The Story of a Three-Day Pass 1968
Made by
Sigma III Corp. (II)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Turner, a Black United States Army G.I. stationed in France, is promoted to Assistant Orderly by his captain. Since his appointment starts on Monday, Turner is given a three-day pass. As Turner gets ready to leave, his reflection in the mirror accuses him of being an Uncle Tom. Turner travels throughout Paris, where he wanders mostly aimlessly for the first day.
One night, Turner finds himself in a nightclub, where he meets a white French shop clerk named Miriam. The two dance and converse for several hours, and plan a trip to the beaches of Normandy. She leaves, while Turner stays and dances. The next day, Turner drives Miriam to Normandy. During the drive there, Miriam talks about her working hours as a clerk, and her previous job as a night school teacher. One night, she failed to pass a certifying exam, which makes her available on Saturdays.
The pair arrive at a motel, where Miriam request a single bedroom. The two enjoy their romance but also struggle with the complexities of racism. While passionately kissing Turner, Miriam imagines herself alone in a forest where she is captured by tribal Africans and sacrificed. Images of white protestors holding dehumanizing posters are juxtaposed, while Miriam and Turner sleep together. Turner plays football with young French boys, and later that night, they share drinks at a nightclub. A Spanish man insults Turner by calling him “Mr. Blackie” (which translates to “negrito”). Offended at the perceived racial slur, Turner fights the man and leaves. Nearby a bridge, Miriam consoles him.
On his last day, Turner’s comrades arrive on the beach, where they meet Miriam. They report his interracial relationship to Turner’s captain. He is demoted to the barracks. After some visiting African-American women convince his commander to lift the restriction, Turner finds Miriam unavailable when he telephones her, and he decides that such amorous adventures are futile.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Turner's Promotion
Turner, a Black G.I. in the United States Army stationed in France, receives a promotion to Assistant Orderly from his captain. This new role symbolizes a significant step in his military career, but it also burdens him with internal feelings of inadequacy, as his reflection in the mirror taunts him.
First Day in Paris
With a three-day pass in hand, Turner begins his time off in Paris. While wandering the streets, he feels a sense of aimlessness, grappling with his identity and the sociopolitical atmosphere surrounding him.
Meeting Miriam
During a night out at a nightclub, Turner meets Miriam, a white French shop clerk, and they quickly connect. They spend hours dancing and conversing, revealing their mutual attraction and interest in each other's lives.
Trip to Normandy
Turner drives Miriam to the beaches of Normandy, deepening their newly formed bond. As they travel, Miriam shares her background, including her experiences as a night school teacher and her struggles with a certifying exam.
Romantic Getaway
Upon arriving at a motel, Miriam requests a single bedroom for their stay. The couple indulges in romance; however, they also confront the underlying tensions of interracial dynamics in their relationship.
Miriam's Inner Conflict
While sharing an intimate moment with Turner, Miriam envisions a disturbing scenario where she is captured by tribal Africans. Her imagination reflects her fears and societal conditioning surrounding racial issues.
Football Fun
Turner enjoys a playful afternoon playing football with local French boys. This moment showcases his ability to connect with children, transcending cultural and racial barriers for a fleeting moment.
Nightclub Confrontation
Later that night, Turner is confronted by a Spanish man at the nightclub who insults him with a racial slur. Offended, Turner retaliates and gets into a fight, showcasing the racial tensions simmering beneath the surface.
Miriam Consoles Turner
After the confrontation, Turner finds solace as Miriam comforts him near a bridge. Their bond deepens amidst the chaos, emphasizing their struggle against external societal pressures.
Comrades Arrive
On Turner's final day, his comrades arrive at the beach, where they surprise him with a visit. However, their next actions lead to a serious consequence for Turner, as they report his relationship with Miriam.
Demotion
Following the report from his comrades, Turner's captain demotes him back to the barracks. This demotion is a stark reminder of the price he pays for his interracial relationship during a time of societal division.
Appeal for Justice
A group of African-American women approaches Turner's commander, advocating for his reinstatement. Their solidarity serves as a moment of hope for Turner, showcasing the importance of community support.
Final Attempt to Contact Miriam
After his potential reinstatement, Turner eagerly tries to call Miriam, hoping to continue their romance. However, he is met with disappointment as he finds her unavailable, highlighting the fragility of their connection.
Acceptance of Reality
Facing the realities of his circumstances, Turner reflects on his relationship with Miriam and the societal barriers they must contend with. He comes to a realization that such romantic connections may be fraught with challenges.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Turner
Turner is a Black United States Army G.I. who grapples with his identity and the implications of race during his time in France. He is promoted to Assistant Orderly, which brings a mix of pride and introspection as he reflects on societal expectations. His journey reveals both his vulnerability and strength as he seeks connection in a racially charged environment.
Miriam
Miriam is a white French shop clerk whose interaction with Turner opens her eyes to the complexities of love and race. She is portrayed as both compassionate and conflicted, expressing desires that challenge societal norms. Through her character, the film examines the impact of historical and cultural context on personal relationships.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie is set during the tumultuous era of the 1960s, a period marked by civil rights movements and social upheaval in America and Europe. This time saw significant changes in attitudes toward race, impacting the lives and relationships of individuals like Turner and Miriam, who navigate the complexities of their interracial romance amidst societal prejudices.
Location
Paris, Normandy, France
The movie takes place in iconic locations across France, including the vibrant streets of Paris and the picturesque beaches of Normandy. Paris, known for its art, fashion, and rich history, serves as a backdrop for the romance and complexities of race. Normandy, famous for its beautiful coastline and historical significance, becomes the setting for profound moments between Turner and Miriam.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Racism
Racism is a central theme, as evidenced by Turner's experiences and the struggles faced in his relationship with Miriam. The film highlights the pervasive societal attitudes of the time, illustrating the emotional toll of prejudice. Through their interactions, the characters confront and challenge the racial dynamics that surround them.
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Love
Love transcends racial boundaries in this poignant narrative. Through the relationship between Turner and Miriam, the film explores the beauty and complexity of love in the face of societal opposition. Their intimate moments symbolize hope, highlighting love’s ability to overcome divisive barriers, despite the painful realities they must navigate.
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