This Surrealist film, with a title referencing the Communist Manifesto, strings together short incidents based on the life of director Luis Buñuel. Presented as chance encounters, these loosely related, intersecting situations, all without a consistent protagonist, reach from the 19th century to the 1970s. Touching briefly on subjects such as execution, pedophilia, incest, and sex, the film features an array of characters, including a sick father and incompetent police officers.

Jean-Claude Brialy
as Mr. Foucault

Adriana Asti
as Lady in Black

Milena Vukotić
as Nurse

Monica Vitti
as Mrs. Foucault

Jean Rochefort
as Mr. Legendre

Michel Piccoli
as Police Prefect #2

Adolfo Celi
as Doctor

Claude Piéplu
as Commissioner

Paul Frankeur
as Innkeeper

Pierre Maguelon
as Policeman