This film is simply shot and compellingly told. Its stars Barbara Barrie before she became a star and features an excellent cast including a performance by a child that is so touching. I saw it as a kid with my mother and was very moved by it. I count it as one of my favorite films. I haven't seen it in years and am curious to see if I would still find it as moving. As another reviewer on this site stated, the ending is gut wrenching and I concur. I would love to buy it and show it to a film class I teach but sadly it is not available. It is one of those black and white American Kammerspiel films of the 1960s (along with A Thousand Clowns, Ladybug, Ladybug, David and Lisa) that were well received at the time of their release but are now forgotten). I don't know how one goes about getting distributors to transfer these films to DVD and make them available but if anyone knows please push for this film.
26 Reviews
Sad and frustrating to watch--but that WAS the way it was.
planktonrules22 January 2015
"One Potato, Two Potato" is a very low budget production that made a bit of commotion back when it debuted in 1964. Despite its lowly pedigree (it was filmed in the Cleveland area and the actors were mostly unknowns at the time), the lead actress (Barbara Barrie) received the Best Actress award at Cannes and the film was nominated for an Oscar (Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen). Sadly today, it's a pretty obscure picture.
Julie (Barrie) is a divorced mother of a young girl. The father abandoned them years ago and Julie works at the company where Frank (Bernie Hamilton) works. The meet and through the course of spending time together, they find that there is an attraction. Eventually, they decide to get married--even though they realize it might cause a few heads to turn. After all, she is white and he is black. Despite a bumpy start, things work out and the young family prospers and grows. Things look pretty good, right? Well, they do until the child's biological father shows up unexpectedly. Now the man (?) wants his daughter--mostly because his ego cannot stand that his ex- is with a black man.
This is a well made film but I must warn you that it will rip your heart out. This is NOT a complaint. Heck, back in 'the good old days', it was STILL illegal for blacks and whites to marry in many southern states and in others it was quite possible to lose custody of a child simply because you married someone of another race. Crazy...and pretty stupid. So, it's great that the movie draws attention to it. My only complaint is that the film, while very interesting, is way underplayed--too underplayed. Some more emotion in the acting and relationship between Frank and Julie would have made the movie better overall.
Julie (Barrie) is a divorced mother of a young girl. The father abandoned them years ago and Julie works at the company where Frank (Bernie Hamilton) works. The meet and through the course of spending time together, they find that there is an attraction. Eventually, they decide to get married--even though they realize it might cause a few heads to turn. After all, she is white and he is black. Despite a bumpy start, things work out and the young family prospers and grows. Things look pretty good, right? Well, they do until the child's biological father shows up unexpectedly. Now the man (?) wants his daughter--mostly because his ego cannot stand that his ex- is with a black man.
This is a well made film but I must warn you that it will rip your heart out. This is NOT a complaint. Heck, back in 'the good old days', it was STILL illegal for blacks and whites to marry in many southern states and in others it was quite possible to lose custody of a child simply because you married someone of another race. Crazy...and pretty stupid. So, it's great that the movie draws attention to it. My only complaint is that the film, while very interesting, is way underplayed--too underplayed. Some more emotion in the acting and relationship between Frank and Julie would have made the movie better overall.
Gone with the dust .
ulicknormanowen5 November 2021
Three years before "guess who's coming to dine?" , Larry Peerce broached a taboo subject in a more convincing way ,at least in my book : no big star ,no brilliant fiance with a Nobel Prize in sight, no wide screen and no color, a shoestring budget .
Both heroes,when the movie begins (it's a long flashback) , have begun a fight which is lost in advance;the husband's lawyer , a friend though , reluctantly accepts to defend him. Religion lends a helping hand,in a the shape of a wise minister ,but the others do not (look at the face of the woman who attends the ceremony ;even the husband 's father urges his son to stick to his own kind ;it takes the birth of a baby boy to win him over).
If the final scene does not make you cry,nothing will.
