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.

This is definitely a good musical film classic from Germany' in 1930. Like the remake it's the same situation. But as with the remake of,"Blue Angel, the original one is the best. Three friends are broke so they decide to sell their car and run and open a gas station.Lillian Harvey shows up , as Lillian Cosman, teasing and taunting the three friends, played by Willy Fritz, Heinz Ruhamann, Oskar Karlwies. Lilian is the daughter of a big magnet played by Fritz Camper and had a girl friend , played by Olga Tschechowa.They all three find out that Lilian was teasing all three of them and this almost breaks up their friendship and business. What confused me ,cause I don't understand German that much, Is that Olga shows up offering a deal to the place they all agree but the next scene they still own the business but it's big now.It looks like that Kamper is offering to buy the business. Could it be that she was offering a loan approve by the company? This is confusing. Felix Bressahart, character actor who would later immigrate to the U. S. A. shows up as the person who takes the three mens furniture away. Everyone seems to be at ease compare to the ones that were made under Hitler.

"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!