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The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

Play trailer Poster for The Bird With the Crystal Plumage PG 1970 1h 38m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Joe Baltake Philadelphia Daily News Sep 27, 2022
Dario Argento has indeed whipped up a creeper to send chills up and down the spine. Go to Full Review Eric Atkins Tampa Bay Times Sep 26, 2022
Enough to make you clutch your partner in sheer delightful fright. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Suzan L Oct 2, 2021 My favorite Argento film. I finally got to see it on the big screen. See more Robert P @Superbad 4 days ago This is a *4* star Movie! See more 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. See more Jason H @RT50328122 Apr 14, 2026 Absolute garbage. Every character acts like an idiot. See more 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. See more Craig W. @CJWolfe27 Nov 10, 2025 The first movie Argento directed it’s a good thriller mystery See more Read all reviews
The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

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Cast & Crew

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Dario Argento

Director

Tony Musante

Sam Dalmas

Suzy Kendall

Julia

Eva Renzi

Monica Ranieri

Enrico Maria Salerno

Inspector Morosini

Mario Adorf

Berto Consalvi

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The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970) The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970) View more photos

Movie Info

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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