E01 · From Lili to Thomas 1h 30m
10/9/1971
Rivette instantly establishes his playful, no-rules reality as two theater troupes rehearse avant-garde versions of Aeschylus plays climaxing in an epic, hypnotic warm-up exercise that unfolds like a primal, clothed orgy. We are introduced to a deadpan, deaf-mute busker and Frédérique, a wayward young con artist.
E02 · From Thomas to Frédérique 1h 50m
10/9/1971
The outlines of a conspiracy begin to emerge as the busker begins receiving cryptic letters with references to Balzac and Lewis Carroll’s 'The Hunting of the Snark'. Meanwhile, rehearsals take an unsettling turn.
E03 · From Frédérique to Sarah 1h 48m
10/9/1971
The mystery of the enigmatic notes deepens as the busker learns about their connection to Balzac’s 'History of the Thirteen'. Elsewhere, tensions flare up at rehearsals.
E04 · From Sarah to Colin 1h 46m
10/9/1971
The various strands of the story begin to intersect. The busker continues on his quest to uncover the source of the cryptic letters, while Frédérique is also inadvertently drawn into the conspiracy. Games—cops and robbers, chess, and cons—abound.
E05 · From Colin to Pauline 1h 29m
10/10/1971
Frédérique finds that blackmail doesn’t pay as she crosses paths with the busker who is now in love with Pauline—or is it Emilie? Meanwhile, a wild goose chase through Paris ensues when one of the productions is fleeced out of money.
E06 · From Pauline to Emilie 1h 41m
10/10/1971
Maps, symbols, codes, card games, and double meanings: the intrigue starts to accelerate.
E07 · From Emilie to Lucie 1h 38m
10/10/1971
Cracks in the conspiracy begin to appear and things really start to get confusing.
E08 · From Lucie to Marie 1h 13m
10/10/1971
And then the narrative implodes...
