poirot uncovers a shocking revelation: Ratchett was not who he seemed; in reality, he was a notorious gangster named Cassetti who had a dark past involving the kidnapping and murder of a young girl named Daisy Armstrong.
An examination by Dr. Constantine indicates that Ratchett had been stabbed twelve times, with evidence suggesting that the murder occurred around 1:15 a.m. while the train was trapped in snow. With the other train compartments locked and no footprints in the snow, it quickly becomes apparent that the murderer is likely still present among the passengers.
As Poirot investigates further, he discovers that all the passengers have ties to the Armstrong family, each harboring motives for revenge due to the tragic aftermath of Daisy’s murder. The suspects include:
As Poirot interrogates each suspect, he uncovers painful connections to the Armstrong tragedy. It becomes clear that several of them had personal stakes in the revenge against Cassetti for the havoc he caused in their lives. Eventually, Poirot reveals that Cassetti had been sedated by Beddoes and McQueen, allowing all present to take turns delivering the fatal wounds.
However, Poirot presents two theories to the remaining passengers: the complex murder in which each suspect played a role, and a simpler explanation involving a potential intruder. He suggests that Cassetti may have been embroiled in a Mafia feud, leading to his demise. Bianchi chooses the less complex explanation for the local police, deeming that Cassetti ultimately got what he deserved. Poirot grapples with his conscience but finds solace in the belief that justice has been served.
Poirot Embarks on the Orient Express
Detective Hercule Poirot boards the luxurious Orient Express after completing a case in the Middle East. Unbeknownst to him, this journey will soon turn tumultuous with a shocking turn of events.
Meeting Bianchi
As Poirot settles in, he reunites with his friend Bianchi, the director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. They chat about the train's unusually full passenger list, sparking Poirot's curiosity.
Ratchett's Proposition
Wealthy American businessman Ratchett approaches Poirot with a lucrative offer for his protection services, citing death threats he has received. Poirot, finding the case uninteresting, politely declines.
Snowstorm Strikes
As the train departure progresses, a fierce snowstorm engulfs the Balkans, causing the Orient Express to become stuck. This severe weather sets the stage for the ensuing mystery.
The Murder of Ratchett
The next day, the train passengers are rocked by the discovery of Ratchett's lifeless body, discovered brutally murdered in his cabin. A cold realization dawns: the murderer is likely amongst them.
Investigation Begins
Determined to unlock the truth about Ratchett's death, Poirot enlists the help of Dr. Constantine, a discreet Greek doctor on the train. Together, they begin to piece together the clues surrounding the murder.
The Truth About Ratchett
Poirot discovers that Ratchett was actually a notorious gangster named Cassetti, linked to the heart-wrenching tragedy of the Armstrong family. This revelation adds layers to the investigation.
Suspects and Motives Unveiled
As Poirot interrogates the passengers, he uncovers their connections to the Armstrong family, each having personal motives for wanting Cassetti dead. The list of suspects grows, complicating the case.
The Stabbing Evidence
Dr. Constantine's examination indicates Ratchett had been stabbed twelve times, confirming the brutal nature of the murder. The evidence points to a calculated act, further deepening the mystery.
The Conductor's Role Revealed
The middle-aged French conductor, Pierre Michel, originally a suspect, becomes a crucial ally, providing insights that guide Poirot through the investigation. He plays a vital role in attempting to uncover the truth.
Collaboration of Suspects
Poirot reveals a shocking twist: several passengers had sedated Cassetti, allowing each one to inflict a fatal wound. This cooperative murder scheme raises questions about justice and morality.
Poirot's Dual Theories
Poirot presents two potential explanations for the murder: the intricate plot involving all the suspects or the simpler theory of an intruder. He grapples with the implications of both scenarios.
Bianchi's Decision
Bianchi chooses to report a less complex narrative to the local police regarding Cassetti's murder. He decides that the gangster's dark past justifies his violent end, leaving Poirot to ponder ethical dilemmas.
Justice Served?
As the truth unfolds, Poirot reflects on the nature of justice. He finds some comfort in the belief that the scales have been balanced for the Armstrong family, debating morality against revenge.
Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney)
Hercule Poirot is a meticulous detective known for his exceptional observation skills and logical reasoning. His character embodies the struggle between adhering to the law and seeking personal justice, leading him to confront the moral complexities of the case. Poirot's charm and intellect shine as he navigates the tensions aboard the train.
Colonel Arbuthnott (Sean Connery)
Colonel Arbuthnott is a soldier in the British Indian Army with a keen sense of honor. His strong demeanor hides a complex emotional side stemming from his connection to the Armstrong family tragedy. Arbuthnott's position allows him to navigate the layers of suspicion while revealing the depth of human emotion at play.
Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave)
Mary Debenham is a British schoolteacher whose calm exterior conceals a fierce determination and intelligence. Her interactions often hint at a deeper understanding of the situation, making her a key figure in the unfolding drama. As a potential suspect, she embodies the film's theme of hidden motives and personal loss.
Greta Ohlsson (Ingrid Bergman)
Greta Ohlsson is a Swedish missionary, characterized by her compassion and emotional depth. As one of the passengers connected to the Armstrong case, her character grapples with the themes of justice and forgiveness. Ohlsson's presence enriches the narrative with her perspective on suffering and morality.
Time period
The film is set in the early 20th century, a time when train travel was a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The social dynamics of the time reflect the influences of class and privilege, as well as the moral complexities surrounding justice and revenge, particularly in a post-war context.
Location
Orient Express, Istanbul, Balkans
The Orient Express is a luxurious international train that has become synonymous with intrigue and adventure. Istanbul, where the journey begins, is known for its rich history and cultural blend of East and West. The Balkans, known for their rugged landscapes and turbulent history, play a critical role as the train becomes ensnared in a snowstorm, creating a setting ripe for suspense.
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Justice
The theme of justice runs throughout the narrative as Poirot grapples with the morality of his findings. The movie explores whether true justice can ever be served and questions the ethical implications of revenge. Ultimately, it presents a complex moral dilemma where the lines between right and wrong blur.
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Mystery
Mystery is at the heart of the film, with a classic locked-room scenario unfolding as Poirot investigates the murder. The web of secrets and interconnected backstories of the passengers adds layers of intrigue. Each character’s motives are key to unraveling the intricate plot, making the journey an engaging puzzle.
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Revenge
The quest for revenge ties the characters together, united by their tragic loss due to Ratchett/Cassetti’s actions. The narrative emphasizes personal vendettas and the pain stemming from past tragedies, portraying how grief can lead to moral ambiguity. Ultimately, it raises questions about the price of vengeance.
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