One Potato, Two Potato

One Potato, Two Potato is a 1964 American drama film directed by Larry Peerce. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous civil rights era, the movie tackles a sensitive and relevant topic: interracial marriage. The film is centered around the story of a white divorcée, Susan Lawrence, who marries a black man, John Lewis, and the ensuing court battle for custody of their young daughter, Sally. Susan Lawrence, played by Barbara Parkins, is a white woman living in the South during the 1960s, a time when racial tensions are running high and social norms are being challenged. Having gone through a divorce from her previous husband, Bill, Susan is a single mother to her young daughter, Sally. It's when she meets John Lewis, a successful black man who becomes her second husband, that their lives take an unexpected turn. Susan's marriage to John is a love match that transcends racial boundaries. As they prepare to live together, they also have to deal with the prejudices and biases of society, which threaten to tear them apart. Their marriage is not without its challenges, but their love for each other remains strong. Trouble brews when Susan's ex-husband, Bill, sues for custody of their six-year-old daughter, Sally, claiming that a mixed household is an improper place to raise the girl. The judge, who is depicted as a conservative, prejudiced individual, rules that the child's best interests are not served in a "mixed" environment. This ruling sets off a chain of events that forces John to fight for his parental rights and prove that he is a fit father. As the court battle rages on, John becomes increasingly frustrated and disillusioned with the justice system. He struggles to find a lawyer who will stand up for him and his right to be involved in Sally's life. The judge, who seems more interested in upholding the status quo than in doing what's best for the child, is unsympathetic to John's plight. John's biggest challenge, however, comes when he has to confront his own sense of inadequacy and doubt. As a successful business owner, John has a comfortable life, but he struggles to connect with Sally, who has become increasingly withdrawn and resistant to John's attempts to bond with her. The weight of the court battle, combined with his own feelings of inadequacy, forces John to confront his own demons and learn to be a more effective parent. Through John's journey, the film highlights the difficulties faced by mixed families in the 1960s, when societal norms were heavily weighted against interracial relationships. The movie also explores the complexities of identity, as John struggles to find his place in a society that is not welcoming to him. Despite these challenges, John remains committed to his family and determined to prove that he is a capable and loving parent. The film's climax features a dramatic courtroom scene, in which John delivers a powerful defense of his right to be a part of Sally's life. The judge's eventual decision is a bittersweet moment, as it acknowledges John's love and commitment to his daughter, but also perpetuates the status quo of a society that is struggling to come to terms with change. One Potato, Two Potato is a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of interracial relationships and the challenges faced by mixed families in the 1960s. The movie features outstanding performances from its cast, particularly Sidney Poitier, who plays the title role of John Lewis. The film's direction, handled by Larry Peerce, is nuanced and thoughtful, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and the societal context in which they live. Overall, One Potato, Two Potato is a powerful and moving film that remains relevant today, as it explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The movie's portrayal of a mixed family struggling to navigate a prejudiced society serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.