One, Two, Three (1961)

Directed by Billy Wilder. Starring James Cagney, Horst Buchholz, Liselotte Pulver, Pamela Tiffin, Hanns Lother, Arlene Francis, Leon Askin, Peter Capell, Ralf Wolter, Howard St. John, Hubert von Meyerinck.

Speedy, silly trifle is still essential Wilder, a screwball farce with political overtones—both Cold War politics and sexual politics. Cagney’s businessman stationed in West Germany is roped into taking care of his boss’ 17-year-old daughter (Tiffin) for a few weeks, but a few weeks becomes a few months, the lusty, impetuous girl falls in love with a young Communist (Buchholz), and they’re bound for Moscow as daddy dearest is flying in to visit. Cagney’s penultimate film role—he’d take a break for twenty years before his final movie acting gig in 1981’a Ragtime—but he shows no sign of slowing down or gassing out, and his fast-paced rhythms keep the material flying by so fast, you’re still remembering the last funny line when the next one shows up. Jimmy C. quotes Eddie G., the Cola Wars heat up, and the “Sabre Dance” somersaults throughout—splendid fun. “Lilo” Pulver is who you hire when Marilyn isn’t available (or can’t fake a Bavarian accent). Von Meyerinck’s voice is dubbed in English by Sig Ruman.

80/100