Games (film)

Infobox Film
name = "Games"


image_size =
caption =
director = Curtis Harrington
producer = George Edwards
writer = Gene R. Kearney
starring = James Caan
Katharine Ross
Simone Signoret
Don Stroud
cinematography = William A. Fraker
editing = Douglas Stewart
distributor = Universal Studios
released = flagicon|US 1967
runtime = 100 min.
country = USA
language = English
budget =
amg_id = 1:92648
imdb_id = 0061696

"Games" is a 1967 psychological thriller, directed by Curtis Harrington and starring James Caan, Katharine Ross, and Simone Signoret.

Plot summary

Paul (James Caan) and Jennifer (Katharine Ross) are a pair of wealthy but blasé Upper East Side New York socialites with an attitude sometimes acompanying the overpriviledged; a propensity to amuse themselves in a bizarre, chic, and upscale fashion, in this case playing socialite games for their peers, and occasionally revealing what appers to be a playfully 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 plot turns deadly when an acquaintace is accidentally killed during a so-called "game." Paul has to go to enormous lengthsto conceal any evidence. He fears being blackmailed by Lisa, whose psychic activities continue and intensify during her stay. Ultimately, at the request of Paul, Lisa leaves, for the welfare of an ever more anxious Jennifer. Toward the fim end we see Jennifer, alone at home, softly falling asleep in the courtyard, a mild breeze blowing leaves and rustling the window curtains. A calm, yet tense, momentary quiet seems to settle on the film. What follows is worthy of Hitchcock, and the super-twist ending outdoes itself.