Two films about Turkey: a. What was the name of the 1978 film about a young man who tries to smuggle drugs out of Turkey, only to end up in a Turkish prison? b. What was the title of the 1964 film starring Peter Ustinov, Melina Mercouri, and Maximillian S

The 1978 film depicting an American student's harrowing experience after attempting to smuggle drugs out of Turkey is titled "Midnight Express." This intense prison drama, directed by Alan Parker and adapted by Oliver Stone from Billy Hayes's memoir, chronicles Hayes's arrest for possessing hashish and his subsequent brutal incarceration in a Turkish prison. The film portrays the harsh realities of the prison system, including physical abuse and unsanitary conditions, as Hayes desperately seeks an escape, which the title itself refers to as prison slang for such an attempt. "Midnight Express" was a highly controversial film, particularly in Turkey, where it was widely criticized for its negative portrayal of the country and its people, leading to a significant impact on tourism and international relations. Despite the controversy, it received critical acclaim and two Academy Awards, including one for Oliver Stone's screenplay. Billy Hayes himself later expressed regret for the film's exaggerations and its impact on Turkey's image.

Decades earlier, the 1964 caper film starring Peter Ustinov, Melina Mercouri, and Maximilian Schell is "Topkapi." This heist comedy, directed by Jules Dassin, centers on a group of international thieves planning to steal an emerald-encrusted dagger from Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum. Peter Ustinov's performance as the small-time con artist Arthur Simon Simpson earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Filmed largely on location in Istanbul, including the iconic Topkapi Palace, the movie is celebrated for its intricate plot, witty script, and engaging direction, becoming a classic in the heist genre. "Topkapi" is also noted for inspiring later heist films and television series, including the famous "Mission: Impossible" franchise, particularly its memorable scene of an acrobat descending from a ceiling to avoid security.