Games

Peculiar thriller begins quite promisingly, but takes a curious, dispiriting turn somewhere along the way and never recoups its glory. Upscale New York couple James Caan and Katharine Ross--who enjoy warped versions of penny-arcade games and mischievous pranks--invite fragile saleswoman Simone Signoret to stay with them, which culminates in a crime. Director Curtis Harrington, who was also involved with the script, sets up an initially delicious puzzle involving the decadent rich, but allows the intricacies of the character-development to unravel in the second act. Caan and Ross appear to be very much in love--and Ross herself seems to be a pretty smart cookie--rendering a plot-twist late in the proceedings unconvincing. William Fraker's cinematography is stylish, though the action rarely ventures outdoors and one becomes acutely aware of the low-budget underpinnings (the film also has a mysteriously European feel, causing the alleged New York location to seem irrelevant--and a mismatch with the material). Good acting only takes it so far. **1/2 from ****

I agree with others that this is a hard one to find, luckily I recorded it once years ago, but every now and then I dig it out and watch it. It's just a fun movie to watch with a great performance by Simone S. who dominates every scene she is in. This movie has atmosphere and an air of intimacy about it. The story may not be totally original but the originality of the characters overcomes any shortness of the script. Kooky Estelle Winwood is great as the "cat lady" who lives next door, who's always concerned about her savings coupons. The "Mod" decor of the 60's only enhances the funkiness to this movie. Scan the movie section and if you see it's going to be on by all means tune in and get turned on!

Stylish, offbeat American variation on the classic French thriller DIABOLIQUE, which also featured Simone Signoret in the lead. Signoret is equally effective here, and a young James Caan and Katharine Ross are also impressive as the bewildered young couple whose seemingly mindless game-playing takes a deadly turn for the worse when the mystical Signoret enters their lives. Director Curtis Harrington(who also had a hand in the script) has added some exciting and effective new touches to this first-rate suspense tale.

Stylish photography, very well acted and very well written and directed thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Katherine Ross and James Caan as the bored kinky NY couple are outstanding in one of their early roles. Made in 1967 this film was way ahead of it's time with it's themes. If you like offbeat mysteries "Games" is a game you will want to play! Hard to find on tape, not on DVD and rarely on TV. Too bad because this film is like one of those lost cinematic gems. Hopefully a DVD distributer will release in a (hopefully)widescreen. Recommend this one highly.

A clever, well-acted thriller with enough plot twists to leave you reeling, and an ending you will not believe. From a dull beginning to an exhaustingly clever ending, it will hold you spellbound, confused, engrossed and tense. Should be re-released, but not re-made.