The Magician (1958)

In the year of 1848, the quirky spectacle of Vogler's Magnetic Health Theater, a Swedish performing troupe led by the enigmatic "Dr." Albert Emanuel Vogler, meanders through the landscape of Europe. The troupe, a motley family of performers, enchant audiences with a repertoire steeped in supernatural phenomena - a spectacle that teeters on the edge of science and mystery. Their claims, however, provoke the skepticism of authority figures, who regard their shows as a potential threat to public order and scientific reasoning. Finding themselves in a new town, the troupe is summoned to the home of a local merchant, Mr. Egerman, and his wife. There, they are to demonstrate their act to the town's authorities, which include the stern Dr. Vergerus, the Minister of Health, and Police Superintendent Starbeck. The fate of their performance lies in the hands of these men, who must decide whether the troupe's show is fit for public viewing. Dr. Vergerus, a man of science, is particularly keen on discrediting Vogler's troupe and barring their performance, unless they can provide a rational explanation for their supernatural feats. He sees their act as harmful trickery that could mislead the innocent public. As Vergerus, Starbeck, and Egerman strategize behind closed doors, Vogler and his troupe are not without their hidden motives and secrets either. When Vogler's Magnetic Health Theater arrives in town, the stage is set for a riveting showdown. Will the troupe prove to be mere charlatans as the authorities suspect, or will they outsmart their critics with their clever tricks? As the tension mounts, it becomes clear that the spectacle promised by Vogler and his performers extends far beyond their stage performance. The town and its leading figures are about to witness a showdown they never expected, where the line between science and the supernatural blurs, leaving them questioning their beliefs and understanding of reality.

The Magician is a drama movie featuring Max von Sydow.

The Magician is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Magician on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.