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.
Mr. Foucault
Lady in Black
Nurse
Mrs. Foucault
Mr. Legendre
Police Prefect #2
Doctor
Commissioner
Innkeeper
Policeman
Professor
Mrs. Calmette
Hatter
Father Gabriel
Police Prefect #1
Lieutenant of the Dragoons
Aunt
Nephew
Mrs. Legendre
Edith Rosenblum
Captain of the Dragons
Professor's Wife
Françoise
Satyr
Bartender at Georges
School Principal
Doctor #1
Court President
French Officer
Acquitted Murderer
Cemetery Guardian
Hostess at Social Reception
Monk
Father Raphaël
Foucauld Family Nanny
Police Officer
Monk
Charles
Brigadier
Maid of Square
Police Prefect #1's Mother
Condemned Man (uncredited)