The Fifth Cord

The Fifth Cord (Italian: Giornata nera per l’ariete, lit. “Black Day for Aries”) is a stylish and atmospheric Italian giallo film directed by Luigi Bazzoni and released in 1971, based on the novel of the same name by D.M. Devine. Set against the backdrop of a cold and wintry Rome, this film delivers a gripping blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological tension that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

The plot centers around Andrea Bild (played by Franco Nero), a hard-drinking journalist who becomes embroiled in a series of brutal murders plaguing the city. As the body count rises, Bild finds himself drawn deeper into the investigation, uncovering a tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives among the city’s elite.

One of the most striking aspects of The Fifth Cord is its stunning cinematography by Vittorio Storaro, which captures the bleak beauty of Rome in winter with haunting precision. From shadowy alleys to opulent mansions, every frame is infused with an eerie atmosphere that enhances the film’s sense of mystery and dread.

Franco Nero delivers a compelling performance as the troubled and enigmatic Bild, portraying him as a flawed but determined protagonist whose own demons threaten to consume him as he races against time to catch the killer. Supporting performances from the likes of Silvia Monti, Rossella Falk, and Edmund Purdom add depth and complexity to the film’s ensemble cast, while Ennio Morricone‘s haunting score heightens the tension and suspense throughout.

In addition to its visual and auditory elements, The Fifth Cord is also notable for its intricate plot, which keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Bazzoni deftly weaves together a complex tapestry of clues and red herrings, leading audiences down unexpected twists and turns as Bild inches closer to uncovering the truth behind the murders.

Overall, The Fifth Cord is a must-see for fans of Italian giallo cinema and psychological thrillers alike. With its striking visuals, strong performances, and gripping plot, it stands as a testament to Luigi Bazzoni‘s skill as a filmmaker and remains a cult classic of the genre.

Release date: 28 August 1971

Director: Luigi Bazzoni
Writers: David McDonald Devine, Mario di Nardo, Mario Fanelli

Main Cast

Franco Nero as Andrea Bild
Silvia Monti as Helene Volta
Pamela Tiffin as Lù Auer
Wolfgang Preiss as Inspector
Princess Ira von Fürstenberg as Isabel Lancia
Edmund Purdom as Edouard Vermont