Horst in Translation ([email protected]) This is "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" or "Three from the Gasoline Station", a 90-minute black-and-white sound film from 1930's Germany and I must say I am surprised that this one is much more known than most other comedy films from that time. The reason may be the inclusion of Heinz Rühmann, even if the story and list of cast members makes it obvious that Willy Fritsch was still a much bigger star in Germany at that point than Rühmann. 3 years before the Nazis came into power, we have a light operetta movie with lots of romance here. No hard feelings though and no serious drama either. They had the possibility to include that too, but I guess they wanted something light because the music parts and, of course, the lesson on friendship would not have worked so well otherwise.Then again, it did not work really well. The action does not make sense for the most part in my opinion and I was not impressed by any of the aspects of the film. There are a couple catchy songs, but overall the music is as forgettable as the comedy, the story and the acting. By some, it may be considered one of the best German comedy films, but in my opinion, it is far far away from such a title. I guess those who say so, just need to watch more German comedies. Rühmann himself rarely has the opportunity to show us what he is capable because otherwise we may forget that Fritsch (besides Harvey) is the star here. A fairly forgettable 90 minutes I must say. I was not really entertained well. I am a bit surprised to see the people who wrote/directed this one managed to have successful careers in Hollywood afterward. I guess they must have stepped things up later on, because here they really do not show us quality filmmaking. Thumbs down for "Die Drei von der Tankstelle". I don't recommend it.

mukava991 This operetta, so frothy that at times it threatens to evaporate, manages to hold the interest due to a charming cast led by Willy Fritsch and Lilian Harvey and pleasant songs by Werner R. Heymann and Robert Gilbert, particularly the jaunty "Ein Freund, ein guter Freund" and the lushly romantic "Liebling, mein Herz lasst Dich grussen." The general tone – breezy, joyous, playful -- brings to mind Lubitsch's American-made operetta films such as "The Love Parade" and "The Smiling Lieutenant." The Comedian Harmonists (a then-popular close-harmony sextet) appear all too briefly in a nightclub scene and character actor Felix Bressart, familiar to American audiences as one of the "comrades" in "Ninotchka" and other supporting roles, gets big laughs as a barrister. The loose-limbed Harvey gets in some high kicks in the surprise finale.

FilmCriticLalitRao This is not a kind of film which your neighborhood Goethe Institut would like to screen for you.The reason is that in the past it was not at all considered an auteur film and as it was more of a song and dance film which according to cultural authorities would not appeal to serious film viewers.However with the passage of time the official status of this film has changed a lot and fortunately it is currently considered as one of the 100 most influential films of the rich history of German cinema.The film is a very nice comic tale of three men in love with a rich girl.This may sound trite but in 1930 when it was made there was hardly any current of such type of films.That is the reason why this film is really unique in the annals of German cinema.A great film to cheer you up when you feel complete lost and return home with a woebegone look on your face.

andrabem "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" (Three Good Friends) is really a charming film. It was released in 1930, so I guess it was filmed in 1929. As the Great Crash happened in 24th October of that year and the crisis effects would only be felt in Europe some months later, I think the film was not an answer to the Great Depression (but it could as well be). Germany, anyway since the end of the First World War lived in a state of permanent crisis, but as we know crisis can many times stimulate the creativity - see the German Expressionism and see also, for instance, "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" - Yeah! Art is not just Murnau, Fritz Lang etc.., it can be represented by a musical comedy like "Die Drei von der Tankstelle" (Three from the Gasoline Station)."Die Drei von der Tankstelle" tells the story of three rich friends that suddenly lose everything they have (this tastes like Depression!), including house, furniture and all, and have to work for the first time in their lives. They open a gasoline station and meet a girl that will conquer their three hearts. This intrigue will challenge their friendship. This is the basis of the story that is punctuated by hilarious gags and musical numbers. This is really a feel-good film, that at the same time is very creative and funny. The actors look like they are having lots of fun.Highly recommended! I don't understand why this film is not mentioned together with other great musical films. And pay attention: This is not just another film with an indifferent plot sprinkled with musical numbers - music and plot work very well together and the result is this charming film. Go for it!