Here, in another Sidney Lumet winner (the director and Sean Connery actually made five films together), an unrecognizable Finney transforms himself into Agatha Christie's renowned Belgian sleuth. Beyond his astonishing portrayal, the magic of this whodunit comes from the fascinating assortment of characters he interrogates, played by an outstanding ensemble cast: Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Wendy Hiller, John Gielgud, and Sir Sean among them. Predictably, in addition to Finney, Connery, and Bergman (who snagged an Oscar), old pros Hiller and Gielgud really shine. “Murder” should be nirvana for any mystery lover, and the film bursts with '30s period charm. This is one train well worth catching.
