The Coca-Cola Kid (1985) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

An American marketing executive investigates Coca-Cola's difficult position in Australia, encounters resistance and cultural friction, and begins a tentative negotiation with an independent producer.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

An Assignment Down Under

Becker arrives from Atlanta and receives a one-month mandate from Frank. The unfamiliar office culture and Kim's alimony demand make the local operation appear troubled.

Key Events

• Becker Arrives in Australia — Becker arrives from Atlanta to investigate Coca-Cola's position. Characters: Becker Location: Australia
• Frank Sets the Assignment — Frank gives Becker one month to diagnose a problem and act. Characters: Becker, Frank Hunter Location: Australian Coca-Cola office
• Becker Assesses the Office — Becker encounters an office culture more casual than he expects. Characters: Becker, Terri Location: Coca-Cola office
• Kim Demands Alimony — Kim's disruptive alimony demand adds to Becker's concerns. Characters: Becker, Kim Location: Coca-Cola office

The Independent Bottler

Becker visits T. George McDowell and sees his old equipment and pride in his drinks. T. George rejects Becker's offer to modernize the operation.

Key Events

• Becker Visits T. George — Becker sees T. George's old equipment and hears his pride in the drinks. Characters: Becker, T. George McDowell Location: T. George's independent operation
• Modernization Offer Rejected — T. George rejects Becker's offer and asserts his independence. Characters: Becker, T. George McDowell Location: T. George's independent operation

Awkward Social Signals

Terri says she wants to work with Becker, whose relationship with her remains unsettled. His night dancing with Marjorie leads to an embarrassing encounter with Terri and an argument about Coca-Cola.

Key Events

• Terri Seeks to Work Together — Terri tells Becker she wants to work with him. Characters: Becker, Terri Location: Coca-Cola office
• Becker Goes Dancing — Becker goes dancing with Marjorie. Characters: Becker, Marjorie Location: Dance venue
• Terri Finds Them — Terri finds Becker with Marjorie and is embarrassed by the sight. Characters: Becker, Terri, Marjorie Location: Dance venue
• Argument over Coca-Cola — People argue over who belongs and what Coca-Cola represents. Characters: Becker, Terri, T. George McDowell Location: Social venue

A Midnight Factory Meeting

At a Coca-Cola gathering, T. George changes his mind and agrees to discuss Becker's proposal. The factory meeting begins with Becker questioning a Santa-dressed visitor, but the account ends before its outcome is known.

Key Events

• T. George Reconsiders — T. George changes his mind and agrees to discuss Becker's proposal. Characters: Becker, T. George McDowell Location: Coca-Cola gathering
• Midnight Factory Invitation — T. George invites Becker to meet him at the factory at midnight. Characters: Becker, T. George McDowell Location: Coca-Cola gathering
• Santa at the Factory — At the factory, Becker questions why a visitor is dressed as Santa. Characters: Becker Location: Factory
• Visitor Explains His Purpose — The volunteer mentions wanting to visit the old town and studying hotel management. Characters: Becker Location: Factory

Story Breakdown

• Becker's Assignment — Becker arrives from Atlanta and receives a short deadline to diagnose and address a business problem.
  • Arrival from Atlanta — Becker arrives in Australia to assess Coca-Cola's position.
  • Frank's Deadline — Frank gives Becker one month to investigate, plan, and act.
• Office Culture Clash — Becker finds the local office less orderly than he expects.
  • Casual Office — Becker clashes with the relaxed workplace culture and Terri.
  • Alimony Demand — Kim's disruptive demand adds to Becker's concerns about the operation.
• T George's Independence — Becker encounters a local producer whose business remains independent and resistant to his proposed help.
  • Old Equipment — Becker sees that T. George's operation still uses old equipment.
  • Offer Rejected — T. George insists he decides who needs assistance and rejects modernization.
• Terri's Interest — Terri expresses a wish to work with Becker while their connection remains unsettled.
  • Work Together — Terri tells Becker she wants to work with him.
  • Unsettled Connection — Their interactions remain complicated by Becker's other social encounters.
• Dance Venue Embarrassment — Becker's evening with Marjorie leads to an awkward encounter with Terri.
  • Dancing with Marjorie — Becker goes dancing with Marjorie.
  • Terri Finds Becker — Terri sees Becker at the venue and is embarrassed.
• Coca-Cola Dispute — A later argument brings questions of belonging and Coca-Cola's meaning into focus.
  • Belonging Dispute — People argue over who belongs at the gathering.
  • Brand Argument — The argument also concerns what Coca-Cola represents.
• Factory Meeting — T. George reconsiders Becker's proposal, leading to a midnight meeting whose outcome is not provided.
  • Proposal Reopened — T. George agrees to discuss Becker's proposal at a Coca-Cola gathering.
  • Santa-Dressed Visitor — At the factory, Becker questions a volunteer dressed as Santa, whose explanation mentions visiting the old town and studying hotel management.

Directed by

Dušan Makavejev

Key Cast

• Eric Roberts — Becker
• Greta Scacchi — Terri
• Bill Kerr — T. George McDowell
• Chris Haywood — Kim
• Kris McQuade — Juliana