Death on the Nile is one of the most famous stories ever to be published, as is its predecessor, Murder on the Orient Express. When it comes to movie adaptations, these two are always near the top for Agatha Christie novels. Will there be a third? Hopefully, the pandemic won't delay things further, if there will be another instalment.
After all, Death on the Nile was supposed to come out in 2020 but was held back due to the pandemic. Murder on the Orient Express was in 2017, so, for fans, it has been a while. Perhaps the wait was worth it to see some fun quotes in yet another enthralling mystery starring the great character, Detective Hercule Poirot. Until then, let's reflect on some of the best quotes from this film.
There will be spoilers ahead.
8 “You Are Too Smart To Be A Farmer”
This was said by Poirot’s captain in the beginning military coup. His mustache rivals that of Poirot’s in the future, which was seemingly done to trick the audience into thinking this army official was Poirot.
Instead, it is revealed Poirot grows his mustache to hide the scars of his past. Right after the captain congratulates Poirot on his smarts, he triggers a landmine. This kills him and injures other men, including Poirot.
7 “That Was Naughty Of Me”
Simon and Jacky in the opening scene in the club could be described as nothing short of scandalous. After Linnet meets up with Jacky at the bar later, Simon returns and gives Jacky a deeply passionate kiss. It takes the romantic vibe of their relationship to a whole new level. That’s why Simon says this line.
It’s a bit cheesy for Death on the Nile, but it is fun regardless because of the way Simon says it. The way the line is read is reminiscent of the acting in Austin Powers.
6 “You Are The Most Ridiculous Man I’ve Ever Seen”
Poirot was enjoying the great pyramids and sphinx before a kite distracts him. This kite turned out to belong to one of his good friends, Bouc. After a brief conversation, Bouc introduces Poirot to his mother, Euphemia.
That’s when she says this line to Poirot. The detective is kind of ridiculous, but that charm about detectives like him. He is a refined gentleman that enjoys his suits even in the hot desert air. He also enjoys his giant, groomed mustache.
5 “When You Have Money No One Is Really Your Friend”
Linnet says this to Poirot a little after they get aboard the ship on the Nile. She reveals to him that she is not only worried about Jackie, but that she thinks everyone is out to get her. Everyone has a reason to murder her.
This line can be taken outside of Death on the Nile and be applied to real life. It can be said that happiness cannot be bought. Anxiety accompanies the rich and powerful and money just can’t solve everything.
4 “I Prefer More Flavorful Veggie Tables”
Poirot says this when he is asked what he wants from life. The plan was to settle down with his beloved fiancé and build a farm after the military. It was to be a simple life until cruel fate took her away from Poirot.
He still holds onto this dream and wishes to retire from the detective and mystery game eventually. He wants to grow flavorful “veggie tables.” The way he says vegetables is why this line is both sweet and funny, and he says it quite a bit.
3 “All The Money In The World And She Is In The Freezer With The Hams”
Bouc says this line after he, Poirot, Dr. Bressner start examining Linnet in the meat cooler. In death, we are all just slabs of meat. That’s one interpretation for this line. It’s a great accompaniment to Linnet’s line about her worries over her riches inviting unwanted guests into her life.
Now, in death, she is reduced to being examined as if she were a prize hog. Death on the Nile has a lot of dark humor and hard truths to swallow, but they are all rather poignant. Most of the time, people do not get to chose where they die or what happens after they do.
2 “He Accuses Everyone Of Murder”
This is another great line from Bouc. Ms. Schuyler is aghast to find that Ms. Bowers is being accused of murder by Poirot. She couldn’t stand by any longer so she storms in on the conversation. That’s when Poirot accuses Ms. Schuyler of murder as well, which prompts this fun line from Bouc. Poirot’s response makes it better as he admits it is a character flaw.
This is a classic detective technique he uses not just in Death on the Nile, but many books involving his exploits. He’s not actually accusing anyone of murder — he is merely probing this in the hopes that a reaction may reveal some new information.
1 “The World Would Be Filled With Bodies Of White Ladies”
Salome is one tough woman. She says this line when Poirot is trying to figure out if Linnet’s racism was enough to make Salome attack her. That’s why she says that if she took a pot shot at everyone that put her and other people of color down, the world would be filled with bodies. Salome is smarter than that.
It seems to unsettle Poirot, who is usually calm and collected. This is seemingly only the second woman in Poirot’s life that can put him out of sorts for better or worse.