The story of a long weekend at a secluded Franconian country estate. As a surprise to all parties concerned, the property owners meet there, although they had assured each other that they would be gone on business travel in very different directions. Those who meet are the couple Ariane (Margit Carstensen) and Gerhard Christ (Alexander Allerson) and their respective lovers Irene (Anna Karina) and Kolbe (Ulli Lommel). The mansion is maintained by the devious housekeeper Kast (Brigitte Mira) and her son Gabriel (Volker Spengler). Totally unexpectedly, another party arrives: Ariane and Gerhard’s mobility-impaired daughter Angela (Andrea Schober) and her mute governess Traunitz (Macha Méril). This is a bizarre group of people who are filled with hatred and mistrust, jealousy and sadism. Acting out of injured love and wounded self esteem, the child carries the conflicts of this tense assembly of individuals too far: She asks all present to play “Chinese Roulette,” a game of truth. Emotions that were suppressed for years and deep frustrations lead to an explosion. A gunshot rings out.