Both heroes,when the movie begins (it's a long flashback) , have begun a fight which is lost in advance;the husband's lawyer , a friend though , reluctantly accepts to defend him. Religion lends a helping hand,in a the shape of a wise minister ,but the others do not (look at the face of the woman who attends the ceremony ;even the husband 's father urges his son to stick to his own kind ;it takes the birth of a baby boy to win him over).
If the final scene does not make you cry,nothing will.
Have never forgotten this movie.
myrlcp7 November 2004
Maybe it was the racially charged era of the early Civil Rights struggle, or maybe it was because I was a young mother with a child the same age as the one in the movie, but this was one of the most powerful movies I have ever scene. Today, 40 years later, I am still moved whenever I see Barbara Barrie, even if it is in a situation comedy on TV. Certainly, she captured the role of the white mother married to a black man in a racist society. All the other actors performed admirably, the actor playing the second husband was appealing. It was believable that a co-worker would have found him attractive and would have fallen in love, even given the tenor of the times. While the writing may have presented the story a bit "over the top", this movie went beyond civil rights "propaganda", and presented real people dealing with a difficult situation. It certainly was real to me....I had to be led out of the cinema in tears when it ended. A high recommendation!!!
Kind of Semi-Relevant
Mike_Yike31 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I saw One Potato, Two Potato on TCM today. It is about an interracial married couple with a white daughter from the white mother's previous marriage. The bigoted ex-husband hates the mere thought of his daughter living in such a household and decides to go to court to get custody.
Before I really became involved in the movie's plot, I became aware that it is not a big budget movie. The good news is, the film did not need a big budget. As for the acting, it is just sort of okay. Some of the performances seem amateurish, as if the actors were taken from a local theater. Perhaps the best performance came from the movie's cad, Richard Mulligan. Maybe lowlife characters are easier to play.
As for the core of One Potato, Two Potato, the racist attitudes of many of the characters still exist today of course. In fact, in some cases in the film, the racist attitudes were angrily blared by people who live lives that seem to be the very antithesis of racist. As for the outcome of the film, that is now very unlikely given that it would involve laws that are long gone, fortunately.
Before I really became involved in the movie's plot, I became aware that it is not a big budget movie. The good news is, the film did not need a big budget. As for the acting, it is just sort of okay. Some of the performances seem amateurish, as if the actors were taken from a local theater. Perhaps the best performance came from the movie's cad, Richard Mulligan. Maybe lowlife characters are easier to play.
As for the core of One Potato, Two Potato, the racist attitudes of many of the characters still exist today of course. In fact, in some cases in the film, the racist attitudes were angrily blared by people who live lives that seem to be the very antithesis of racist. As for the outcome of the film, that is now very unlikely given that it would involve laws that are long gone, fortunately.
Technically sound, well-crafted and acted...though the lack of light relief (and romance) makes itself felt
moonspinner5520 November 2009
Divorcée with a five-year-old daughter falls in love with a co-worker and remarries, is later dragged into court by her first husband who thinks his little girl is living in an unfit home. The reason for all this melodrama: the woman is white and her new husband is black. Released by the independent Lion company three years before the slick and glossy "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" hit theaters; it is almost difficult to imagine today the social and legal ramifications this picture likely kicked up in 1964. Debuting director Larry Peerce does surprisingly sensitive work here (particularly in comparison to his bombastic later output), and leads Barbara Barrie and Bernie Hamilton are very fine in their roles, yet the heated tone of the piece is expended all on Richard Mulligan's estranged father. Mulligan, acting like he's on the stage (or perhaps a TV soap opera), is allowed to sound off with disgust about his happy, content child's situation, waving his arms about for emphasis. His discontent causes the interracial couple to freeze up (and indeed, we are shown no signs of affection between the two once they are married). Preconceived as a heart breaker, the movie is steered (gently) towards an emotionally tumultuous finish, which leaves the viewer with a lot to think about but doesn't allow us to see into the futures of its characters. As a result, the finale is rather a slap in the face to those who have invested their interest in the couple, with statistics at the very end which fail to provide us with closure. **1/2 from ****
Classic Independent Still Hits Hard
alli_katz2 June 2001
I first saw this movie in film class, and was so moved by it that I taped it off the independent Film Channel when they showed it, and watched it twice since. And, it still makes me cry every time I watch it. First, I've never seen a movie so understated about its anger. In this regard Barbara Barrie and Bernie Hamilton are both so good that I don't know the right words to describe it. Second, the girl is not Hollywood "cute", she's not a smarty pants; she is 100% genuine. Third, the Judge is so slick and evil although he comes across so nice just like every Southern judge I have met in real life. My film teacher told me if she could pick one film to give someone the truth of what this country was all about in the early '60's, One Potato Two Potato would be that film. And the love story between Hamilton and Barrie is so real and beset with pain and passion that I can really relate to them.
