The Rio Theatre is excited to head into our third annual cinematic celebration of Italian Heritage Month in Vancouver with a Friday Late Night Movie screening of horror maestro Dario Argento‘s debut feature (and first foray into the stylish genre known throughout the world as “giallo”), the landmark 1970 film, the tightly-wound whodunit THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE. Written by Argento and inspired by Fredric Brown‘s novel The Screaming Mimi, this film focuses more on suspense built through dramatic narrative and less on the artful gore (you can catch SUSPIRIA at the Rio on Thursday, June 8!) he would also come to be known for. An inspiration to countless other “hybrid imitators,” THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE remains a stunning and ultimately very modern stylistic achievement in any genre, and also manages to boast a fantastic soundtrack from the iconic composer Ennio Morricone.

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.

Presented with the generous help and support from our friends at the Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, Italian Day on the Drive, and the Italian Contemporary Film Festival.

“Combining a deadly thriller plot with the stylized violence that would become his trademark, THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE marked an impressive horror debut for Dario Argento.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“Its scares are on a much more basic level than in, say, a thriller by Hitchcock. It works mostly by exploiting our fear of the dark.” (Roger Ebert)

Friday, June 9
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm

Tickets $8 advance HERE | $10 at the door

*Minors OK in the balcony! (Please note this film is rated 18A.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
*Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE “L’uccello dalle piume di cristallo” (Dario Argento, 1970 / 98 mins / 18A) In Italy, the American writer Sam Dalmas (Tony Musant) witnesses an attempt of murder of the owner of an art gallery, a couple of days before his foreseen return to the United States of America. He decides to stay with his girlfriend Julia (Suzy Kendall) and help the police in the investigation, while the serial killer stalks Julia and him.