According to actor David Carradine on the DVD doc Away from Home (2004), this Ingmar Bergman film was his largest grossing picture ever in Europe. This perhaps applies up to the time of the film as it pre-dates Bergman's biggest Oscar winner Fanny and Alexander (1982).
The film is considered a homage and tribute to German Expressionism, though ironically, the film is not shot in black-and-white, like many of Ingmar Bergman's earlier films, as well as the German Expressionist films.
The Nazi-looking thugs that are beating up people are wearing Model 1943 German army caps and 1940s style clothing. This film is supposed to take place in the 1920s.
Hans Vergerus: [explains the upcoming social and political developments in Germany to Abel Rosenberg]
It's like a serpent's egg. Through the thin membranes, you can clearly discern the already perfect reptile.