This is easily the best screen adaptation of an Agatha Christie whodunnit and, for those unfamiliar with either book or film, the solution will take your breath away. Albert Finney makes fussy Belgian detective Hercule Poirot seem every bit as preposterous as Christie intended, yet without relying on the oversize mannerisms of Peter Ustinov, and he earned an Oscar nomination for his wonderful performance. The supporting cast does everything that is expected of it, with Ingrid Bergman's Oscar-winning turn just about the pick of a stellar selection. Praise should also go to director Sidney Lumet for lashing on the style and keeping you guessing until that ending.

In 1935, when his train is stopped by deep snow, detective Hercule Poirot is called on to solve a murder that occurred in his car the night before.