A Foreign Affair

A Foreign Affair

Year: 2004

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Helmut Schleppi

dramacomedyromance

Two American brothers travel to Russia in search of love and a break from their everyday lives. Hoping to find romance abroad, they encounter cultural differences and unexpected challenges while navigating the world of international dating. Their journey reveals that finding a genuine connection goes beyond simple language barriers and carefully planned encounters, leading to humorous misunderstandings and heartwarming discoveries.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Foreign Affair (2004)

Trace every key event in A Foreign Affair (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Phoebe Frost's Arrival

In the devastated city of Berlin during 1947, US Congresswoman Phoebe Frost arrives to investigate the morale of American occupation troops. Concerned about rumors of soldiers suffering from ‘moral malaria,’ she steps into a chaotic environment shaped by corruption.

1947 Berlin
2

The Birthday Cake Incident

Phoebe brings a birthday cake for Captain John Pringle, hoping to lift the spirits of the troops. However, John trades the chocolate cake on the black market instead of sharing it, demonstrating the dire circumstances and moral compromises faced by soldiers.

Berlin
3

Erika's Dangerous Connections

Erika von Schlütow, under scrutiny from the Military Police, is interrogated about her past affiliations. Even after serving a sentence in a labor camp, she manipulates her way to employment at a nightclub through John's influence, showcasing her resilience amidst the chaos.

Erika's Apartment
4

Phoebe's Observation

While exploring Berlin, Phoebe witnesses the interactions between American soldiers and local women. This raises questions for her about the nature of these relationships and who is truly holding the power in these exchanges.

Berlin
5

The Nightclub Encounter

At Club Lorelei, a beloved spot for American troops, Phoebe mingles with soldiers while pretending to speak broken English. She meets cabaret singer Erika, who is rumored to be under the protection of an American officer, complicating the dynamics further.

Club Lorelei
6

Digging into Erika's Past

Phoebe learns about Erika's previous appearance in a newsreel alongside Adolf Hitler, igniting her curiosity about Erika's true history. She seeks John's help to access Erika’s file in the army, starting to unveil the threads of deception.

Army Headquarters
7

John's Charisma and Phoebe's Hesitation

As John begins to charm Phoebe while discussing their moral dilemmas, she initially resists his advances. Despite this, John’s persistence reveals cracks in her emotional armor, leading to a complex interplay of attraction and intrigue.

Berlin
8

Erika and John’s Confrontation

Erika confronts John over his emotional neglect, fearing the ramifications for her connections with other officers. This confrontation underscores the tension in their relationship, revealing John's conflicting feelings and obligations.

John's Residence
9

Colonel Plummer's Directive

Colonel Plummer observes the unfolding tensions between John and Erika, instructing John to maintain his relationship with her. He believes that Erika could lead them to Hans Otto Birgel, a former Gestapo operative posing a threat.

Military Base
10

Police Raid at Club Lorelei

A police raid at Club Lorelei ensnares both Erika and Phoebe, aiming to arrest Germans without identification. Quick-thinking Erika claims Phoebe is her cousin, securing her release while managing to protect herself from scrutiny.

Club Lorelei
11

Erika’s Admission

Erika reveals to Phoebe that their initial encounter was strategic, placing Phoebe in John's debt for protection. This revelation complicates the evolving dynamics among them as trust begins to fray.

Berlin
12

Betrayal at a Glance

Phoebe's heart sinks when she sees John kissing Erika passionately, leaving her feeling humiliated and betrayed. This moment marks a turning point in Phoebe’s perception of John and Erika's relationship.

Military Airport
13

Colonel Plummer's Revelation

As Phoebe awaits her flight home, Colonel Plummer delivers news about John's true mission of using Erika to track down Birgel. His revelation highlights the complex interplay of personal and operational motives in their situation.

Military Airport
14

The Climax at Lorelei

Birgel makes his move at Club Lorelei, armed and ready to eliminate John. Fortunately, the American soldiers intervene just in time, illustrating the chaotic intersection of their lives in this war-torn backdrop.

Club Lorelei
15

A New Beginning

As the dust settles from the chaos, Erika is arrested due to her involvement with Birgel's plans. Meanwhile, with Colonel Plummer's assistance, Phoebe and John reconnect, their fates intertwined by the intricate challenges they've faced.

Berlin

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:16

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A Foreign Affair Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Foreign Affair

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