Appointment with Death

Appointment with Death

Year: 1988

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Winner

DramaCrimeMysteryThrillerThrillers and murder mysteries

Emily Boynton, stepmother of three, coerces the family solicitor into destroying a second will that would free the children from her control. She whiskes herself, the kids and her daughter‑in‑law on a tour of Europe and the Holy Land. When Emily is discovered dead at an archaeological dig, Hercule Poirot is called in to unravel the murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Appointment with Death (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Appointment with Death (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Trieste, Jerusalem, Qumran

The story begins aboard a ship docking in Trieste, a historic Adriatic port known for its cultural crossroads. The voyage then shifts to an archaeological dig near Jerusalem and Qumran, places steeped in ancient history and religious significance. These settings drive the mystery, moving the characters from a European holiday into desert landscapes where hidden motives surface.

🗺️ European and Middle Eastern settings

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

Main Characters – Appointment with Death (1988)

Meet the key characters of Appointment with Death (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nadine Boynton (Carrie Fisher)

Nadine is Emily’s daughter-in-law who becomes entangled with Jefferson Cope and the stepchildren. She navigates a tense social circle aboard the journey, balancing affection and manipulation as plots around the wills unfold. Her actions reflect a modern, socially mobile woman caught between love, loyalty, and self-protection.

🎭 Drama 💼 Ambition

Emily Boynton (Piper Laurie)

Emily is the controlling matriarch whose demand for wealth preservation drives her to push aside the children. She uses her social position to bully others and is central to the motive behind the poisoning attempt. Her death becomes the catalyst that reveals the true personalities in the family.

🎭 Drama 💰 Wealth

Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov)

The renowned detective observes the crew, pieces together clues, and navigates the web of alibis and relationships. His calm, precise reasoning contrasts with the passions and prejudices of the family, guiding the investigation toward a just resolution.

🕵️ Detective 🧭 Deduction

Dr. Sarah King (Jenny Seagrove)

Dr. King is a compassionate observer who forms a bond with Raymond and becomes a key witness to the events. She represents rationality and scientific thinking, helping to interpret medical details surrounding the death.

🩺 Medical 🧠 Intelligence

Lady Westholme (Lauren Bacall)

A former prison warder turned politician, her past and motives are central to the murder reveal. Her status and guarded persona create suspicion and add a twist to the investigation.

👑 Status 🗝️ Secrets

Miss Quinton (Hayley Mills)

Quinton is an archaeologist accompanying the group, offering intellect and a hint of mystique to the dig scenes. She represents curiosity and scholarly intrigue within the ensemble.

🎓 Academia 🔎 Observation

Jefferson Cope (David Soul)

Cope is the family lawyer involved in the second will plot and the medical details of Emily's death. He becomes a focal point for questions about motive and opportunity.

⚖️ Law 💼 Inheritance

Raymond Boynton (John Terlesky)

Raymond is one of the stepchildren who navigates familial tension and romantic entanglements with Nadine, while seeking independence from his mother's control.

💞 Romance 🧭 Loyalty

Lennox Boynton (Nicholas Guest)

Lennox is a son of Emily who finds himself caught between the will conflict and his relation to the other siblings, revealing the pressures of inheritance.

👨‍👩️ Family 💡 Insight

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

Major Themes – Appointment with Death (1988)

Explore the central themes of Appointment with Death (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♀️ Deception

Deception drives the plot as Emily manipulates the family and a second will to control the inheritance. The holiday becomes a stage where appearances hide ulterior motives and calculated misdirections. Poirot uncovers the web of lies by noting what characters do not reveal and what they conceal about their relationships and finances.

🔎 Murder & Investigation

A poisoning, a missing syringe, and a staged natural death create a classic whodunit framework. Poirot’s methodical deduction and the pursuit of a credible outsider highlight how careful observation and timing unravel truth from fantasy. The investigation is as much about who benefits from the death as who had the opportunity.

💰 Wealth & Inheritance

The estate is the central prize, with the second will threatening to shift fortunes away from Emily. Family dynamics, social status, and the fear of losing financial security propel characters to reveal their true selves under pressure. The resolution exposes how money corrupts trust and motivates lethal decisions.

🏛️ Class & Identity

The cast spans American-born aristocrats and British elites, with Lady Westholme's past and status shaping much of the suspicion. The voyage across cultural lines tests allegiance and loyalty. Through Poirot’s eyes, appearances tied to class are scrutinized and challenged.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:30

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Appointment with Death Summary

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Appointment with Death Summary

Appointment with Death Timeline

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Appointment with Death Timeline

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