1. Murder on the Orient Express is based on the novel by Agatha Christie, which was published on New Year’s Day 1934.
2. The novel was inspired by the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s son; as well as by Christie’s own journey on the Orient Express.
3. It features Christie’s most famous detective, the punctilious Hercule Poirot. The character has been portrayed by 26 actors across stage, TV, film, and radio. In the 2017 movie, he is played by Kenneth Branagh.
4. Branagh is not only the star of the show but also the director. He loves adapting great literary works for the screen. Previously he has directed adaptations of Frankenstein, Hamlet, and Much Ado About Nothing.
5. Branagh’s monstrous moustache is a fake!
6. Murder on the Orient Express was first adapted into a feature film in 1974. Its stunning cast included Albert Finney, Sean Connery, and Lauren Bacall.
7. The 2017 film is the novel’s fifth adaptation. It was previously adapted into a TV movie, a TV episode, a Japanese TV adaptation, and the above-mentioned feature.
8. The 2017 screenplay was written by Michael Green, who helped pen Logan and Blade Runner 2049.
9. Charlize Theron was considered for the role of Caroline Hubbard in the latest adaptation. The part ultimately went to Michelle Pfeiffer.
10. Branagh will reprise his role as star and director for the next Christie adaptation, Death on the Nile.
Watch Murder on the Orient Express, your #SundayNightMovie on 2 September at 20:05 on M-Net channel 101.
More movies on trains? Check here.