Games (1967)

56% of users liked it
(37 ratings)

In this psychological thriller, Paul (James Caan) and Jennifer (Katherine Ross) are a pair of wealthy but blasé socialites with a sadistic streak. Lisa (Simone Signoret), an older woman from France, arrives at their door one day selling cosmetics; the couple invite her in, and when the conversation… More In this psychological thriller, Paul (James Caan) and Jennifer (Katherine Ross) are a pair of wealthy but blasé socialites with a sadistic streak. Lisa (Simone Signoret), an older woman from France, arrives at their door one day selling cosmetics; the couple invite her in, and when the conversation reveals that Lisa is believed to have psychic abilities, Paul and Jennifer ask her to arrange some "games" for their amusement. Lisa proceeds to set up several situations of simulated domestic discord that the couple can react to. The arrival of Norman (Don Stroud), a delivery boy, is Jennifer's cue to seduce him, just in time for Paul to arrive and shoot him in a fit of jealousy. Norman is then coated with plaster and placed in the corner, disguised as a work of art; however, Paul soon leaves on a business trip, and Jennifer discovers that Norman isn't dead after all. She panics and shoots Norman dead, only to discover that the previous murder was merely a "game" staged by Lisa. Jennifer, however, is having a very real nervous breakdown, which seems to be what Paul had in mind all along. But once Jennifer is committed to a mental hospital, Paul discovers that Lisa is not necessarily his ally in this increasingly dangerous game. Games was directed by Curtis Harrington, a one-time experimental filmmaker who previously helmed such horror cult movies as Queen of Blood and Night Tide. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Curtis Harrington
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense

On DVD: Aug 29, 2000

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a whodunit, a cheap variation on Les Diaboliques, that never becomes as interesting as it should have been, yet is entertaining without being particularly challenging.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Odd, creepy film with a feeling of ambivalence towards all the characters. Somewhat predictiable towards the end but Simone Signoret is always worth watching and Caan and Katharine Ross, just before The Graduate, also turn in good work.

Cast

            Simone Signoret as Lisa

            James Caan as Paul

            Katharine Ross as Jennifer

            Don Stroud as Norman

            Ken Smith
            
            Estelle Winwood as Miss Beattie

            Marjorie Bennett as Nora

            Ian Wolfe as Dr. Edwards

            Anthony Eustrel as Winthrop

            Eloise Hardt as Celia

            George Furth as Terry

            Carmen Phillips as Holly

            Peter Brocco as Count

            Florence Marly as Baroness

            Pitt Herbert as Pharmacist

            Stuart Nisbet as Detective

            Kendrick Huxham as Bookseller

            Richard Guizon as Masseur

            Carl Buttenberger as Arthur

            Eddra Gale
            
            Ena Hartman
            
            Jeff Scott
            
            Luana Anders
            
            William O'Connell
            
            Rachel Rosenthal
            
            Kent Smith
            
See full cast