AllMovie

In this Swedish feature, the bright and colorful carnival atmosphere of Rio is contrasted by life in the neighboring town of Niteroi. The poor town festers with poverty, prostitution and hopelessness and serves as a gathering place for derelict alcoholics who jump ship from many countries. The characters are plagued by tremors, illness and personal and moral degradation as they live out the rest of their miserable lives waiting for their inevitable demise at the hands of demon alcohol. Pappila (Bibi Andersson) tries to collect a $3,000 reward from the Swedish consulate for the safe return of one of the poor unfortunates who is near death in this depressing film. Max von Sydow also stars in this feature.