Set during a retreat of Christian Democrat politicians who practice spiritual exercises together, it is an allegory of corrupted power. Disturbing, claustrophobic settings are the background to a series of mysterious crimes.

Gian Maria Volonté
as M.

Marcello Mastroianni
as Don Gaetano

Mariangela Melato
as Giacinta

Ciccio Ingrassia
as Voltrano

Franco Citti
as Autista di M.

Cesare Gelli
as Arras

Michel Piccoli
as Lui

Renato Salvatori
as Dr. Scalambri

Tino Scotti
as Il cuoco

Adriano Amidei Migliano
as Capra-Profiri