Daring love story for that time -- or any time since
abcowboy23 April 2005
This is a story about a black and white couple who fell in love despite their efforts not to cross the color line. I saw the movie in a neighborhood Atlanta cinema and became worried about the audience's reaction both during the movie and as the people left. It was a daring subject to be presented in an angry location at a smoldering year. The audience was absolutely mute ... except for one guy that made an unwise crack to his date as we were leaving. She turned on him, tears in her eyes.
This movie should be on VHS or DVD but I wouldn't be surprised if it's lost.
This movie should be on VHS or DVD but I wouldn't be surprised if it's lost.
Powerful movie
crsytt20 December 2005
I saw this movie in the mid-60s in a theater and the last scene was heart-wrenching. I felt like I had been hit by a baseball bat. Several years later I saw the movie on TV and was surprised to find that, as that final scene approached, I could feel the same emotions building. The movie had not lost its effect! I would love to watch this movie again to see if it would have the same impact. It would be interesting if young people today would see the power of this film or if, because "things have changed," the story line would seem outdated. Apparently this film is NOT available on video, unfortunately. I wonder why? Who makes that decision?
Gripping Treatment of Black/White Racial Issues
ndg19 March 2000
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film at the Montreal Film Festival in 1964. Didn't know any of the actors at the time, but the film was excellent in script and execution. Black and white photography adds to the tension centered around custody of children born of a white mother and black father. I can still see the final scene with the children's faces pressed against the rear car window, and this 36 years later.
Very memorable film
zakharia-23 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film in Beirut in 1964 or 1965. I went with my sister and my best friend, Bea Brand, who was the daughter of the Consul General of South Africa in Lebanon. We were all around 17-18 years old at the time.
I still remember how sad and heart-breaking the film was. My South African friend was furious that such a film was being shown and was raving and ranting, saying that she was going to report it to her father who "should do something about taking it out of the theater at once." She couldn't swallow the fact that a white woman could marry a black man.
My sister and I tried to explain to her that this was Lebanon and that these issues don't exist here, and that it was just a movie.
I haven't seen the film since then, neither have I seen my friend, Bea, as she and her family left Lebanon, but I will never forget how I felt at the end of the film. Films like this one stay with the viewer forever...and South Africa has come a long way since 1965.
I still remember how sad and heart-breaking the film was. My South African friend was furious that such a film was being shown and was raving and ranting, saying that she was going to report it to her father who "should do something about taking it out of the theater at once." She couldn't swallow the fact that a white woman could marry a black man.
My sister and I tried to explain to her that this was Lebanon and that these issues don't exist here, and that it was just a movie.
I haven't seen the film since then, neither have I seen my friend, Bea, as she and her family left Lebanon, but I will never forget how I felt at the end of the film. Films like this one stay with the viewer forever...and South Africa has come a long way since 1965.
