Black Magic

As a child, Balsamo endures torture under Viscount de Montaigne and witnesses his parents ordered to hang. He is rescued by a band of gypsies led by Gitano, who raise him and spark a vow of revenge against de Montaigne. The seeds of his future power are planted in the crucible of his early hardship.

Years later he meets Dr. Mesmer and learns the secrets of hypnosis. Ignoring Mesmer's warning to use his powers for healing, he exploits them to manipulate people, amassing wealth and prestige. Adopting the name Count Cagliostro, he becomes a dazzling, controversial figure across Europe.

With hypnotic talent and a magnetic persona, Cagliostro becomes famous throughout European courts. He uses his powers to gain influence, wealth, and followers who believe in his mystical abilities. His legend grows as he plays the role of healer, aristocrat, and occult impresario.

Cagliostro aligns with gypsies and court conspirators to substitute Lorenza for Queen Marie Antoinette, a plan organized by de Montaigne with Madame du Barry. The conspirators scheme to have Lorenza impersonate the Queen and purchase a frivolous necklace. Gitano and Zoraida aid in the plot before it begins to unravel.

Lorenza falls under Cagliostro's power, forgetting her true love Gilbert. Gilbert runs away with Lorenza, but Cagliostro recaptures them and, under hypnosis, weds Lorenza. The perilous romance unfolds against a backdrop of trickery and power.

King Louis XV dies and Marie Antoinette ascends the throne, setting the stage for the queen's vulnerability to Cagliostro's schemes.

Marie Antoinette orders Cagliostro to leave the country, cutting him off from court influence. Cagliostro retreats, vowing to pursue power elsewhere while Lorenza remains under his spell.

Lorenza impersonates the Queen and pretends to be in love with de Montaigne as part of Cagliostro's ruse. He buys the queen's necklace, triggering public scandal and damaging Marie Antoinette's reputation in a foreshadowing echo of the real affair.

Zoraida brings Lorenza to Marie Antoinette and reveals Cagliostro's plot to discredit the Queen. Lorenza agrees to testify against Cagliostro, hoping to stop the conspiracy. The court becomes the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

At the trial, Cagliostro hypnotizes Gilbert into testifying against the Queen. Lorenza is pressed to testify but is forced to say she knows nothing, under Cagliostro's influence. The courtroom atmosphere thickens as secrets threaten the monarchy.

Dr. Mesmer uses the Queen's necklace to hypnotize Cagliostro into confessing. Cagliostro awakens from the trance, but the confession has already shifted the balance of power. Lorenza is abducted by Cagliostro during the escape.

Cagliostro escapes with Lorenza, still under his hypnosis. Gilbert pursues them, determined to bring Cagliostro to justice.

In a climactic sword fight, Gilbert catches up with Cagliostro and kills him. The flamboyant trickster is finally defeated as the tale reaches its grisly close.