Murder on the Orient Express on the Big and Small Screen

One doesn't recognize the really important moments in one's life until it's too late. - Agatha Christie



Hello everyone!
Here, we take a look at some interesting films and television series that had adapted Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." Undoubtedly, they are a great companion to the book in providing a visual element.

Murder on the Orient Express- the film

Released in 1974, it won 7 awards and garnered 16 nominations, including an Oscar for Ingrid Bergman for Best Actress as Greta. This film contains a star-studded cast of Old Hollywood, including Albert Finney as our Hercule Poirot, Lauren Bacall as Mrs. Hubbard, Sean Connery as Colonel Arbuthnot, and Vanessa Redgrave as Mary.
Here is the trailer:



In 2010, Masterpiece Mystery featured "Murder on the Orient Express", starring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot (who has long since played this character in this series).



There is even a computer game as well based on this mystery.



All of these aspects illustrates the popularity of Agatha Christie and this riveting tale which has captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades.
On the other hand,  there have been takes of "Murder on the Orient Express" that did not sit too well with the critics nor audiences in general:



Happy watching! Personally, I have seen the Masterpiece version of "Murder on the Orient Express" and I must say, I really enjoy this take and will find the time to watch the classic version as well.

Additionally:


In the second meeting, we were talking about other books we enjoy apart from our book club read and Shirley mentioned a title which others wanted to keep in mind.: "The Teahouse Fire" by Ellis Avery. Published in 2006, it takes place in Japan at the time of the infiltration of British and American business and church.




Joanne

On board...the Orient Express!

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. -Author Unknown




Hello everyone,

Hope everyone is faring well on Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express".  As you may know, the Orient Express is not a fictive idea the author came up with as the perfect setting for a mystery- it is in fact an actual train. As such, this post is dedicated to this grand and historical setting.



The Orient Express was launched in 1883 and left Paris for Vienna. It continued to run until 2009, its destinations covering cities from Paris to Constantinople. The Venice Simplon-Orient Express remains very much a reflection of the original in its old-world style and charm. This luxury train travels from London to Venice but also goes as far as Istanbul. I invite you all to take a look at the website as it will provide you further information and images that will complement your read.


It's routes:


Murder on the Orient Express




Interesting fact:

From the Venice Simplon Orient Express website:


Agatha Christie was a regular passenger and the famous book was directly inspired by a real-life event, when, en route from Istanbul, the train was trapped in Turkey for six days in deep snow. On another occasion, the author herself was stuck on board for 24 hours due to floods.

For your viewing pleasure:

An interesting video that allows you to see all the works and trimmings of the Orient Express. Happy watching!



Many thanks to one of our members, Shirley, who have brought up the fact that "Murder on the Orient Express" has television and film versions, which can be a treat to look forward to after finishing the book. Masterpiece has one such series which stars David Suchet as Hercule Poirot.  As well, there is also a film starring Albert Finney as Poirot and Lauren Bacall. Those who find this aspect of high interest and wish to know further details and information, not to worry- I will dedicate this matter in the next post.


Joanne

July Book Club Pick

Hello everyone,

It was a lovely and warm Saturday afternoon when the Matchbook Book Club's second meeting took place at the reading room at Hart House at 11am. Many old and new faces have arrived for thoughts and discussions, which was a pleasure.

July is certainly the perfect month for a mystery and as such, all of us wholeheartedly agreed to pick a classic: Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express."



Synopsis:

Travelling on the Orient Express, Poirot is approached by a desperate American named Ratchett.  Afraid that someone plans to kill him, Ratchett asks Poirot for help. Sadly the very next day Ratchett's worst fears become reality, when he is found dead in his cabin, a victim of multiple stab wounds. With nothing but a scrap of paper to go on, Poirot must piece together Ratchett’s identity before he can establish which of his fellow passengers murdered him.




The world of Agatha Christie is an enthralling one and those who want to further investigate more into the realm of Christie would find her website a very helpful guide, in addition to a spot of fun with games, news, and so much more.



Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Second Meeting

Hello everyone!

(Early photo of Hart House)

Looking forward to see old faces and welcome new ones!

Just a reminder: our second meeting is located at the Reading Room very close to the main entrance on the left-hand side.

It will take place Saturday, July 10, 2011 at 11am-1pm.

In terms of the selection for our book club pick, let's just say- what's a summer without a bit of mystery...

See you all there!


Joanne

Words Worth Nothing

It’s like in the great stories. The ones that really mattered. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
That there’s some good in this world... and it’s worth fighting for.

- J.R.R Tolkien