One Potato, Two Potato: A Cinematic Milestone
A 1964 black-and-white American drama film directed by Larry Peerce, stands as a shining beacon in the annals of cinematic history. With Barbara Barrie and Bernie Hamilton gracing the screen, this cinematic gem fearlessly delves into the uncharted waters of interracial romance, a subject as rare in its portrayal as a precious gem. In an era when societal norms cast a shadow over such relationships, this film emerged as a guiding light, casting an indelible impression on the hearts of its audience.
Plot
The film revolves around Julie Cullen, a young divorced parent who has been on her own for four years since her husband abandoned her and their one-year-old daughter, Ellen. At work, Julie, who is white, meets Frank Richards, who is black. Their friendship gradually blossoms into a romance, but their relationship faces immense strain due to the racial prejudices of those around them, including Frank’s parents, William and Martha, who strongly oppose their union. Despite these challenges, Frank and Julie decide to persevere.
They eventually marry, leading Julie and Ellen to move in with Frank and his parents. Ellen’s arrival softens Martha’s heart, but William remains resistant to Julie, convinced that Frank and Julie’s marriage is unwise. His attitude only changes when Frank and Julie have a son together. Holding his grandson for the first time, William overcomes his animosity, and the household becomes a harmonious one.
Julie’s ex-husband, Joe, reenters the picture, seeking visitation rights with Ellen. However, upon discovering that Julie and Ellen are part of an interracial family, he objects and petitions for legal custody of Ellen. Frank’s lawyer warns that Joe is likely to win, prompting William to advise Frank to take Julie and the children and leave the state. Frank, though, opts to stay and fight the case in court.
The judge scrutinizes Ellen’s family situation, including interviewing her. Ellen expresses her love for Frank and seems oblivious to the racial issues. When the judge inquires about her baby brother being “different,” she simply notes that he is a boy, while she is a girl. The judge acknowledges the existence of racial prejudices and their potential impact on Ellen’s future, ultimately granting custody to Joe.
Ellen leaves with Joe, initially excited, thinking it’s a short visit. When she realizes she’s going to live with him permanently and her brother remains behind, she believes she’s being punished. As she is driven away, she pleads to stay, promising to be good.
Cast
- Barbara Barrie as Julie Cullen Richards
- Bernie Hamilton as Frank Richards
- Richard Mulligan as Joe Cullen
- Harry Bellaver as Judge Powell
- Marti Mericka as Ellen Mary
- Robert Earl Jones as William Richards
- Vinnette Carroll as Martha Richards
- Sam Weston as Johnny Hruska
- Faith Burwell as Ann Hruska
- Jack Stamberger as The Minister
- Michael Shane as Jordan Hollis
Additional Information
- One Potato, Two Potato was filmed in and around Painesville in northeastern Ohio.
- Barbara Barrie, for her role as Julie Cullen Richards, won the Best Actress award at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival, sharing the honor with Anne Bancroft for The Pumpkin Eater.
- The screenplay, written by Orville H. Hampton and Raphael Hayes, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1964, although it lost to Father Goose.
- This film predates the more famous Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and its exploration of interracial marriage by three years, making it a groundbreaking work in its own right.