prankful playing, the girlfriend is knocked down the slide by Sonny and is killed by the fall. The youths convince the drunken "new friend" (BRYANT) that he is responsible for his girlfriends's death, and that he better come to stay with them, away from the questioning eyes of the police. "New Friend" finds it difficult to adjust to the unusual and sinister ways of the household. However, being a coward by nature, a few sharp reminders from the youths about his girlfriend's demise are sufficient to keep him in line. And then too, they have brought her body back to the house, in case additional reminders are warranted. Mumsy starts romancing "New Friend" in her bed, unmindful of the watchful eye of Nanny. As "New Friend" adjusts to the abnormal routines of his unconventional hosts, he is more relaxed and able to scheme ways of escaping. Girly observes his goal of independence and bars every effort he makes to leave the estate. He is given a sharp rebuke by the family at a mock trial, and suitably punished for one of his more daring escape plans. To bring "New Friend" further into line, Mumsy and the family drop many hints about Friend in Five (HUGH ARMSTRONG), a captive guest who has reached the end of his rope in every way. The family put him on trial and pass final sentence. Dressed in Indian garb, Sonny leads the chase against Friend in Five. The hunt concludes with Sonny firing arrows at the entrapped victim. With the household reduced in numbers, the relationships begin to rumble. Girly is strongly attracted to "New Friend" vying with Mumsy for his affection, leaving Nanny quite frustrated too. Pushed too far by Sonny, Girly bludgeons her brother to death in their playroom--"New Friend" means more to her than the family. A strange calm settles over the household, as "New Friend" finds the will and cunning to match maneuvers with all three captors--determined to come out the winner in the battle of survival. One day Nanny disappears, although a hatchet by a pile of logs and a large mysterious kettle boiling on the stove, gives a good indication that Girly has allowed her vicious whims and vindictive childishness to get the best of her. So now, Girly, Mumsy and their confident "New Friend" are the sole remaining people at the estate..."to play the game according to the rules."