The Name of the Game Is Kill 1968
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In *The Name of the Game Is Kill (1968)*, Gunnar Hellström crafts a tense, sun-scorched thriller that traps a weary traveler in the clutches of a seemingly hospitable desert family.
Director: Gunnar Hellström
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Name of the Game Is Kill* (1968) about?
A lone traveler seeks shelter with a desert family, only to discover their hospitality hides a sinister trap. The stranger's trust is steadily eroded as the family's motives unravel in unpredictable ways. The film unfolds like a psychological puzzle box, leaving audiences questioning every act of kindness.
Who directed *The Name of the Game Is Kill*?
The film was directed by Gunnar Hellström, a Swedish filmmaker known for his work in both television and cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.
Who stars in *The Name of the Game Is Kill*?
The cast features Jack Lord as the traveler, alongside Susan Strasberg, Collin Wilcox Paxton, Tisha Sterling, and T.C. Jones in pivotal roles.
Is *The Name of the Game Is Kill* (1968) worth watching?
As a tight, atmospheric thriller, it excels in building suspense within a concise runtime. While not widely remembered today, its themes of deception and survival offer a rewarding experience for vintage film enthusiasts. If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries with an edge, it's worth seeking out.
How long is *The Name of the Game Is Kill*?
The film runs for 84 minutes, delivering a compact yet intense viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About The Name of the Game Is Kill (1968) — A Desert Thriller Where Kindness Comes at a Cost
In *The Name of the Game Is Kill (1968)*, Gunnar Hellström crafts a tense, sun-scorched thriller that traps a weary traveler in the clutches of a seemingly hospitable desert family. What begins as a chance for rest and refreshment quickly spirals into a psychological minefield, where every gesture of kindness hides a hidden agenda. Shot through with a creeping sense of dread, the film strips away the veneer of small-town warmth to reveal something far darker beneath, blending suspense with the stark, isolating beauty of its arid setting. With Jack Lord leading the cast as a man whose trust is tested to the breaking point, this underseen gem delivers a slow-burning mystery that lingers long after the credits roll.
From the opening frame, Hellström immerses viewers in an atmosphere of paranoia, where no act of generosity is without cost. The story's stripped-down intensity, paired with standout performances from Susan Strasberg and Collin Wilcox Paxton, turns a compact 84-minute runtime into a masterclass in tension. Themes of deception and survival collide in this forgotten thriller, making it a compelling watch for fans of vintage suspense that refuses to play by the rules.