The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

An American expatriate in Rome witnesses an attempted murder. He learns later that it's connected to an ongoing murder spree in the city, and decides to do his own investigation, despite being personally targeted by the killer.

Director:

Dario Argento

Writer:

Dario Argento

Stars:

Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, Enrico Maria Salerno

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tony Musante	...	Sam Dalmas
Suzy Kendall	...	Julia
Enrico Maria Salerno	...	Inspector Morosini
Eva Renzi	...	Monica Ranieri
Umberto Raho	...	Alberto Ranieri
Renato Romano	...	Professor Carlo Dover (as Raf Valenti)
Giuseppe Castellano	...	Monti
Mario Adorf	...	Berto Consalvi
Pino Patti	...	Faiena
Gildo Di Marco	...	Garullo
Rosita Torosh	...	4th Victim (as Rosa Toros)
Omar Bonaro	...	Police Detective
Fulvio Mingozzi	...	Police Detective
Werner Peters	...	Antique Dealer
Karen Valenti	...	Tina, 5th Victim

Storyline

In Italy, the American writer Sam Dalmas witnesses an attempt of murder of the owner of an art gallery, Monica Ranieri, a couple of days before returning home. Inspector Morosini, who is in charge of investigating the three previous murderers of the serial-killer, asks for help to Dalmas and takes his passport. Dalmas decides to stay with his girlfriend Julia and to help the police in the investigation. The killer threatens Dalmas and Julia by phone and the police overhears a strange noise in the tape. Soon the serial killer stalks Julia and Damas. Who might be the killer?

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Plot Keywords:

serial killer | mysterious villain | mysterious stranger | american in italy | girlfriend | 

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Taglines:

Shock! Goosebump Tension!

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

GP

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was director of photography Vittorio Storaro's first film in color.

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Goofs

The rare Siberian bird from which the title of the film comes from is actually a Crowned Crane native to Africa.

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Quotes

Voice: [final lines, voiceover] I can hear it now: "Go to Italy. It's a peaceful country, nothing much ever happens there."

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Alternate Versions

West German theatrical version was cut by ca. 10 minutes (plot scenes). For TV broadcasting these scenes were reinserted but the violent scenes were trimmed instead.

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Connections

Referenced in Suspiria (1977)

User Reviews

Excellent thriller, intelligent with surprising end

This is one rare jewel of an intelligent thriller that was also the break-through effort for people like Dario Argento, the director and scriptwriter, Vittorio Storaro, the director of photography, and last but not least Ennio Morricone who composed the soundtrack. There are great performances by a cast of lesser known European actors who did not make it big but are great in this one. I would just like to mention two outstanding supporting performances by Eva Renzi who was never better before or after, and by Mario Adorf who convinces as half-crazed cat-eating painter. The movie will keep you glued to your seat and surprise with an absolutely unexpected twist at the end. Watch and enjoy!

Details

Country:

Italy West Germany

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

12 June 1970 (USA)

Also Known As:

Point of Terror

Filming Locations:

Via Pietro da Cortona 28, Roma, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Seda Spettacoli, Central Cinema Company Film (CCC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1