The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

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The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

PG

1970

1h 38m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

An American writer, Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante), is living in Rome with his girlfriend, Julia (Suzy Kendall). While visiting an art gallery, Sam witnesses an unsuccessful murder attempt by a mysterious figure. As the assailant is believed to be an infamous serial killer, Sam quickly becomes a key witness in the ongoing police investigation. After he begins searching for clues that may help him identify the killer, Sam discovers that he may be the next intended victim.

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Critics Consensus

Combining a deadly thriller plot with stylized violence, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage marks an impressive horror debut for Dario Argento.

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Joseph Gelmis

Newsday

Sep 27, 2022

A middling potboiler that suffers from being dubbed and full of holes so wide you can drive a Ferrari through them.

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William B. Collins

Philadelphia Inquirer

Sep 27, 2022

A certain amount of ingenuity lifts The Bird with the Crystal Plumage above the run-of-the-mill murder mystery.

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Myles Standish

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sep 26, 2022

This Italian Hitchcock keeps the tension high, a taut suspense that grabs the viewer, and an effective atmosphere of menace and horror.

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Joe Baltake

Philadelphia Daily News

Sep 27, 2022

Dario Argento has indeed whipped up a creeper to send chills up and down the spine.

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Eric Atkins

Tampa Bay Times

Sep 26, 2022

Enough to make you clutch your partner in sheer delightful fright.

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Suzan L

Oct 2, 2021

My favorite Argento film. I finally got to see it on the big screen.

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Brant F

@destroyfascism Jul 4, 2026

Dario Argento's debut remains a masterclass in atmosphere, pairing Ennio Morricone's superb score with impeccable sound design, expressive lighting, and a mystery that trusts the audience to question its own perceptions. A few plot holes are easy to forgive when the filmmaking is this elegant, confident, and influential.

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Jason H

@RT50328122 Apr 14, 2026

Absolute garbage. Every character acts like an idiot.

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nick s

@Nick_S Dec 1, 2025

Quite entertaining. I'm not sure about acting as I watched English dubbing, which wasn't that great. My biggest issue was the storyline, which had a a make-it-up-as-you-go feel about it. The final denouement was a bit contrived. Overall impression is that it was good, not outstanding.

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Craig W.

@CJWolfe27 Nov 10, 2025

The first movie Argento directed it’s a good thriller mystery

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Derek B

@RT09342511 Mar 23, 2025

Another signature Argento twist.

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Tony Musante

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Synopsis

An American writer, Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante), is living in Rome with his girlfriend, Julia (Suzy Kendall). While visiting an art gallery, Sam witnesses an unsuccessful murder attempt by a mysterious figure. As the assailant is believed to be an infamous serial killer, Sam quickly becomes a key witness in the ongoing police investigation. After he begins searching for clues that may help him identify the killer, Sam discovers that he may be the next intended victim.

Director: Dario Argento
Producer: Salvatore Argento
Distributor: Universal Marion Corporation
Production Co: Glazier, CCC Filmkunst GmbH, Seda Spettacoli
Rating: PG
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 12, 1970, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 29, 2017
Runtime: 1h 38m

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