One Potato, Two Potato is a compelling drama about the interracial troubles concerning child custody
tavm18 February 2011
Continuing to review African-Americans in film in chronological order for Black History Month, we're once again in 1964 when another independent film is made to address the issues of the day, this time being about controversial interracial marriage and the ramifications of an ex-husband wanting custody of a child because of it. Dark-skinned Frank Richards (Bernie Hamilton) falls for Caucasian Julie Cullen (Barbara Barrie) and her little girl Ellen Mary (Marti Mericka). Though his parents William (Robert Earl Jones) and Martha (Vinnette Carroll) have warned him what to expect, Frank goes through with the plans. Then when Julie's former spouse Joe Cullen (Richard Mulligan) shows up and he finds out what's what, he decides for himself what's best for Ellen Mary despite not having seen her in four years. The final decision is left to Judge Powell (Harry Bellaver). I'll stop there and just say that this is a very compelling drama about a real-life issue at the time. The only flaw I can think of is we're never really shown how much Ellen Mary loves Frank despite her saying so to Joe who first appears bringing a Teddy Bear and playing shoot-'em-up with her despite his being a stranger at the time. Every cast member is excellent and how funny is hearing that familiar voice of James Earl Jones coming from his father, Robert! So on that note, One Potato, Two Potato comes highly recommended. P.S. Among the players from previous movies I so far reviewed for this month: Hamilton from The Jackie Robinson Story and Take a Giant Step, Robert Earl Jones from Lying Lips and Odds Against Tomorrow, and Harry Bellaver from Sidney Poitier's No Way Out. Oh, and Ms. Barrie and Mr. Bellaver are from my birth state of Illinois, Barbara from Chicago and Harry from Hillsboro.
Watch this film all the way through.
tonytomato924 September 2018
I just finished watching One Potato Two Potato, which TCM aired. The film is terrific, and by today's standards, it still holds up as a film that resonates emotionally and socially. Without saying too much about what happens, I'll just say that I was simply stunned by the film overall. I'm so glad to have seen it. I'm still affected by what I just saw. Anyone who isn't moved by OPTP is surely in need of a heart transplant. This was a great vehicle for actress Barbara Barrie. And the little girl who plays her daughter is top drawer. Such a good movie!
Outstanding ! child being raised and love in interracial marriage v. m.i.a. biological father returning to seek custody
redagin28 October 2007
Viewed this movie in the sixties and never forgot the court ruling on the custody of a white child. This movie explores romance between a divorced white woman with a Black man, their interracial marriage and the short-sighted ruling by a judge on the effect of a white child being raised and loved in an interracial household v. custody being returned to her biological father who has had no relationship with his child since birth. Opinions of family members, clergy and friends are explored, also racial intolerance . So sensitive is this work of art with a most heart wrenching, conclusion. I searched for this movie for years and have finally found it (DVD format)for sale at LEARMEDIA.COM
Great movie and wish it were offered on TV
Hotcanary911 January 2004
I am 74 yrs old and remember seeing this at around 40 with some friends..left the theater sobbing and will always remember it. Too bad we can't see these movies on TV - very thought-provoking. Has anyone else seen and remembered this movie, or am I the only one alive who remembers it?
One Potato, Two Potato
b_wither29 May 2007
I grew up in the town where this movie was made! At first I felt why my town for this movie? I always felt that although where I lived seemed part of the 'tolerant' north, however it was in the end just like every other place in 'middle' American that represented the themes in this movie. It had a profound effect on me, besides being a well-made film, it's thought-provoking theme woke me up in 1965 to all the undercurrents of racism around me and in the town that I had been ignoring. To bring the theme even more to the fore, I saw this movie with our then exchange student who was from Africa. I think he found the movie very bewildering, but all of us with him were very uncomfortable! I would really like to find a copy of this movie, any ideas? I am told that it can be ordered but is very expensive, but I don't even know where to order it.
Alternate Universe: America 1964
bgordon5553 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
After finishing some errands, I happened to catch One Potato, Two Potato on Turner Classic Movies tonight for the first time. It is an amazing, powerful, and moving film.
Unlike many of the reviews here, seeing this movie made in 1964 now, in 2009, is a very different experience. It is almost like watching science-fiction in reverse, as if you're watching a world that couldn't possibly be real because it is so twisted, cruel, and distorted. And yet it was, and in some ways, still is.
The movie is also jarring because it runs more like a documentary than a Hollywood movie. The acting by the main characters is superb, but the production itself is simple, and that, combined with some less experienced supporting actors combines to give the movie a raw feel that actually amplifies the intensity of the emotions portrayed because they come across as genuine instead of polished. And toward the end, I kept rooting for some salve of mercy or a more typical Hollywood ending, but what we get is ever so much more powerful.
