The Rules of the Game (1939)

In the looming shadows of World War II, renowned aviator André Jurieux touches down at a modest airport, a swarm of eager reporters documenting his latest record-breaking feat. Yet among the cheering crowd, one face is notably absent: the alluring blonde noblewoman, Christine, the wife of the wealthy Marquis de la Cheyniest, Robert, and the object of André's fervent desires. His heart heavy with disappointment, André resolves to win her back. A golden opportunity arises when his confidante Octave extends an invitation to a grand hunting weekend at the opulent country estate of La Coliniere, the residence of the affluent Marquis. The gathering is a fascinating mix of hand-picked guests, from the highest echelons of society to the mansion’s humble servants. André steps into this lavish world, his eyes filled with hope and determination. Yet, La Coliniere is a powder keg of intrigue and hidden tensions. As the weekend unfurls, rivalries simmer and animosities crackle to life beneath the aristocratic façade. The château, once a beacon of grandeur, becomes an arena of imminent confrontations, where both royalty and paupers are drawn into a dangerous waltz. Amid the opulence and the grandeur, the unwritten rules of the game hang like a sword, threatening to expose human weaknesses and shatter delicate alliances. In this mesmerizing blend of high society and low cunning, will André navigate the treacherous waters and win his heart's desire, or will he be the one to breach the unwritten rules of the game? The fate of a love-struck aviator, an affluent Marquis and his noble wife, and a château full of secrets hangs in the balance.

The Rules of the Game is a comedy movie featuring Nora Gregor.

The Rules of the Game is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Rules of the Game on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Pantaflix.