This is a fast-paced, richly-detailed murder mystery set aboard the titular train route which bisects India from Calcutta to Bombay (and is mandated to always be on time, notwithstanding minor details like multiple murders). Although the film comes from Universal Studios' B-movie mill, it more precisely resembles British thrillers of the era -- not very smooth or stylish, but with plenty of atmospheric vignettes, florid dialog and witty asides.
The writers certainly take advantage of the politically charged setting, cleverly working local customs and rituals into the plot, and even some local wildlife in one striking sequence. The cast of suspects is an exotic melange -- a maharajah, a Gandhi-like pundit, a French chemist researching cobra venom, a Russian opera singer (or is she a Canadian courtesan?), and for pointed comedy relief, a bathroom fixtures salesman from Old Blighty. Even though it's set-bound, the reliable director Edwin L Marin keeps the camera moving from place to place, with plenty of cutaways to the outside landscape for convincing local color. And there's always a suspicious character or two eavesdropping or plotting in the shadows.
Unless you're a die-hard mystery buff, you may not be able to keep all the plot threads untangled, but the "gather up all the suspects" finale is still a success. If you're a train buff, or love the lore of Britain's colonial days on the subcontinent, then this is a must-see.
The writers certainly take advantage of the politically charged setting, cleverly working local customs and rituals into the plot, and even some local wildlife in one striking sequence. The cast of suspects is an exotic melange -- a maharajah, a Gandhi-like pundit, a French chemist researching cobra venom, a Russian opera singer (or is she a Canadian courtesan?), and for pointed comedy relief, a bathroom fixtures salesman from Old Blighty. Even though it's set-bound, the reliable director Edwin L Marin keeps the camera moving from place to place, with plenty of cutaways to the outside landscape for convincing local color. And there's always a suspicious character or two eavesdropping or plotting in the shadows.
Unless you're a die-hard mystery buff, you may not be able to keep all the plot threads untangled, but the "gather up all the suspects" finale is still a success. If you're a train buff, or love the lore of Britain's colonial days on the subcontinent, then this is a must-see.