And finally, the movie is jarring because it's the first credited screen appearance of Richard Mulligan in a role completely different from his later persona. That too, adds to the alternate universe feeling to this movie.
A truly wonderful film. Hopefully, it is being archived by the American Film Institute, or the Smithsonian, because it so accurately portrays a tormented period of American life. Historically, there was far more torment to come, but movies like this provided a spark that may someday truly lead to a world in which people respect each other as people, and not for an irrelevant characteristic, however relevant that characteristic may be socially.
Unlike many of the reviews here, seeing this movie made in 1964 now, in 2009, is a very different experience. It is almost like watching science-fiction in reverse, as if you're watching a world that couldn't possibly be real because it is so twisted, cruel, and distorted. And yet it was, and in some ways, still is.
The movie is also jarring because it runs more like a documentary than a Hollywood movie. The acting by the main characters is superb, but the production itself is simple, and that, combined with some less experienced supporting actors combines to give the movie a raw feel that actually amplifies the intensity of the emotions portrayed because they come across as genuine instead of polished. And toward the end, I kept rooting for some salve of mercy or a more typical Hollywood ending, but what we get is ever so much more powerful.
And finally, the movie is jarring because it's the first credited screen appearance of Richard Mulligan in a role completely different from his later persona. That too, adds to the alternate universe feeling to this movie.
A truly wonderful film. Hopefully, it is being archived by the American Film Institute, or the Smithsonian, because it so accurately portrays a tormented period of American life. Historically, there was far more torment to come, but movies like this provided a spark that may someday truly lead to a world in which people respect each other as people, and not for an irrelevant characteristic, however relevant that characteristic may be socially.
Too Bad This Movie is not on Video -- Seemingly Anywhere
reshea4 September 2006
I was about 15 years old when I saw this movie. I will confess to not to realizing what the adults were all upset about (given my immaturity at the time). I did realize that there was an issue due to color (I was a 15-year old black boy). I was too young to catch any (or some of the) nuances attributed to why adults did what they did. However, I do remember black-white relations were in turmoil. I believe while watching the movie, I was attempting to wonder how I would be in an interracial relationship. On that front, the movie did its job of involving the viewer. There must have been quite an impression for me to remember this movie all of these years. I have looked for this movie (high and low). Apparently, there is no call (or profit) to release the movie to video for general purchase. Any collection would be graced highly with the movie. I, too, am moved when I see Barbara---no matter the acting situation she is in.
A very prescient and advanced film of the mid 1960s
psussmann12 September 2005
I remember seeing this film in 1964 when I was young and single. At the time, I saw change coming at a furious pace and I remember that I did not like much of it. However, when it came to interracial love, marriage and family life, I felt that love defined a state of being and feeling, not a race or colour. That state of being and feeling is special to those who share them with each other and children who may result from their union or adoption by them. As a result, I felt not tears and sorrow, but anger and bitterness toward the ex-husband of Julie, the character played by Barbara Barrie, because he came to divide a loving family. Joe Cullen (the ex-husband played by Richard Mulligan) may have provided the semen that resulted in the birth of Mary Ellen Cullen, but he was not a father; Frank Richards (played by Bernie Hamilton) was a real father to that girl; with him and the baby boy that her mother and Frank had together she felt happy and part of a real family. When asked about what she found different about her sibling, she answered, very wisely and correctly, that he is a boy. His colour was absolutely unimportant to her. I also felt anger toward the judge (played by Harry Bellaver) who decided in favour of Joe Cullen having custody of the daughter he ignored for most of her life. Ironically, I liked the actors who portrayed the judge and Joe Cullen in roles that were very different: Harry Bellaver was always the patient, paternal, sympathetic, but strict cop, Officer Frank Arcaro, in "Naked City" and Richard Mulligan was so low-key, deadpan and hilarious in a number of television programmes; amongst them "Soap" and "Empty Nest" Years later, this film that I never forgot, really became special to me because I met, courted and married a woman of another race. We are still together, 29 years and 5 beautiful bi-racial children later. My cheers and appreciation to everyone involved in the making of that film for their courage and foresight to present an interracial family as normal and as loving as any family should be. I know it was an inspiration for me. One more note: the director of the film, Larry Peerce is the son of the late Jan Peerce, one of my favourite opera singers; Jan Peerce is best known, however, for his recording of the very beautiful and moving popular song "Bluebird Of Happiness" which celebrates life and love amongst all people, regardless of their status in society.
