The One Game

Back when, I saw this on Channel 21 in New York. I didn't see the whole thing. I've been waiting for it to come out on DVD in the States. Some extremely kind person has posted it on YouTube and I was able to see it again; I loved it! Yes, perhaps technically it might have been better but not without foreknowledge of where computers were going! Yes, maybe there were a few too many beatings and 'here come the thugs again' but still, the concept and the things left to the imagination made for a memorable, nay unforgettable experience. And the music. I was already familiar with Nigel Hess' talent from the music he wrote for the Campion series at about the same time, and there are similarities. Gorgeous music. (Incidentally, Nigel Hess has a website and you can hear snippets from his scores.) This is my favorite of the Patrick Malahide performances I've seen although to tell the truth, those might be just this and Inspector Alleyn.

I've seen this original TV movie around 1989 and even now I am wondering who can tell me where to buy this on DVD.

For some reason the story and its cast left a solid impression and whenever I see a similar story on another movie, I always compare it with this one. The score was well chosen, the plot was brilliant. Anyone who knows where to get this, let me know! (tro2@xs4all.nl) The American version (the Game) was good, but in my opinion it lacked being convincing.

Britsh film-making at its best, without special effects, but an exciting, thrilling story, highly recommended!

Has no-one else noticed that the later, big-budget feature film The Game (1997), starring Michael Douglas, owes a great deal indeed to this British TV film? The main character is similar, the basic situation is nearly identical, and the raison d'etre for the Game is also similar. There is no mention of the earlier work in the credits of the latter.

While it is astonishing that this was never repeated on TV (I wonder why?) it does add to the attraction of obtaining it, which took me until the DVD was finally released some 18 years after the one and only broadcast.

While 'The One Game' does have some serious plot holes (Especially regarding certain deaths which are never revisited) it is still an excellent mini-series and has not dated as much as I expected.

I suppose it can be compared to 'The Game (1997)' and while it is almost certain that the writers of that 'borrowed' some ideas, they are not entirely the same. If anything 'The One Game' is a much better written and paced story with a lot more depth.

If you can find the DVD get it - it only cost me £6.99 and is well worth it for a 4 hour mini series - and it includes a nice booklet with a history on the show, I guess they decided to include the booklet rather than have it as an extra on the DVD - i'm glad they did, it is much nicer to read a booklet than a screen full of text.

But oh god - those pre-episode recaps - we could have done without those, what were they thinking!

I saw this series when it first came out in 1988. For whatever reason, it seems never to have been repeated. It is highly enjoyable, despite many things happening that are implausible. The story involves a managing director of a successful games company being forced into playing a series of deadly games by someone from his past.'The Game' starring Michael Douglas is clearly copied from The One Game, though the makers of The Game never appear to have admitted it. The story and title are very similar: even the main character's name is similar! The One Game is darker takes itself a little more seriously than The Game. The One Game is very much of its time, and that has added to its attraction over the years, set during a period when computer games are beginning to eclipse traditional games. But as we see in the drama, there is still room for games don't play on a computer screen...