Hassan, a peasant, is the only one in his small and poor village in Iran lucky enough to own a cow. He cherishes his cow more than anything in the world. He spoils the cow like a child and lives in perpetual fear that the inhabitants of a neighboring and hostile village will steal his cow. One day, when Hassan is out of the village at work, the cow mysteriously dies. The villagers bury the cow and protectively try to convince Hassan it has only wandered off. Hassan can't believe it. In his sorrow and astonishment, he takes the place of his cow and begins to believe that he is his own beloved bovine.

Title from container. Originally produced as a 16mm motion picture in 1969. Based on a story by G.H. Saedi. Special features: interview with director Dariush Mehrjui ; film notes by Godfrey Cheshire ; director biography ; photo gallery.

Introduction -- The Bolouris -- Evil eyes -- Deception -- The prisoner -- Hassan returns -- Hassan's sickness -- Night invasion -- Healing rituals -- Tragic journey -- New beginnings.