THE FIFTH CORD (1971)
aka GIORNATA NERA PER L’AREITE
Article 2065 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 11-9-2006
Posting Date: 4-8-2007
Directed by Luigi Bazzoni
Featuring Franco Nero, Silvia Monti, Wolfgang Preiss

An alcoholic reporter finds himself a suspect in a series of murders of people he knows. The killer leaves a glove at each killing, with a finger removed for each successive victim.

For those who like watching giallos for the gore, disappointment awaits them here, as it is a relatively (but not totally) bloodless example of the form. However, those who get into the style, the mystery and the suspense should like this one. Franco Nero gives a good performance as the alcoholic reporter, though I do think his character is a bit more unpleasant than is necessary for the story. The dubbing is pretty good here as well, and it really builds up a good deal of suspense near the end where the killer chooses a child for his next victim. All in all, this is an enjoyable giallo.