Experience Billy Wilder’s Classic Comedy ‘One, Two, Three’ at IAF Cinematheque!
Join us for a captivating evening at the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) as we delve into the world of cinema with a review of Billy Wilder’s iconic 1961 political comedy, “One, Two, Three”. This engaging film screening will take place on Monday at 5 pm in the Nasseri Hall, followed by a discussion led by Iranian critic Amir Reza Fakhri. This event promises to blend film appreciation with insightful commentary, making it a must-attend for cinema enthusiasts.
“One, Two, Three” is a vibrant satire set in Cold War Berlin, masterfully combining sharp humor with political critique. The film draws inspiration from the 1929 Hungarian one-act play “Egy, kettő, három” by Ferenc Molnár and reflects elements from Wilder’s own earlier work, the 1939 film Ninotchka. Featuring a stellar cast, including the legendary James Cagney, the movie cleverly navigates themes of politics, capitalism, and American foreign policy during a tense historical period.
The film’s cast includes:
- James Cagney
- Horst Buchholz
- Liselotte Pulver
- Pamela Tiffin
- Arlene Francis
- Leon Askin
- Howard St. John
Set against the backdrop of West Berlin prior to the construction of the Berlin Wall, the plot revolves around C.R. “Mac” MacNamara, a high-ranking executive at the Coca-Cola Company. After a previous setback in the Middle East, Mac is determined to ascend the corporate ladder and secure a leadership role in Western European operations based in London.
However, his ambitions take a turn when his boss, W.P. Hazeltine, reaches out from Atlanta with an unexpected request: to look after his spirited and somewhat naive 17-year-old daughter, Scarlett, who is arriving in West Berlin.
Scarlett’s visit, initially planned for two weeks, unexpectedly stretches to two months. During her stay, Mac learns that she is married to Otto Piffl, a staunchly anti-capitalist East German Communist. Scarlett, embodying the spirit of a Southern belle with a rebellious attitude, expresses her disdain for her American roots, stating that her marriage is not anti-American but rather anti-Yankee.
As complications arise from Scarlett’s marriage, especially with her parents planning to come to Berlin, Mac devises a plan. He secretly bribes East German officials to obtain her marriage certificate and frames Otto for conspiracy, leading to his arrest. Mac’s elaborate scheme includes:
- Planting a “Russky Go Home” balloon on Otto’s motorcycle.
- Giving Otto a bizarre wedding gift—a cuckoo clock wrapped in a Wall Street Journal.
These actions culminate in Otto’s coerced confession to being an American spy during intense interrogation. With pressure mounting from his wife Phyllis, who longs to return to the U.S., and the revelation that Scarlett is pregnant and unmarried, Mac’s challenges multiply. He is determined to recover the marriage certificate and secure Otto’s release, leading him to enlist help from his Soviet contacts and his clever secretary, Ingeborg.
As the deadline looms, Mac orchestrates a plan to have Otto adopted by a poor count, fabricating an aristocratic lineage complete with photographs of a ruined castle. The comedic tension escalates as Mac coaches Otto on how to converse with Scarlett’s conservative Southern father, who holds romanticized views of the Civil War era.
In a surprising turn of events, Scarlett and Mac collaborate to ensure that Otto can convincingly present himself as a member of the aristocracy. The Hazeltines ultimately approve of Otto, paving the way for W.P. Hazeltine to consider him for a leadership role in Western European operations, which would also secure a promotion for Mac back in Atlanta.
The film concludes with Mac reuniting with his family at the airport, celebrating his promotion by purchasing Coca-Cola from a vending machine. In a humorous twist, the last bottle he hands out is a Pepsi-Cola, serving as a satirical commentary on American consumer culture and corporate identity.
Critically acclaimed upon its release, “One, Two, Three” garnered several award nominations, including:
- Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography (Black-and-White)
- Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Comedy and Supporting Actress, Pamela Tiffin
- Awards from the Writers Guild of America for Best Written Comedy
Don’t miss this chance to experience a classic film that expertly intertwines humor with sharp social commentary. Join us at the Iranian Artists Forum for an evening of cinema that promises both entertainment and thought-provoking discussion.
