During a future ice age, dying humanity occupies its remaining time by playing a board game called Quintet. For one small group, this obsession is not enough. They play the game with living pieces, and only the winner survives.

Paul Newman
as Essex

Vittorio Gassman
as Saint Christopher

Fernando Rey
as Grigor

Bibi Andersson
as Ambrosia

Brigitte Fossey
as Vivia, Essex's Wife

Nina van Pallandt
as Deuca

Craig Richard Nelson
as Redstone

David Langton
as Goldstar

Thomas Hill
as Francha

Monique Mercure
as Redstone's Mate
Jeff Humphreys
They, the players, make a mistake, bend one their rules, and they pay....