Evil Under the Sun (1982 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1940s |
Key people | Nat Cohen (executive) |
| Products | Films, including Evil Under the Sun (1982) |
| Parent | EMI |
Evil Under the Sun is a British mystery motion picture released in 1982, directed by Guy Hamilton and adapted from Agatha Christie's 1941 novel of the same name. Peter Ustinov reprises his role as the detective Hercule Poirot, following his portrayal in the 1978 film Death on the Nile.
Plot
While hiking across England's North York Moors, a woman stumbles upon the strangled body of Alice Ruber. Several months later, detective Poirot is hired by an insurance firm to authenticate a diamond owned by millionaire Sir Horace Blatt. He determines the gem is counterfeit, learning that the genuine diamond was originally purchased for Sir Horace’s lover, actress Arlena Stuart Marshall, who reportedly swapped it for a fake after their separation.
Poirot journeys to a luxurious hotel on an Adriatic island, once the summer residence of the King of Tyrania and now under the ownership of former actress Daphne Castle, to conduct his investigation. Arlena is vacationing there with her new spouse Kenneth, displaying hostility toward her stepdaughter Linda and openly courting Patrick Redfern, who is accompanied by his wife Christine. Daphne discloses that Arlena orchestrated Patrick’s presence on the island. Other visitors include theatrical producers Odell and Myra Gardener, struggling financially, and Rex Brewster, a writer whose advance royalties for an unauthorized biography of Arlena are jeopardized.
On the third morning, Arlena paddles to Ladder Bay to meet Patrick. Soon after, Patrick arrives with Myra and discovers Arlena’s strangled corpse.
Poirot’s inquiries reveal that all guests possess alibis: Kenneth was occupied typing in his room; Christine stayed with Linda before departing for tennis; Sir Horace had returned the fake diamond earlier; Patrick left prior to noon; Rex was meeting Linda at Gull Cove; and Odell was reading nearby. None admit to swimming during the critical timeframe.
Poirot accuses the Redferns of involvement: Christine allegedly subdued Arlena and concealed her in a grotto while impersonating her to deceive Myra. After Myra left to seek help, Patrick strangled Arlena and staged the scene. Poirot challenges Christine’s alibi by proposing she manipulated Linda’s watch and muffled noises to mask her actions, which included disposing of evidence and removing a fake tan before tennis.
Although the Redferns deny any motive or incriminating evidence, Poirot exposes Patrick by comparing his distinctive cheque signature with that of Felix Ruber—the husband of the Yorkshire victim. He reveals that Christine was actually the hiker who found Alice Ruber’s body when Felix had an alibi. When confronted, Patrick silently confesses as Poirot uncovers the genuine diamond concealed in his pipe.
Production
Following its success with Murder on the Orient Express, EMI Films planned further adaptations of Agatha Christie’s works. In 1975, production chief Nat Cohen announced a £6 million slate including six films such as Evil Under the Sun, though it was initially postponed partly due to screenwriter Paul Dehn’s death in 1976.
By May 1977, EMI committed to producing two Christie adaptations: Death on the Nile and Evil Under the Sun. The 1978 release of Death on the Nile introduced Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, while Evil Under the Sun received approval in 1981 with a $10 million budget. Producer Richard Goodwin, known for other Christie projects, emphasized creating high-quality escapist films enriched with strong visual elements.
The screenplay was penned by Anthony Shaffer, returning from previous Christie adaptations, with uncredited input from Barry Sandler. The script remained faithful to Christie’s novel but condensed characters and scenes for pacing and incorporated additional humor. Significant alterations included combining characters and shifting the location from Devon to an Adriatic island within the fictitious kingdom of Tyrania.
Director Guy Hamilton, who had helmed The Mirror Crack'd, returned for this production, commenting that audience expectations fuel popularity while leaving room for surprises. Costume design was led by Academy Award winner Anthony Powell, noted for his work on Death on the Nile.
During promotional activities, Ustinov mentioned plans for another Poirot film set in Jordan, delayed due to logistical challenges. Producer Goodwin expressed caution about overextending the series’ output. This likely referred to Appointment with Death, which was later produced by Cannon Films in 1988 starring Ustinov again with Shaffer co-writing.
Casting
Peter Ustinov returned as Poirot in this film, marking his second portrayal of the detective after Death on the Nile four years prior. Ustinov commended the Evil Under the Sun screenplay, considering it more refined and enjoyable than its predecessor. He characterized Poirot as "extremely vain, self-contained, and meticulous," highlighting the detective's distinctive personality traits and his status as a bachelor.
Both Maggie Smith and Jane Birkin appeared in these two productions, albeit portraying different characters in each. Denis Quilley and Colin Blakely had earlier roles in Murder on the Orient Express. Diana Rigg was cast to embody the quintessential "actress with an edge," while Sylvia Miles based her character on Broadway producer Terry Allen Kramer. Nicholas Clay was selected for his resemblance to classic leading men such as Stewart Granger, blending charm, timing, and physical presence.
Filming locations
Filming occurred at Lee International Studios located in Wembley, London, complemented by on-site shoots in Majorca, Spain, during May 1981. The choice of Majorca was influenced by producer Hamilton’s personal connection to the island. Aerial footage showcased Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park islet near Sant Elm that remains uninhabited.
Additional scenes in Majorca were filmed at Cala Blanca (representing "Ladder Bay"), Sant Elm (standing in for southern France), Cala d'en Monjo (used for Daphne’s hotel exterior), and Cala en Feliu ("Gull Cove") on the Formentor Peninsula. The hotel location was a private property later purchased and demolished by the Mallorca Island Council to establish a natural reserve. Exterior shots also took place at Raixa Estate in Bunyola, an Italian-style villa once owned by designer Jil Sander and now under Island Council ownership.
The scene featuring Poirot boarding a launch was filmed at Cala de Deià near the village of Deià. Early moorland sequences were captured in England’s Yorkshire Dales, with the police station exterior shot at the former Literary Institute building in Muker, Swaledale.
Reception
EMI executive Nat Cohen remarked that this film "underperformed compared to the other two Poirot adaptations. We only had one actor of grade A status... while the rest were competent but considered grade B at the box office. Moreover, talent fees had risen beyond our budget constraints."
Award nomination
| Award | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edgar Award | Best Motion Picture | Anthony Shaffer | Template:Nom |
Sequels
Following Evil Under the Sun, Peter Ustinov continued portraying Poirot in several television films during 1985–86, including Thirteen at Dinner, Murder in Three Acts, and Dead Man's Folly. His final appearance as the detective was in the 1988 feature film Appointment With Death.