MovieChat Forums > Three Days of the Condor (1975) Discussion > "What's the Area Code for DC?"

"What's the Area Code for DC?"

posted 9 years ago by dgates64
6 replies | jump to latest

Love the film, but this line always amuses me. I know it's put in to further the plot, but of ALL the things that Redford's character knows, THIS would be a no-brainer.

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 9 years ago

He's New York based . . . what does he care about DC?

[–] dgates64 9 years ago

Because he's supposed to know EVERYTHING. DC is right across the river from the CIA (his employer). Of course he'd know the area code. It's not like he was trying to find the area code for Minneapolis.

[–] movies789 9 years ago

One of many odd plot-points in this movie that defy logic.

[–] ccr1633 8 years ago

Exactly what I thought, although I wouldn't describe it as "furthering the plot" so much as cluing the movie audience in on what Turner was thinking. A book smart fellow like Turner probably knew the area code for every major city in the country.

[–] dgates64 8 years ago

Well said.

[–] ccr1633 8 years ago

I think Pollack would've been wise to just zoom in on Turner so that we could hear him mutter "Washington" under his breath. At least he didn't call information to ask when the War of 1812 began.