AllMovie

This engaging slice of neorealism stars Marcello Mastroianni as "Il Medico" (The Doctor) and Vittorio de Sica as "Lo Stregone" (The Healer). Setting up practice in a backward, provincial village, Mastroianni finds that he can make no headway with the superstitious townsfolk so long as faith-healer De Sica holds them in thrall. A battle of wills ensues, which at first is won by De Sica. But when a medical crisis arises, it is Mastroianni who comes out on top. The feminine angle is provided by Marisa Merlini. Thanks to the drawing power of its two male stars, Il Medico e lo Stregone was well distributed in the U.S.