Games (film)
A 1967 psychological horror-thriller about deadly social games.
Games is a 1967 American psychological horror-thriller film directed by Curtis Harrington and written by Gene R. Kearney, based on a story by Harrington. It stars Simone Signoret, James Caan, and Katharine Ross, and follows two jaded Manhattan socialites who engage in mind games with a cosmetics agent. The film was released by Universal Pictures on September 17, 1967, and received mixed reviews, though performances were praised.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Curtis Harrington
- Screenplay
- Gene R. Kearney
- Story
- Curtis Harrington / George Edwards
- Producer
- George Edwards
- Starring
- Simone Signoret / James Caan / Katherine Ross / Don Stroud
- Cinematography
- William A. Fraker
- Editing
- Douglas Stewart
- Music
- Samuel Matlovsky
- Color Process
- Technicolor
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
- Released
- 17 September 1967
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film's plot centers on wealthy Manhattan socialites Paul and Jennifer Montgomery, who amuse themselves with parlor tricks and sadistic games. They invite a cosmetics agent, Lisa Schindler, into their home, and she encourages the couple's games for their entertainment. A staged affair with a deliveryman, Norman, turns deadly when a gun loaded with blanks unexpectedly fires a live round, killing him. Paul and Jennifer hide the body, and Paul later stages Norman's death to appear as if Jennifer killed him, framing her for murder to inherit her fortune. Lisa poisons Paul and escapes with the money.
Reader's Guide
Games is notable for its twist ending and psychological tension, though it received mixed critical reviews. Simone Signoret's performance was widely praised, earning her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film was shot on a $1 million budget at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, despite being set in Manhattan. Curtis Harrington originally wrote the role of Lisa for Marlene Dietrich, but producers vetoed the idea, casting Signoret instead. The film's legacy lies in its exploration of manipulation and deceit among the wealthy, and it remains a cult entry in the psychological horror genre.
Did You Know?
- Simone Signoret was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance.
- The role of Lisa was originally written for Marlene Dietrich, but producers vetoed the idea.
- The film was shot at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, not in Manhattan where it is set.
- James Caan was cast after his appearances in two Howard Hawks films.
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