Character Relationship Map: Two Weeks in Another Town

Characters

• Jack Andrus (played by Kirk Douglas) — protagonist

  A former established movie star hit rock bottom by alcoholism, divorce, and a nervous breakdown. He travels to Rome for a film role but is demoted to a dubbing assistant. After director Maurice Kruger...

• Maurice Kruger (played by Edward G. Robinson) — protagonist

  A once-mentored but currently struggling film director who lands a project in Italy starring Davie Drew. He initially denies Jack Andrus a role, forcing him into a dubbing job. Overwhelmed by producti...

• Carlotta (played by Cyd Charisse) — supporting

  Jack Andrus's ex-wife who divorced him after his career and personal life collapsed. She remains connected to his struggles, notably accompanying him during a dangerous, alcohol-fueled car ride throug...

• Davie Drew (played by George Hamilton) — supporting

  A handsome, rising young actor cast as the lead in Kruger's film. He struggles significantly with his performance, causing the production to go over budget and fall behind schedule. His success eventu...

• Veronica (played by Daliah Lavi) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Jack Andrus → Carlotta (Family Ex-Spouses) — Their marriage has ended, but their past remains central to Andrus's personal struggles.

  Carlotta divorced Jack Andrus after his career and personal life collapsed.

• Veronica → Davie Drew (Romantic In Love With) — Veronica's romantic feelings are directed toward Drew rather than Andrus.

  While Veronica socializes with Andrus, the plot states that she is actually in love with Davie Drew.

• Maurice Kruger → Davie Drew (Professional Director) — Kruger is Drew's director during the troubled production.

  Kruger directs the Italian movie in which Davie Drew is the leading actor.

• Jack Andrus → Maurice Kruger (Professional Mentor) — Kruger once guided Andrus professionally before their relationship deteriorated.

  Maurice Kruger is described as a film director who was something of a mentor to Jack Andrus.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Davie Drew → Jack Andrus (Alliance Professional Supporter) — Drew's professional camp recognizes Andrus's success and supports his future career.

  Drew's representatives tell Andrus that Drew will insist on having him direct Drew's next film.

• Jack Andrus → Veronica (Social Acquaintance) — They develop a social connection during Andrus's time in Rome.

  While working at Cinecittà Studio, Andrus socializes with the beautiful Veronica.

Story Analysis

A fallen movie star confronts professional humiliation, destructive addiction, and the possibility of reclaiming his life.

Plot Progression

1. A Fallen Star Returns — Jack Andrus arrives in Rome hoping to revive his career through Maurice Kruger's film. Instead, he discovers that his promised acting role has disappeared and accepts a dubbing assignment.
2. Pressure Behind The Camera — Andrus socializes with Veronica while Davie Drew struggles with his performance. The production becomes over budget and behind schedule, intensifying Kruger's stress.
3. The Unexpected Director — Kruger's heart attack forces Andrus into the director's chair. Andrus restores order, earns the actors' respect, and brings the film back onto schedule.
4. Success Turns To Betrayal — Drew's representatives offer Andrus a possible future directing job. When Andrus proudly visits Kruger in the hospital, he is accused of trying to take over Kruger's movie.
5. A Dangerous Awakening — Andrus responds with an all-night alcohol-fueled rage and drives recklessly through Rome with Carlotta. He finally regains control and vows to return home sober.