 Is man s existence really meaningful and hopeful? As a reply to  Ingmar Bergman  (qv) s _Faengelse (1949)_ (qv), this movie claims that it is. A ring passes between a lot of different people, giving the bearer or someone close a new meaning to life. Actors, embezzlers, old ladies and cheated husbands all seem to gain temporary hope from misery and disillusionment.