Watch The Story of a Three-Day Pass

In 1967, director Melvin Van Peebles released "The Story of a Three-Day Pass," a groundbreaking film that tackled taboo subjects like race and interracial relationships. The film follows the story of a young African American soldier named Turner (played by Harry Baird) who is given a three-day pass from his duties in the U.S. Army. He decides to use this opportunity to travel to Paris, where he meets a white French woman named Miriam (played by Nicole Berger). The two quickly fall in love, but their romance is met with resistance from both their cultures.

At the heart of the film is the exploration of Turner's experiences as a black man in a predominantly white society. Throughout the film, we see him navigate the complexities of racism, from being stopped by police officers for no reason to being denied service at a restaurant. His experiences highlight the daily microaggressions that black people faced during this time period, and the toll that it takes on one's psyche.

As Turner and Miriam begin to fall in love, the film also delves into the taboo subject of interracial relationships. In the 1960s, interracial marriage was still illegal in many parts of the United States, and the film reflects the unease that many people felt about mixing races. Miriam's family is resistant to their relationship, and Turner faces backlash from his fellow soldiers for pursuing a white woman.

The film is a departure from typical Hollywood fare in many ways. For one, it was shot on location in Paris, which gives it a distinct and authentic feel. It's also notable for its use of jump cuts and nonlinear storytelling, which was unconventional at the time. Van Peebles' use of these techniques adds to the film's experimental feel and makes it stand out from other films of its era.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy. Van Peebles commissioned jazz musician Redd Foxx to create the film's score, which features a mix of jazz and soul music. The music helps to set the tone for the film and enhances the emotion of certain scenes.

Overall, "The Story of a Three-Day Pass" is a powerful film that explores race and relationships in ways that were rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time. It's a film that is both ahead of its time and a reflection of the issues that were prevalent in 1960s America. The performances are strong, the direction is bold, and the themes are still relevant today.

The Story of a Three-Day Pass is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.