Watch Short Night of Glass Dolls

Short Night of Glass Dolls is a 1971 Italian horror mystery film directed by Aldo Lado. The film stars Ingrid Thulin, Jean Sorel, and Mario Adorf, among others. It is a well-made classic psychological thriller that follows the story of an American journalist named Gregory Moore, played by Sorel, who is found unconscious in a public park in Prague by the police.

When brought in for an autopsy, it is discovered that despite being paralyzed, Moore is still alive, and his brain is still functioning. As his consciousness starts to slip away, he relives the events that led to his current condition. As he travels through his recent memories, we see flashes of his life, from his intense love affair with his girlfriend Mira (played by Barbara Bach), to his obsessive investigation of a strange cult which his girlfriend was associated with.

Moore is a romantic individual, and he becomes increasingly attached to Mira. He becomes more and more unsettled as she disappears without a trace one day before he is to meet her in Prague, where his new job lies. Moore starts to investigate and meets various shady characters who claim to have encountered Mira, including a band of hippie who are connected with a Satanic cult.

As he delves deeper into his investigations, he uncovers a dark, nightmarish world that is on the brink of insanity. He realizes that there is a high-level conspiracy against him and everyone around him, and he is the only one who can stop it. The film's title Short Night of Glass Dolls, can be interpreted as both a reference to the fragility and vulnerable nature of the human state and humanity's susceptibility to harm by other humans, as well as the faceless, interchangeable nature of the victims in the film.

The great Italian actress Ingrid Thulin gives an excellent performance as an aging journalist named Jessica. She is Moore's only ally and is the only one who believes he is still alive. Her character is complex and mysterious, and provides interesting depth to the film.

The film is a throwback to the classic Italian giallo films of the 70s', which are highly influential in the horror genre. The director Aldo Lado incorporates elements of suspense and drama that sustain the film's eerie and suspenseful tone throughout. The film's colors and visual motifs are stunning, with the use of camera angles and lighting that heighten the tension at key moments.

Short Night of Glass Dolls is much more than a simple mystery thriller. It explores themes such as human weakness, the power of conspiracy, the true nature of love, and the sensitive issue of political oppression during the communist era. The film's ambiguity and lack of clear answers draw the viewer in, and the film's intense atmosphere will make sure that it stays with them long after they've seen it.

In conclusion, Short Night of Glass Dolls is a suspenseful and eerie thriller-mystery that will make you think and stay with you long after you have seen it. Its unique plot, stunning visual elements and incredible performances make it a must-see for fans of the thriller genre. The movie's twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.

Short Night of Glass Dolls is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.