American ambition

Here is a double feature about the American businessman abroad. The recommendation is first from 1972, "Avanti!" followed by, from 1985, "The Coca-Cola Kid." These are for headstrong, self starting, Americans who haven't left their native land.

"Avanti!" stars Jack Lemon as Wendell Armbruster, Jr. who is called to Italy to make arrangements after the sudden death of his family patriarch. Juliet Mills plays Pamela Piggott, the distraction that he just can't delegate away.

"The Coca-Cola Kid" stars Erick Roberts as Becker, an American troubleshooter sent by Coke to help it's cola penetrate a small valley in Australia where sales lack. Greta Scacchi plays Terri, the distraction that he just can't plan around.

Both movies illuminate the American by showing how odd his behavior appears outside of America.