BEST MYSTERY FILMS BASED ON A NOVEL
A lot of times, the film adaptation of a classic mystery novel doesn't always live up to its origin; however, sometimes the adaptation achieves cult or even classic status. This list consists of my choice of classic mystery novels adapted into theatrical or made-for-TV films that deserve cult or classic status.
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- DirectorSidney LumetStarsAlbert FinneyLauren BacallIngrid BergmanIn December 1935, when his transcontinental luxury train is stranded by deep snow, detective Hercule Poirot is called on to solve a murder that occurred in his car the night before, with a multitude of suspects.A fine Poirot, an all-star cast and the closest adaptation to the novel ever made.
- DirectorPhilip MartinStarsDavid SuchetTristan McShepherdSam CranePoirot investigates the murder of a shady American businessman stabbed in his compartment on the Orient Express when it is blocked by a blizzard in Croatia.The absolute best and finest version with the absolute best and finest Poirot.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsKenneth BranaghPenélope CruzWillem DafoeWhen a murder occurs on the train on which he's travelling, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case.Extremely faithful to the original novel, and Branagh makes a fine (albeit a little too physical) Poirot.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsHumphrey BogartLauren BacallJohn RidgelyPrivate detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail and what might be love.
- DirectorMichael WinnerStarsRobert MitchumSarah MilesRichard BooneGrizzled American private detective in England investigates a complicated case of blackmail turned murder involving a rich but honest elderly general, his two loose socialite daughters, a pornographer and a gangster.While transposing the time period to modern times and changing the location, Robert Mitchum is still a fine Philip Marlowe and this is the closest adaptation of the novel yet made.
- StarsMaeve DermodyCharles DanceToby StephensTen strangers are invited to an island by a mysterious host, and start to get killed one by one. Could one of them be the killer?The absolute best and finest adaptation of the classic Christie novel ever made (in my opinion).
- DirectorRené ClairStarsBarry FitzgeraldWalter HustonLouis HaywardSeven guests, a newly hired secretary and two staff are gathered at a manor house on an isolated island by an unknown absentee host and are killed off one-by-one. They work together to determine who the killer is before it's too late.Stays very close to the novel, but is the first of the adaptations to change the ending.
- DirectorPeter CollinsonStarsOliver ReedElke SommerRichard AttenboroughTen people are invited to a hotel in the Iranian desert, only to find that an unseen person is killing them one by one. Could one of them be the killer?Almost the same screenplay as in 1945 and the location is changed (both of which seem to be done in every re-make), but a better version than most.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.The third adaptation, but leaves the others drowning in its wake.
- DirectorSidney LanfieldStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceRichard GreeneSherlock Holmes and Dr Watson investigate the legend of a supernatural hound, a beast that may be stalking a young heir on the fog-shrouded moorland that makes up his estate.Rathbone as Holmes and the cinematography set the standard for every re-make since. An excellent adaptation.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingAndré MorellChristopher LeeWhen a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate.
- DirectorBrian MillsStarsJeremy BrettEdward HardwickeRaymond AdamsonWhen the latest heir to the Baskerville estate seems to be threatened by a family curse, only the master detective, Sherlock Holmes, can find out the truth.
- DirectorHenri-Georges ClouzotStarsSimone SignoretVéra ClouzotPaul MeurisseThe wife and mistress of a loathed school principal plan to murder him with what they believe is the perfect alibi.Based on the novel "Celle qui n'était plus (She Who Was No More)" by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.
- StarsVivien HeilbronRobin EllisBasil DignamA priceless jewel, originally plundered from a Hindu shrine, is presented to Rachel Verinder on her 18th birthday. The jewel goes missing and suspicion falls over the household, threatening to destroy someone close to Rachel's heart.
- DirectorRobert BiermanStarsGreg WiseKeeley HawesTerrence HardimanWhen the fabulous Moonstone diamond is stolen, all the suspects appear to have alibis. Even the young girl who owns the diamond won't say whom she saw took it. A dear family friend calls in the famous Sergeant Cuff to solve the case, but they'll have to untangle a skein of lies and retrieve lost memories before they'll find the path to the diamond.
- DirectorStuart WalkerStarsClaude RainsDouglass MontgomeryHeather AngelAn opium-addicted choirmaster develops an obsession for a beautiful young girl and will not stop short of murder in order to have her.
- DirectorTimothy ForderStarsGareth ArnoldGemma CravenMichelle EvansAn opium-addicted choirmaster develops an obsession for a beautiful young girl and will not stop short of murder in order to have her.
- StarsMatthew RhysFreddie FoxTamzin MerchantAn exploration of Charles Dicken's unfinished work in which the mystery of the murder of Edwin Drood is examined.
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsSidney PoitierRod SteigerWarren OatesA black Philadelphia police detective is mistakenly suspected of a local murder while passing through a racially hostile Mississippi town, and after being cleared is reluctantly asked by the police chief to investigate the case.An excellent adaptation, topped by classic performances by Rod Steiger as Sheriff Gillespie and Sidney Poitier as a somewhat edgier Virgil Tibbs than in the novel.