Long before Kenneth Branagh stepped into the role of Hercule Poirot, it was Albert Finney who played the Belgian detective in 1974's Murder on the Orient Express. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film was the first big-screen version of Agatha Christie's most famous novel, and it quickly became a landmark in mystery cinema. Now, just in time for its 50th anniversary, the movie has a fresh streaming home on Paramount+.
Like Christie's 1934 novel, the plot takes place almost entirely on the luxurious Orient Express train. When the train is suddenly stopped by a snowdrift on its way to Istanbul, the passengers find themselves trapped -- and one of them, shady businessman Samuel Ratchett (Richard Widmark), is murdered in his cabin. Fortunately, Poirot is onboard. Using his sharp instincts, he begins piecing together clues to figure out which of the travelers is responsible.
The list of suspects is loaded with big names. Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Anthony Perkins, Martin Balsam, Ingrid Bergman, Rachel Roberts, Jacqueline Bisset, John Gielgud, and Michael York all play passengers who could have had reasons to want Ratchett dead. The mystery builds as Poirot uncovers the truth, revealing one of Christie's most famous twists.
How Successful Was 'Murder on the Orient Express'?
The movie was both a critical and commercial success when it was released, pulling in $37 million worldwide. It also earned six Oscar nominations, with Ingrid Bergman winning Best Supporting Actress -- her third and final Academy Award. Perhaps the biggest seal of approval came from Christie herself. The author lived to see the film and praised it, calling it -- along with Witness for the Prosecution -- one of the only two movie versions of her work she truly liked. Her only complaint? She thought Finney's mustache was far too small for her famously particular detective. Well, Kenneth Branagh certainly fixed that.
With its sharp direction, lavish period detail, and an ensemble filled with Hollywood legends, Murder on the Orient Express still holds up as one of the great Christie adaptations. Nearly fifty years later, it remains a gold standard for the genre -- a mix of style, suspense, and star power that continues to captivate audiences. Every Christie adaptation since then has taken the iconic film as a template, so if you want to see how it all began, this is the place to start.
The 1974 Murder on the Orient Express is now streaming on Paramount+.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Murder on the Orient Express PG Drama Thriller Mystery 8.0/10 Release Date November 24, 1974 Runtime 128 Minutes Director Sidney Lumet Cast See All Albert Finney Lauren Bacall Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY
Writers Agatha Christie, Paul Dehn Powered by Expand Collapse