A Movie Nearly Every Night: Agatha Christie Double Feature

Death on the Nile (1978)
Dir: John Guillermin
Starring: Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Bette Davis, Maggie Smith

Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Dir: Guy Hamilton
Starring: Peter Ustinov, Diana Rigg, Maggie Smith, James Mason

The murders are somewhat silly and borderline impossible (really, no nail varnish on Simon's hands to give him away? That stuff doesn't just come off, ya know), but taking a photo idea out of The Sartorialist and subject idea from my good friend Archival Clothing, I've found that these movies were fantastic for clothes shopping.

Death on the Nile. Communist, dutiful daughter, drunk author or paid companion -- here at Agatha Christie Fine Fashions have clothes to fit every character.

Death on the Nile. Gentlemen in impeccable tuxedos; ladies in demure chiffon or gaudy Edward Gorey

Death on the Nile. Close up of the Gorey details.

Death on the Nile. I imagine in my later years I will be one of these women, depending on how my fortunes go: Wealthy senior with a habit of stealing jewelry (Bette Davis) or spinster paid companion (Maggie Smith). The comforting thought is that you can look good either way.

Death on the Nile. Evening wear for the best couple on the boat with more of crazy, but fabulous, drunk Salome Otterbourne (Angela Lansbury) in the background.

Death on the Nile. Lounge wear for wealthy thieves.

Death on the Nile. Davis detail -- even wealthy thieves get a little risque. Her collar allows a peak at the black slip (which matches her hat and collar) underneath the sophisticated bone-white top. You want that bit of ventilation when you're on the Nile.

Evil Under the Sun. Polka-dot hostess with the mostest. Those are bumpy beads pasted onto the jacket. I really like the daring mix of patterns as well. Maggie Smith is a role model yet again.

Evil Under the Sun. Evening wear as modeled by obnoxious actress Arlena Marshall (Diana Rigg). Don't bother shopping for this one. It only looks good on Arlena. She'll tell you so.

Evil Under the Sun. Close up of Arlena's matching turban, also pasted with beads. Rex Brewster (Roddy McDowell) looks on in a lovely 3 piece tuxedo.

Evil Under the Sun. Wonderful Wonder Bread beachwear for Arlena and snappy sailor duds for Rex. One day I will have cuffs like that on a beach robe. One day...

Evil Under the Sun. One of Arlena's more somber beach outfits. The sunglasses are especially appealing.

Evil Under the Sun. Apparently Peter Ustinov designed Hercule Poirot's beach attire. Well done, Sir Peter.