Where was the Murder on the Orient Express filmed?
The Murder on the Orient Express, a renowned mystery novel by Agatha Christie, has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage plays. The 1974 film adaptation, directed by Sidney Lumet, is one of the most iconic and beloved versions of the story. But have you ever wondered where this murder mystery was filmed? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the locations where the 1974 film was shot.
Filming Locations
The 1974 film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express was shot on location in Yugoslavia (now Croatia and Slovenia) and Switzerland. The production team chose these countries for their unique architecture, picturesque landscapes, and availability of railway infrastructure.
Here’s a breakdown of the filming locations:
| Location | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo Station | Bosnia and Herzegovina | The exterior shots of the train station where the story begins were filmed at Sarajevo Station. |
| Belgrade Station | Serbia | The interior shots of the station were filmed at Belgrade Station. |
| Dubrovnik | Croatia | The scenic town of Dubrovnik was used as the setting for the fictional city of Kusadasi, where Poirot meets the wealthy businessman, Monsieur Bouc. |
| Split | Croatia | The city of Split was used as the setting for Bucharest, where Poirot boards the Orient Express. |
| Zagreb | Croatia | The Zagreb Railway Station was used as the departure point for the Orient Express. |
| Lucerne | Switzerland | The picturesque town of Lucerne was used as the setting for the final confrontation between Poirot and the killer. |
| Interlaken | Switzerland | The scenic town of Interlaken was used as the setting for the San Remo train, where Poirot discovers the body of Ratchett. |
Other Interesting Facts
- Train carriages: The film’s production team used a combination of real and replica train carriages to create the iconic Orient Express. Some of the carriages were sourced from Yugoslavia, while others were built specifically for the film.
- Costumes: The costumes for the film were designed by Tony Walton, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film. The costumes were inspired by the fashion of the 1930s and added to the film’s sense of glamour and sophistication.
- Cast: The film boasted an impressive cast, including Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, Laurence Olivier as Dr. Constantine, and Wendy Hiller as Countess Andrenyi.
Conclusion
The 1974 film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express was a cinematic masterpiece that transported audiences to the luxurious and mysterious world of Agatha Christie’s beloved novel. The film’s use of real locations in Yugoslavia and Switzerland added to its sense of authenticity and helped to bring the story to life. If you’re a fan of the film or the novel, we hope this article has provided you with a fascinating glimpse into the making of this iconic movie.
