Directed by Larry Peerce and written by Raphael Hayes and Orville H. Hampton, a white divorcée falls in love with and marries an African American man. When her ex-husband sues for custody of her child, arguing that a mixed household is an improper place to raise the girl, they face a hard face against a prejudiced system to hold onto custody. Starring: Barbara Barrie, Bernie Hamilton, Richard Mulligan, Harry Bellaver, Marti Mericka, Robert Earl Jones, Vinnette Carroll, Anthony Spinelli and Faith Burwell.
Having reminders of the horrific experiences that people have faced due to bigoted prejudice is absolutely necessary, as today we feel our society taking steps backwards. One Potato, Two Potato is a particularly good example because it shows both sides of the spectrum: the happiness and the love versus the racism and closed-mindedness. It starts out with such a natural, sweet connection between Julie (Barbara Barrie) and Frank (Bernie Hamilton) which despite the obstacles they face blossoms into a wonderful family.
The discrimination starts early on, but it intensifies as time goes on, reaching not one but two crescendos. Larry Peerce does so well to hit the emotional notes strongly, One Potato, Two Potato resonates deeply. Especially because the writing from Raphael Hayes and Orville H. Hampton manages to perfectly capture the good, with the bad. It can be moving at times, and it can also be absolutely shattering. The ending in particular is an excellent piece of writing that will not leave a dry eye in the house.
Peerce’s directorial style feels ahead of its time, the angle choices and way that he injects more tension into an already richly atmospheric film is impressive. Interestingly, it’s one of the few occasions where it could have stood to have been longer, it’s coming in at an hour and a half and there could have been more story to tell. However, it makes clear, concise and purposeful choice within that runtime, so everything still works perfectly well.
Particularly when supported by some superb performances, there’s no weak link in this cast. Barbara Barrie and Bernie Hamilton have excellent chemistry, and both know exactly how to deliver portrayals that are both touching, romantic and devastating. Richard Mulligan gets many points for how much you’ll hate his character. The idiotic grandstanding, the immaturity and selfishness is infuriating, which speaks to the quality of his performance.
One Potato, Two Potato is a bold exploration of interracial marriage and relationships in the 1960s. It’s heartbreaking and has a sublimely layered atmosphere which encompasses the wide range of emotions explored within the film. The prejudice is harsh and swift but their romance and beloved family are just as strong. The performances from the whole cast are terrific, it’s shot exceptionally well and though it could have explored a little further, it’s an undeniably memorable, powerful experience.
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