Fragment of Fear

Fragment of Fear

Year: 1970

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard C. Sarafian

ThrillerHorrorMysteryCrime

Murder in Pompeii. Voices in the night. Despair in the gutter. A phantasmagoria of fright! A reformed drug addict travels to Italy to find out who murdered his aunt.

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Timeline & Setting – Fragment of Fear (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Fragment of Fear (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Pompeii, Italy, England, United Kingdom

The story unfolds around a luxurious Italian coastal hotel during a Pompeii visit, where Tim Brett's aunt is murdered. The investigation moves from the Italian coast to England, as Brett digs into a web of crime and blackmail connected to his aunt's charitable work. The juxtaposition of sunny Italian locales and a sinister, high-society network sets the film's mood of intrigue.

🇮🇹 Italian setting 🏖️ Coastal locale

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:44

Main Characters – Fragment of Fear (1970)

Meet the key characters of Fragment of Fear (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tim Brett (David Hemmings)

A former drug addict who has rebuilt his life by publishing a memoir. His relentless curiosity drives him to challenge police reports and uncover a web of conspiracy, even as his own mental state falters under threat. He is intelligent, determined, and morally conflicted, operating on the edge between courage and danger.

🕵️ Investigation 🧠 Psychological 🔍 Inquiry-driven

Juliet Bristow (Gayle Hunnicutt)

Tim's fiancée who becomes a key ally in the investigation. She shares his sense of danger and provides emotional support, while also confronting the risks of entanglement with the case. Her presence anchors Tim's humanity amid escalating paranoia.

💑 Romance 🧭 Ally 🔎 Investigator

Signor Bardoni (Adolfo Celi)

The hotel owner who is at the center of the murder mystery. His refined charm masks manipulation and a willingness to conceal crimes to protect a hidden network. He embodies the film's theme of power versus conscience.

🏨 Power 🧩 Manipulation 🔒 Secrecy

Sgt. Matthews (Derek Newark)

A police sergeant who initially seems to help but is entangled in the larger conspiracy. He represents the official investigative channel that may be compromised or misled, pushing Tim to seek answers elsewhere.

👮 Police 🧠 Skeptical ⚖️ Authority

Major Ricketts (Daniel Massey)

A government/military figure who hints at state involvement in the case. His presence suggests that the investigation touches on powerful institutions beyond the police.

🎖️ Authority 🧭 Interference 🕳️ Secrecy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:44

Major Themes – Fragment of Fear (1970)

Explore the central themes of Fragment of Fear (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Conspiracy

A charitable façade hides a ruthless blackmail network, The Stepping Stones, that preys on the successful. The story peels back layers of power, charity, and crime, showing how influence can corrupt intentions. The pursuit of truth forces Tim to question the integrity of institutions and those around him.

😨 Paranoia

Tim's grip on reality fays as threats mount—typed notes on his own typewriter, a mysterious visitor, and surveillance in his home. The fear-laden atmosphere drives him to question what is real and what is manipulation by unseen forces. The film uses image and sound to map a psyche under siege.

⚖️ Moral Ambiguity

The line between victim and villain blurs as powerful people manipulate others for personal gain. Government and high-society figures intervene, suggesting state power can become a tool of coercion. The narrative asks whether justice is found in law or in personal retribution.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:44

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Fragment of Fear Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Fragment of Fear, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Fragment of Fear Summary

Fragment of Fear Timeline

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Fragment of Fear Timeline

More About Fragment of Fear

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