A woman's husband has been missing for over a year; an actor faces a law suit which could ruin his career; a maharajah wants to purchase a new car; a rickshaw driver has a row with his child who tries to kill himself; a girl's engagement is suddenly broken off. In times of crisis these people have one thing in common: they turn to their astrologer. Following them through the bustling alleyways of Benares in India, Everyman explores their problems and their search for a solution. Today in the West astrology as a major influence is virtually dead, but in India most people still consult an astrologer before taking vital decisions - after Mrs Gandhi 's assassination many Indian astrologers claimed to have predicted the event. By looking at the part astrology still plays in India today one can catch a glimpse of the crucial role it has played in civilisations throughout the world, for thousands of years.