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.
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.