The Rules of the Game
Short description
Set in France on the eve of the Second World War, The Rules of the Game centres on André Jurieux, an aviator who has just completed a record-breaking crossing of the Atlantic. He has made the flight for Christine, the woman he loves, but she is married to the Marquis de la Cheyniest and does not come to meet him. The marquis, aware of his wife's admirer, is determined not to lose her, even as he tries to end his own affair with a mistress who adores him. Around this triangle gathers a circle of guests and servants whose own romances and jealousies are governed by the unwritten conventions of their class. A weekend party and hunting excursion at the marquis's country estate brings everyone together, and the crossed desires and carefully maintained appearances lead to tragedy.
Jean Renoir directed, produced and wrote the film, and also appears as Octave. It followed his 1937 Grand Illusion in his filmography. The cast includes Marcel Dalio as the marquis, Nora Gregor as Christine, Roland Toutain as André, Julien Carette as the poacher Marceau and Paulette Dubost as the maid Lisette, among thirty credited performers.
The film was released in 1939 and runs 110 minutes. On IMDb the critics' rating stands at 9.5 out of 10 from 59 reviews, while on TMDB the audience rating is 7.5 out of 10 from 679 votes, a gap that indicates far stronger admiration among critics than among general viewers.
What's left behind the scenes
- Nora Gregor's husband, Prince Gregor of Stahremberg (who played Christine), was an Austrian prince who founded an anti-Hitler peasant party.
- Location shooting took place in Soloni, Brignon Castle, La Motte-Beuvron, and Aubigny.
- At the premiere on July 8, 1939, whistles and indignant shouts rang out in the hall. People wanted to escape their worries, not contemplate the problems of others. Renoir then removed minor episodes and scenes that slowed down the action, cutting scenes where he played a major role. Many years later, fans of 'The Rules of the Game' restored the film to its original uncut version, increasing the running time by a third.
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
