Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

One, Two, Three Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 29, 2017

1961’s “One, Two, Three” isn’t just a Billy Wilder movie, it’s the helmer’s follow-up to “The Apartment,” which is largely considered to be one of the maestro’s finest achievements during his long directorial career. However, instead of aping his success, Wilder and co-writer I.A.L. Diamond decide to head in the opposite direction, arranging a farce with “One, Two, Three,” which takes place in Cold War-era Germany, right before the construction of the Berlin Wall. The men also invest in speed, keeping the feature moving along at an incredible pace, preserving the material’s theatrical origins with an endeavor that’s loud and broad, treating the widescreen frame as a stage.

“One, Two, Three” offers a lead performance from James Cagney, portraying Mac, a Coca-Cola executive in Germany forced to deal with youthful complications when asked to look after his boss’s wayward daughter. Caught up in political troubles while trying to bring Coke to the Russians, Mac is quickly overwhelmed by responsibilities and setbacks, struggling to keep a simple babysitting job from spiraling out of control. Cagney is built for this type of role, and while the picture is largely considered the reason for the screen legend’s 20 year break from performing (returning one last time for 1981’s “Ragtime”), he’s perfectly suited for the velocity Wilder is aiming to achieve, ordering the cast to hustle through every scene like they’re strapped to bombs that detonate around silence.

“One, Two, Three” is a loud film, as the ensemble is tasked with playing to the back row, as through Wilder imagines the production playing to theater audiences, not moviegoers. It’s difficult to dismiss the speed of the feature, as it works to create a tornado of absurdity that keeps Mac on the move, putting out fires and managing his own life, which includes a troubled marriage and a mistress. Adding to pressures are the locals, with German employees still struggling to lose their Nazi identity and training. “One, Two, Three” remains busy and it’s exhausting to watch, but the timing of the effort is impressive, especially when Wilder never throttles the endeavor, refusing to position a break in the action.

One, Two, Three Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation isn't working with a particularly visual movie, as much of "One, Two, Three" is about performances, not cinematographic style. However, depths are preserved, capturing open sets and urban locations, and the actors are open for examination with some blurriness, offered passable detail for close-ups, and costuming remains fibrous. Delineation isn't challenged in full, but there's no solidification. Source is in decent shape, without any major points of damage.

One, Two, Three Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

With all the volume "One, Two, Three" has to offer, it's amazing just how settled the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is, miraculously avoiding distortive extremes as the ensemble remains on high alert. Comedic speeds and individual timing is clear, making performances stand out, and the group dynamic is nicely ordered, without confusion. Scoring isn't precise, but it remains appealing, supporting the feature's manic energy with reasonably defined instrumentation. Atmospherics are satisfying, and set expanse retains a slight echo.

One, Two, Three Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Michael Schlesinger.

• "Billy Wilder and Volker Schlondorff Discussing 'One, Two, Three'" (3:08, SD) is a brief snippet from an undated interview with the director, who briefly explores his movie between film clips. Schlondorff appears as well, introducing the chat.

• "Billy Wilider on Politics and 'One, Two, Three" (6:03, SD) returns to the helmer (without Schlondorff) to highlight shooting conditions in Germany, with the production forced to relocate due to construction of the Berlin Wall. Wilder is in high spirits here, examining his failures and successes with a sense of humor.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:11, SD) is included.

One, Two, Three Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Perhaps "One, Two, Three" could be perceived as somewhat distasteful, providing cartoon representation of torture tactics and Nazi influences, but the feature is far too silly to make a heavy impression. Wilder enjoys the warp speed he's summoned, working on tightening every inch of the production to trampoline standards, adding wit when possible. But funny? "One, Two, Three" doesn't provide many laughs, and its run time starts to feel like punishment as Wilder repeats himself for emphasis. It's a curiosity, no doubt, and one that demands consideration as a post-"Apartment" blow-out, watching Wilder release his wiggles with this oddball, relentless effort.