Who Is the Black Dahlia?

Who Is the Black Dahlia?

Year: 1975

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph Pevney

CrimeTV MovieDrama

In 1947 Los Angeles, a police detective tries to solve the shocking and grisly murder of 22-year-old aspiring actress Elizabeth Short.

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Timeline & Setting – Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

February 1943 - 1947

The movie takes place during the mid-1940s, a time marked by World War II’s aftermath and a rapidly changing American society. It depicts the era's social norms, gender roles, and the impact of wartime on civilians. The late 1940s also reflect a period of intense media coverage and public fascination with sensational crimes.

Location

Los Angeles, California, USA

The movie is set in Los Angeles in the 1940s, a city known for its burgeoning film industry and vibrant nightlife. During this period, LA was also grappling with crime and celebrity culture, which are central to the story of Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia. The city’s sprawling urban landscape provides a fitting backdrop for the mysterious and gruesome events.

🌆 City 🎬 Film Capital 🏙️ Urban Area

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975)

Meet the key characters of Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sergeant Harry Hansen

A dedicated police officer committed to solving the Black Dahlia case, Hansen embodies persistence and the pursuit of justice. His long career in the investigation reflects his obsession with uncovering the truth and bringing closure to the mystery.

👮‍♂️ Police 🔍 Investigator 💼 Dedication

Elizabeth Short (Black Dahlia)

A young woman with aspirations of superstardom, Elizabeth is portrayed as mysterious and secretive. Her tragic life and brutal murder symbolize the dark allure of Hollywood’s glamour and the peril faced by those seeking fame.

🎬 Actress 🌑 Mystery 🖤 Tragedy

Dr. Wallace Coppin

A hospital intern with a brief connection to Elizabeth, he provides insight into her final days. His involvement highlights the film’s interest in medical knowledge and the clues that helped piece together her last movements.

🩺 Medical 🔬 Investigation 🕵️‍♀️ Clues

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975)

Explore the central themes of Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Mystery

The film centers around the unresolved murder of Elizabeth Short, weaving a complex mystery that engages detective work and forensic investigation. It explores the elusive nature of truth and the difficulty in solving heinous crimes, especially in an era with less advanced technology.

💔 Obsession

The story highlights the obsessive nature of both the police and the media as they pursue the truth behind the Black Dahlia case. The characters' fixation on solving the murder reflects society’s larger obsession with crime stories and sensationalism during the 1940s.

🌑 Darkness

The film explores themes of darkness and tragedy, both literal and metaphorical. It portrays the darker side of Los Angeles and the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, revealing a world of secrets, lies, and violence.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Who Is the Black Dahlia? Summary

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Who Is the Black Dahlia? Summary

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Who Is the Black Dahlia? (1975) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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