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The "Hannibal" mention in the title of this Hungarian film is not the infamous barbarian general. Instead, it is Professor Hannibal (Erno Szabo) as meek and mild as his namesake was ruthless and savage. The story takes place in the 1930s, during the fascistic regime of Hungary's Admiral Horthy. Prof. Hannibal does his best to cope with an untenable situation, but is swept up (and swept over) by events. The film is at once an advocation and a condemnation of populist rule, demonstrating the dangers of the mob mentality when the purpose of the mob is forgotten.