The incomparable Erich von Stroheim, memorable from such films as Grand Illusion and Sunset Boulevard, stars here as Diijon, a third-rate magician driven mad by failure and jealousy. Convinced that all those determined to help are really out to destroy him, Diijon turns to murder through the mysterious art of hypnotism. Even his faithful wife and assistand (Jeanne Bates) is not safe from his twisted suspicions. In the tense finale, it is the conjurer's own tricks that spell his doom.