Out 1

Aired 1971-10-09

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.

Aired 1971-10-09

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.

Aired 1971-10-09

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.

Aired 1971-10-09

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.

Aired 1971-10-10

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.

Aired 1971-10-10

Maps, symbols, codes, card games, and double meanings: the intrigue starts to accelerate.

Aired 1971-10-10

Cracks in the conspiracy begin to appear and things really start to get confusing.

Aired 1971-10-10

And then the narrative implodes...