Typical 1980s American TV movie lifted only slightly because it's mostly filmed in the UK and has superior British acting talent in the minor roles.Ralph Richardson was obviously very ill when he decided to do this and sleepwalks through the part of Sir Wilfred Robarts. Diana Rigg and Deborah Kerr are just ridiculous characters, Bridges is the token 'Yank', and a host of other excellent British actors are buried under the weight of poor writing and direction.Written (supposedly from Billy Wilder's screenplay) this mess is best used as a way to look at London tourist spots if you can't be bothered to go there! "Ooh, look... there's Harrods. I buy my gloves from there!" Almost every other version of this excellent short story is better than this purile nonsense which has been specifically tailor-made for an American 'Sunday evening' audience.The only value this movie has is seeing some marvelous British actors do their thing but their efforts are entirely wasted on this nonsense.Treat yourself to the Billy Wilder version with Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Elsa Lanchester made 70 years ago. It's a million times better than this cartoon silliness.

Excellent TV version of the Agatha Christie classic with an amazing array of talent for this type of enterprise. This is the sort of high quality fare that was standard on American television in the 70s & 80s and is sadly missing today. Bridges is okay but miscast. Leonard Vole needs to be played by someone with a slick charm as it was by Tyrone Power in the original, a persona like George Clooney projects now and Bridges while a capable actor doesn't have that quality. Therefore he is easily put in the shade by the powerhouse team of Sir Ralph Richardson and Diana Rigg. Both give exceptional performances, Richardson sly, knowing and wise while Diana Rigg is perfect as the determined if misguided Christine. Deborah Kerr provides a nice light touch as Richardson nurse. Good fun all around.

This 1982 TV film boasts a grand cast (with a notable exception), good camera-work, sets, and lighting. The 1957 version made in Hollywood cast Hollywood actors-most of them British residents. The exception to that was Tyrone Power, although there was no mention in the original story of Leonard Vole being an American. This remake follows suit by casting Beau Bridges as Vole-a great mistake. Whereas Power gave an excellent performance, Bridges is weak and is easily dominated by the talents of the other actors.Sir Ralph Richardson gives a fine performance, playing barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts with a charm and whimsicality that was his trademark. Deborah Kerr is also quite good as the nurse-a definite improvement from Elsa Lanchester's annoying performance in the earlier film. For a reason unknown to many people, producers of film adaptations of Agatha Christie stories seem to think comedy elements are necessary when the genius of Christie was creating taut, dramatic, mysterious, and dangerous situations-mostly dealing with murder, and there's nothing funny about that. Some may see it as "entertaining," but these elements are totally unnecessary and mostly out of place (and not believable either).This version took pains to cast truly great actors in even the smaller parts. The legal profession is represented by such distinguished persons as Donald Pleasence, Michael Gough, David Langton and Richard Vernon, and Peter Copley played the doctor. Even the servant Janet McKenzie is played by none other than Dame Wendy Hiller! Diana (later Dame Diana) Rigg is also quite good as Romaine (they restored the character's original name), although unlike Marlene Dietrich she had to assume the German accent.Norman Rosemont, who was responsible for making many of the best TV movies during the 1970s and 80s, produced this one.

I have never liked the murder mystery genre. However, this is one of my favorite films. I have also seen the original 1957 version starring Marlene Dietrich and think this version is far better. Why ? Because this version is more compelling, and the cast is excellent. But by far, it is because Diana Rigg is PERFECT in her role and outshines the rest of the cast.