A Curious Case: The UVA Law Diploma in “Death on the Nile”
The 1978 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” is renowned for its captivating mystery. However, an intriguing detail has puzzled viewers: a University of Virginia School of Law diploma featured prominently on a character’s office wall.
This peculiar sighting caught the attention of Mary Farsetta, a quality improvement coordinator at UVA Health, prompting a deeper investigation into its origins.
Early in the movie, approximately ten minutes in, audiences can spot a framed UVA Law diploma hanging in the office of the character Anthony Pennington, portrayed by George Kennedy. The choice of UVA for this prop raises questions.
The reason behind this selection remains elusive. No direct connections have been identified between the film’s creators and the University of Virginia. One theory is the size of UVA Law diplomas, which are larger than those from many other institutions, making them more noticeable on screen.
Anthony Pennington, characterized as a high-powered American lawyer, needs credentials befitting his status. The University of Virginia School of Law is often ranked among the top in the nation, making it a fitting choice for such a character.
Curiously, some trivia enthusiasts speculate that the diploma might nod to George Kennedy’s surname, which he shares with the famous Kennedy political family. Robert and Ted Kennedy both attended UVA Law, although no direct relation between the actor and the political clan is documented.
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