Excellent film!
shortribsfordinner22 April 2008
A perfect, simple yet complex movie. Deals with similar issues as Guess Who's Coming To Dinner would three years later, but much more realistically. The makers of that film should have watched this movie first. The acting here is superb, never overdone, and the plot has a real dilemma with no easy answers, only two difficult choices. Rather than condemning the characters' motivations, the movie shows the realities of the times and how the characters really tried to do the best thing as they understood it.
Why can't I find this movie? It was shown on cable TV about 20 years ago (possibly Showtime). I taped it then, but my copy was chewed up by my VCR. Haven't seen it aired since.
Why can't I find this movie? It was shown on cable TV about 20 years ago (possibly Showtime). I taped it then, but my copy was chewed up by my VCR. Haven't seen it aired since.
Excellent Movie
jazandjd21 November 2009
I am 29 and just saw this movie on TCM. I found out about it b/c it was taped in my hometown and was detailed in our local paper recently ~ so I had to record it. This movie gives me such a perspective on the troubles that people had back then. Being a mother of two, I couldn't help but be in tears by the end of the movie. I am so thankful that these kind of practices are no longer committed; however I do see this as being something that we can look at and compare to the trials that gays & lesbians are going thru today. The movie is very insightful and very well put together. Plus it was really cool to see what my hometown looked like in the 60's. It was so much different than it is today. But I was still able to recognize a lot of the places.
Similarities to Same-Sex Marriage
maxngren12 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie in 1965 with my, then very Macho husband and his best friend and his wife. Needless to say there were many tears. But what surprised me the most was the tears from these 2 macho dudes that they couldn't hide! We went out for coffee after and sat talking about the ramifications of the storyline until 3 AM! The issue of interracial marriage can be very closely connected to today's issue of same-sex marriage. I have known gay & Lesbian people who lost their children in a similar storyline. I've thought many times of this movie since the same-sex marriage battles began in San Francisco. I live in Portland Oregon where this is a hot issue. Additionally, Portland has one of the largest racially-mixed family populations in the country.
Unforgettable film
silverjazzbabe10 April 2007
Like many others who have commented here, I have never forgotten this powerful and deeply moving film. Though I saw it back in 1964 when it was released I remember every detail of the story. The screen writing was inspired and the understated performances by the cast were superb. I recall that for many weeks after seeing this movie I wept when thinking about it. It is a pity that it is not available for home viewing. To those who loved this film I would recommend another which came out the same year and also dealt with racial issues. The name of that film is "Nothing But A Man" and is available on DVD. Like "One Potato Two Potato" it is a brilliant and sensitive film.
Excellent
lizerooh25 July 2006
I saw this movie on TV as a child, and I remember being very moved by it. It could only have been a few years after it was released. I have waited years to see it again and have never had the opportunity.I have asked many people about it and have never met anyone else who saw it!
Highly recommended as an accurate snapshot of a moment in time. Quite daring for it's time, also, as it predates "Guess who's coming to dinner". It's highly poignant ending still makes me emotional after all these years. I hope it is released on DVD as it is a film that deserves to be viewed. I wasn't aware that the screenplay had won an Oscar- brilliant!
Highly recommended as an accurate snapshot of a moment in time. Quite daring for it's time, also, as it predates "Guess who's coming to dinner". It's highly poignant ending still makes me emotional after all these years. I hope it is released on DVD as it is a film that deserves to be viewed. I wasn't aware that the screenplay had won an Oscar- brilliant!
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