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A Foreign Affair 1948

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.

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.

Does A Foreign Affair have end credit scenes?

No!

A Foreign Affair does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of A Foreign Affair

Explore the complete cast of A Foreign Affair, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for A Foreign Affair

See how A Foreign Affair is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where A Foreign Affair stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

75

Metascore

6.2

User Score

TMDB

71

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate A Foreign Affair Movie Quiz

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A Foreign Affair Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate relationships and post-war themes depicted in 'A Foreign Affair'.

Who is the main character investigating the American troops in Berlin?

Awards & Nominations for A Foreign Affair

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by A Foreign Affair, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how A Foreign Affair and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


The 21st Academy Awards 1949

Nomination

Cinematography (Black-and-White)

Nomination

Writing (Screenplay)

The 20th Academy Awards 1948

Nomination

Cinematography (Black-and-White)

Nomination

Writing (Screenplay)

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for A Foreign Affair

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Read the complete plot summary of A Foreign Affair, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, Berlin was a city grappling with rampant corruption and moral decay. Stepping into this tumultuous environment was Congresswoman Phoebe Frost (Marlene Dietrich), who had come from Iowa with a U.S. congressional committee to probe the morale of American occupation troops. Allegedly suffering from a mysterious ailment nicknamed “moral malaria,” these soldiers were revealed to be exploiting the chaos by engaging in black market dealings and leveraging their positions to gain favors from local women.

Phoebe’s visit was not just professional but personal, as she also carried a birthday cake for Captain John Pringle (John Lund), a boyfriend of one of her constituents. Instead of sharing the cake with his fellow soldiers, however, John opted to trade it on the black market for a mattress to delight his paramour, Erika von Schlütow. This ill-fated transaction led Phoebe to inquire about Erika’s past and current predicament.

As Phoebe roamed the ravaged streets of Berlin, she witnessed the prevalent fraternization between American soldiers and local women. Her guide suggested this interaction was essential for winning the loyalty of the German populace, leaving Phoebe to ponder the fine line between influence and exploitation. A twist of fate found her mistaken for a local girl by two American soldiers, leading her into the lively atmosphere of Club Lorelei, the hotspot for troops.

It was within the vibrant confines of the club that Phoebe first laid eyes on Erika von Schlütow, a cabaret singer surrounded by rumors of a scandalous past that hinted at her affiliations with notorious figures such as Hermann Göring or Joseph Goebbels. Unbeknownst to Phoebe, her ally Captain Pringle was also Erika’s lover, complicating her pursuit for the truth. In her quest to unveil Erika’s secrets, Phoebe discovered a wartime newsreel featuring Adolf Hitler and the enigmatic singer, prompting her to urge John to access Erika’s military file.

As tension mounted, John attempted to charm Phoebe, who was initially skeptical of his advances. Their conversation turned introspective, revealing the complexities of political ethics and personal desire. Phoebe shared her own past, recalling a time when she was seduced by a Southern Congressman seeking her vote. Meanwhile, John’s frustrations with Erika’s ties to Nazi officials came to a head, as their relationship strained under the weight of his warnings about potential communist associations.

Colonel Plummer was in the loop regarding John’s affair with Erika and ordered him to keep the act alive in order to lure Hans Otto Birgel, a rogue ex-Gestapo agent believed to be in hiding. An unearthed letter hinted at Birgel’s lethal intentions toward Erika’s new beau.

As the situation escalated, both Erika and Phoebe found themselves arrested during a police crackdown on those lacking proper identification. Erika cleverly claimed Phoebe was her cousin, securing her freedom and maintaining her own standing. Back in her apartment, she revealed to Phoebe that she had taken on a protective role, owing John a significant debt.

When John made his presence known, Phoebe witnessed an intimate exchange between him and Erika, leaving her feeling heartbroken. As they prepared to leave Berlin, Phoebe confided in Colonel Plummer about her moral quandaries and her decision not to file her report. The Colonel disclosed John’s true motives regarding Erika and cautioned her about the dangers faced by him.

Just as Birgel attempted to eliminate John at the club, American forces intervened, apprehending the would-be assassin instead. Yet, the fallout led to Erika’s arrest for her connection to Birgel. With Colonel Plummer’s aid, Phoebe and John were finally reunited as they navigated the intricate and dangerous web of their relationships against the backdrop of post-war Germany, revealing the nuances of love, betrayal, and survival.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for A Foreign Affair

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A Foreign Affair ≣ 1948 ≣ Trailer

Be Kind Rewind’s Isabel Custodio Discusses A FOREIGN AFFAIR | New Voices of Cinema

Cars Featured in A Foreign Affair

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Explore all cars featured in A Foreign Affair, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


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