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Crime Cult Classic

A washed-up reporter hunts a gloved killer through Rome's glittering parties and grim secrets.

THE FIFTH CORD

1971 · 1h 30m · NR · Crime / Mystery / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

After a high-class party in Rome, there's an assault. The victim is injured but lives. Andrea, an investigative reporter who drinks too much, is assigned the story. Then, always on Tuesdays, there are a series of murders. At each crime scene, a glove is left with a finger cut off for each victim. After four murders, Andrea thinks he's making progress, but by this time he may himself be a suspect, and someone he loves is in danger.

Quick Answer

What is The Fifth Cord about?

The Fifth Cord is a 1971 Italian crime, mystery, and thriller film directed by Luigi Bazzoni about an alcoholic reporter who investigates a series of murders tied to his own social circle.

Programmer's Pick

Franco Nero trades his Spaghetti Western hat for a whisky glass and a glower as Andrea Bild, prowling Rome's after-hours with more baggage than a railway porter. Director Luigi Bazzoni loads this giallo with stylish menace and a killer who really keeps count—one finger at a time.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

On New Year’s Eve in Rome, a group of intertwined friends and acquaintances gather for a sophisticated party that quickly takes a sinister turn. Andrea Bild, a washed-up investigative reporter burdened by alcoholism, finds himself at the center of a violent mystery when one of the guests, John Lubbock, is attacked by an unseen assailant while walking home. The ensemble includes a doctor and his wife, a woman from Andrea's past, and others with complicated ties and simmering jealousies. As the police begin to investigate, Andrea is assigned to cover the case, placing him closer to the unfolding danger. Moodily atmospheric and laced with psychological tension, The Fifth Cord explores obsession, fractured relationships, and the darker side of desire in the labyrinthine city.

Details & Specs

Director
Luigi Bazzoni
Writers
David McDonald Devine, Luigi Bazzoni, Mario Fanelli, Mario Di Nardo
Release
1971
Runtime
1h 30m
Country
Italy
Language
Italian
Also Known As
Ein schwarzer Tag für den Widder, El día negro, Journée noire pour un bélier, Evil Fingers, The Fifth Cord

Why This Matters

Directed by Luigi Bazzoni and starring Franco Nero, this 1971 giallo adapts D.M. Devine’s novel and reflects the era’s trend of animal-themed titles popularized by Dario Argento, situating it firmly within the Italian thriller tradition of the early 1970s.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Luigi Bazzoni Writers: David McDonald Devine +3 more

Explore More

Why Cult

Rome After Dark

The film weaves suspense through the city's elite circles and shadowy tunnels, making Rome as much a character as any suspect.

Signature Giallo Style

Expect stylish visuals, gloved violence, and psychological intrigue characteristic of Italian giallo cinema.

Franco Nero Investigates

Nero’s portrayal of the flawed, hard-drinking reporter adds depth to the film’s mix of cynicism and suspense.

Killer Leaves Clues

A gloved killer with a chilling signature—one finger severed for each victim—adds a macabre puzzle to the murders.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Assault after New Year's party

Threat

Gloved serial killer

Effect

Victims attacked or murdered; gloves with severed fingers left as a calling card

Setting

Rome's upper-class circles and streets

Questions from the Vault

When was The Fifth Cord released? +

The Fifth Cord was released in 1971.

Who directed The Fifth Cord? +

The Fifth Cord was directed by Luigi Bazzoni.

How long is The Fifth Cord? +

The Fifth Cord has a runtime of 90 minutes.

What genre is The Fifth Cord? +

The Fifth Cord is a crime, mystery, and thriller film.

Where can I watch The Fifth Cord? +

The Fifth Cord is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips