Agatha Christie's "Appointment with Death" released 1988

The movie adaption of one of my least favorite Agatha Christie novels Appointment With Death premiered April 15, 1988.  It boasted a star-studded cast including Peter Ustinov, Lauren Bacall, Carrie Fisher, and David Soul.

One reason I didn't care for the novel is it seemed as if Agatha Christie had Hercule Poirot pull the solution out of thin air.  I know throwing red herrings in to confuse the reader is the hallmark of great whodunits, but when the solution comes out of nowhere, it detracts from the surprise ending.  

This movie adaption wasn't good, despite the stellar talent.  Editing and directing were lacking and made viewing clunky and confusing.  It didn't fare well at the box office either, and two years later the production company Cannon Films filed for bankruptcy.  

"Murder on the Orient Express" released 1974

Agatha Christie's classic novel, Murder on the Orient Express, published in 1934 was brought to the screen November 24, 1974.  It boasted an all-star cast that had 58 Academy Award nominations and 14 wins.  The movie itself won an Oscar.  Ingrid Bergman won for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, beating Madeline Kahn for her performance in Blazing Saddles.  It had been nominated for five other categories.  

Murder on the Orient Express starred Albert Finney (as Hercule Poirot), Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Anthony Perkins and Michael York.

It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Original Score.  It was the 11th highest grossing movie of 1974 and received a 90% fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. 

My favorite movies - 1974

1974 is another year that I cannot pick one favorite out of so many good ones, so I chose my top 4 plus an "honorable mention".  In just these five films, I think everybody in Hollywood made it onto the screen.  Each one has a stellar cast, whether comedy, drama or action.  How many actors and actresses can we name that did NOT appear in one of these!

Blazing Saddles starring Mel Brooks, Cleavon Little, Madeline Kahn, Gene Wilder and everybody else.



Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman and everybody else.




The Towering Inferno starring Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Faye Dunaway and everybody else.



Earthquake starring Charlton Heston, George Kennedy, Ava Gardner and everybody else.



Murder on the Orient Express (honorable mention) starring Michael York, Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall and everybody else.

Lauren Bacall dies at 89

Another tragic loss today as Lauren Bacall passed away.  I considered her the last of Hollywood royalty and a fantastic actress.  Coming on the heels of Robin Williams death yesterday, her passing seems to cut deeper than ever.  We're losing so much talent.