This deeply startling work is a thinking man's horror film and symbolic of self-portrait by one of cinema's great directors. Max Von Sydow, doubting knight of the Seventh Seal, here leads Bergman's brilliant attack on modern rationality and cynisism.
Hypnotist and magician Dr Vogler heads a troupe of traveling players, which includes his wife Manda (Ingrid Thulin) dressed as a male assistant. They are examined and humiliated by Dr Vergus (Gunnar Bjornstand), cynical medical officer. During a performance convened for the medical officer and his committee, vulgar exerts his revenge. When the tables are turned again, the magician perpetrates an incredible illusion on the unbelieving doctor, but is now trapped within his own mystery