The Manchurian Candidate

In 1952, during the Korean War, an American platoon is captured by Soviet forces. They are taken to Manchuria in Communist China, where they become unwitting subjects of a sinister brainwashing experiment.

After the war ends, the surviving soldiers of the platoon return to the United States. On their return, Staff Sergeant Raymond Shaw is hailed as a hero for saving their lives in combat, despite the unsettling truth that lies beneath.

Raymond Shaw is awarded the Medal of Honor based on the recommendation of Captain Bennett Marco, who is now a Major. The other soldiers, albeit reluctantly, echo Marco's praises of Shaw, despite a nagging sense that something may not be right.

Major Marco begins experiencing a recurring nightmare involving Shaw. In his dream, Shaw appears hypnotized and strangles a fellow soldier while executing violent orders before a group of communist military officials.

Determined to uncover the truth behind his nightmares, Marco seeks help from Army Intelligence, who dismiss his concerns due to lack of evidence. However, Marco soon discovers that another soldier, Allen Melvin, shares similar disturbing dreams.

Mrs. Eleanor Iselin pushes her husband, Senator John Yerkes Iselin, to publicly accuse the Secretary of Defense of harboring communists within the government. This public outburst catapults Senator Iselin to a higher political stature, despite skepticism about his credibility.

As Marco's investigation continues, they learn that Shaw and his platoon were brainwashed during their captivity. The truth unfolds that Shaw was conditioned to be an assassin triggered by a Queen of Diamonds playing card, with no memory of his assignments.

Amidst the turmoil, Raymond reconnects with Jocelyn Jordan, the daughter of a political rival. Their romantic relationship blossoms, providing Raymond a brief respite from his troubled family dynamics, although it is soon jeopardized by his mother's ambitions.

At a costume party hosted by the Iselins, Jocelyn inadvertently triggers Raymond's conditioning while dressed in a Queen of Diamonds costume. This event leads to their elopement, further entwining their fates under the watchful eye of Mrs. Iselin.

Following the elopement, Mrs. Iselin activates Raymond's conditioning, instructing him to kill Senator Jordan. Unbeknownst to him, Jocelyn witnesses the act and becomes a casualty as well, leaving Raymond devastated when he learns of the murders.

Marco discovers the connection between the Queen of Diamonds card and Raymond's hypnotic state. He confronts Raymond with a deck of Queen of Diamonds, attempting to break his conditioning and ensure he no longer follows harmful orders.

Mrs. Iselin prepares to unleash Raymond at the political convention to assassinate the party's presidential candidate. It becomes clear that her plans involve not only Raymond but also the entire political landscape of the country.

During the convention, as the presidential nominee addresses the crowd, Raymond, believing himself still under control, takes aim with a rifle. In a shocking turn of events, he turns the gun on his own mother and stepfather instead.

After shooting his stepfather and mother, who were manipulating him, Raymond is overwhelmed by grief and confusion. He ultimately takes his own life in front of Major Marco, leaving a world of chaos in his wake.