A Foreign Affair

A Foreign Affair

Year: 1948

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Billy Wilder

dramacomedyromance

During the aftermath of World War II, an American captain is stationed in Berlin. He becomes involved with a former nightclub singer who was associated with the Nazi regime, while a US congresswoman investigates her past. The situation becomes complicated as he grapples with his feelings and the moral implications of her history.

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Timeline & Setting – A Foreign Affair (1948)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Foreign Affair (1948). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Post-World War II

The movie is set in the chaotic aftermath of World War II, a time characterized by political instability and a struggle for power. Many soldiers faced moral dilemmas amid the struggles of rebuilding their lives and communities, leading to a precarious environment marked by both hope and disillusionment. This post-war period is crucial as it shapes the interactions among the characters and their motivations.

Location

Berlin

Berlin serves as the central backdrop for the film, set in the aftermath of World War II. The city, once vibrant and influential, is now grappling with corruption and moral decay, as its inhabitants navigate the challenges of post-war recovery. Known for its tumultuous history, Berlin becomes a juxtaposition of military presence and local tumult, creating a complex atmosphere rife with intrigue and danger.

🌍 City 📜 Historic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Main Characters – A Foreign Affair (1948)

Meet the key characters of A Foreign Affair (1948), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Phoebe Frost

Phoebe Frost is portrayed as a determined and principled Congresswoman who arrives in Berlin with a mandate to investigate American soldiers' actions. She embodies a complex blend of professionalism and personal conflict, grappling with her feelings for John and the moral implications of her findings. As she navigates a morally uncertain landscape, Phoebe’s strength and resolve become crucial for her character development.

👩‍💼 Politics ❤️ Love 🐉 Resilience

Captain John Pringle

Captain John Pringle is depicted as a charming yet conflicted soldier caught between his affections for Phoebe and his involvement with Erika. His character encapsulates the struggles many soldiers faced, torn between personal desires and the repercussions of their actions during a chaotic time. John's complex relationships reveal vulnerabilities and a longing for true connection amid the turmoil.

👨‍✈️ Military 💔 Love 🌀 Conflict

Erika von Schlütow

Erika von Schlütow is a cabaret singer ensnared in a web of scandal and lies, presenting a facade of glamour while harboring a troubled past. Her character illustrates the vulnerabilities faced by local women in a post-war society, often exploited yet resilient in the face of adversity. Erika's relationships complicate the narrative, adding layers to her motivations and survival instincts.

🎤 Music 🎭 Intrigue 💔 Betrayal

Colonel Plummer

Colonel Plummer is a military figure who navigates the chaos of post-war Berlin, providing guidance and oversight. His awareness of John’s affair with Erika positions him as a critical player in the unfolding drama, balancing duty and personal loyalties. Plummer's interactions reveal the complexities of military relationships during this charged period.

👮‍♂️ Military ⚔️ Strategy 🔍 Oversight

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Major Themes – A Foreign Affair (1948)

Explore the central themes of A Foreign Affair (1948), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Betrayal

The theme of love and betrayal runs deeply throughout the film as characters navigate complex personal relationships. Phoebe, John, and Erika's entangled affairs produce emotional turmoil, highlighting the unpredictability of love in times of societal upheaval. As they confront their feelings, the stakes become higher, intertwining personal desires with larger political ramifications.

⚖️ Moral Ambiguity

Moral ambiguity is a central theme, exploring the fine line between influence and exploitation in a war-torn society. Characters must confront their ethical dilemmas, especially with regard to their actions towards each other and the local population. Phoebe's internal struggle encapsulates this theme as she wrestles with her professional duties against her personal instincts.

🕵️‍♀️ Espionage and Intrigue

The film delves into themes of espionage and intrigue, as characters are often involved in covert operations and investigations. Phoebe's quest to uncover Erika's secrets showcases the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and danger. The presence of rogue agents adds to the tension, illustrating how trust can be a luxury in times of war.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:21

Unlock the Full Story of A Foreign Affair

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Foreign Affair in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Foreign Affair is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Foreign Affair Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Foreign Affair, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Foreign Affair Summary

A Foreign Affair Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Foreign Affair with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Foreign Affair Timeline

More About A Foreign Affair

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More About A Foreign Affair

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A Foreign Affair (1948) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

A Foreign Affair (1948) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline