When 'Vogler's Magnetic Health Theater' comes to town, there's bound to be a spectacle. Reading reports of a variety of supernatural disturbances at Vogler's prior performances abroad, the leading townspeople (including the police chief and medical examiner) request that their troupe provide them a sample of their act, before allowing them public audiences.
The film was distantly inspired by G. K. Chesterton's play "Magic", which Bergman numbered among his favorites. Bergman staged a theater production of "Magic" in Swedish at one point. Chesterton is an author who needs more love, and if it comes from Bergman, all the better.
Although this film is great for its portrayal of science versus the supernatural, what really makes it worthwhile is Bergman's use of color. No one, and I mean no one, mastered black and white like he did, making every film a joy to watch even if the story was not good. (Luckily, his stories are always good.)
The film was distantly inspired by G. K. Chesterton's play "Magic", which Bergman numbered among his favorites. Bergman staged a theater production of "Magic" in Swedish at one point. Chesterton is an author who needs more love, and if it comes from Bergman, all the better.
Although this film is great for its portrayal of science versus the supernatural, what really makes it worthwhile is Bergman's use of color. No one, and I mean no one, mastered black and white like he did, making every film a joy to watch even if the story was not good. (Luckily, his stories are always good.)