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Three

  • 1969
  • M/PG
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
385
YOUR RATING
Charlotte Rampling, Sam Waterston, and Robie Porter in Three (1969)
DramaRomance

Two American college friends, traveling in Europe near the Mediterranean, meet and fall for a charming English tourist. However, they agree not to test their friendship and just be friends w... Read allTwo American college friends, traveling in Europe near the Mediterranean, meet and fall for a charming English tourist. However, they agree not to test their friendship and just be friends with her. Soon, reality kicks in.Two American college friends, traveling in Europe near the Mediterranean, meet and fall for a charming English tourist. However, they agree not to test their friendship and just be friends with her. Soon, reality kicks in.

  • Director
    • James Salter
  • Writers
    • James Salter
    • Irwin Shaw
  • Stars
    • Charlotte Rampling
    • Robie Porter
    • Sam Waterston
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.7/10
    385
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • James Salter
    • Writers
      • James Salter
      • Irwin Shaw
    • Stars
      • Charlotte Rampling
      • Robie Porter
      • Sam Waterston
    • 21User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos3

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    Top cast12

    Edit
    Charlotte Rampling
    Charlotte Rampling
    • Marty
    Robie Porter
    Robie Porter
    • Bert
    Sam Waterston
    Sam Waterston
    • Taylor
    Pascale Roberts
    Pascale Roberts
    • Claude
    Edina Ronay
    Edina Ronay
    • Liz
    Gillian Hills
    Gillian Hills
    • Ann
    Alfredo Rizzo
    • Waiter
    Paul Cooper
    Patrizia Giammei
    • Gloria
    Mario Cotone
    • Silvano
    Franca Tasso
    • Hélène
    Roberto Scheiber
    • Piero
    • Director
      • James Salter
    • Writers
      • James Salter
      • Irwin Shaw
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews21

    5.7385
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    10

    Featured reviews

    7atlasmb

    Three for the Road in an Endless Summer

    Two young American students (Bert played by Robie Porter, and Taylor played by Sam Waterston) meet an intriguing young woman while on their vacation in Europe.

    What follows is a contemplation on the passage of youth and a tribute to those periods of time in one's life when there is a temptation to disengage from life's responsibilities and dwell in an aimless pursuit of pleasure.

    The photography and the scenery are beautiful and full of a fin d'ete quality. The camera lingers on the three young people, who wander in search of the next town, the next experience, something to vanquish boredom, while reveling in idleness. Marty (Charlotte Rampling) is the focus of the men's attentions, but the film centers on Taylor, who Waterston portrays as full of eagerness, self-doubt, and lack of guile, reminiscent of a young Anthony Perkins. He tries to free himself from the conventions of (American) society, but they are too deeply ingrained.

    Though the messages of the film might be personal to the viewer, I think it does capture a moment in life that many can identify with. And as someone who was around to experience 1969 (when the film was released), I think it captures the mood of the times and reminds one of the choices available, remembering that the military draft was a reality that hung over the heads of all male college students.
    8morrowmmm

    A gentle and well told tale of youthful ideals and yearning

    This film wears well since the story is an age old one. So nice to see the young Sam Waterston and Charlotte Rampling in very picturesque european locations.What happened to Robie Porter? Two male friends in Europe meet a beautiful English girl who then travels with them on their summer tour (many young Americans did this in the sixties in Europe) One, Sam Waterston, is an idealist about love, falling for Rampling, but keeping a promise to his friend that everything has to be kept platonic for the three to survive as a group. Rampling needs the attractive company but also wants a physical relationship which Porter, at the end, gives to her. Waterston realises the magic of the threesome is broken and gives up the the romantic thoughts of studying in Paris and breaks away to return home. Thoughtful and well told, more through subtle actions than words.
    6SnoopyStyle

    young and dazed

    Young Americans Bert (Robie Porter) and Taylor (Sam Waterston) buy an old Puegeot to drive across southern Europe. They encounter various female travelers. Marty (Charlotte Rampling) joins them and puts them to the test.

    I don't know much about director James Salter. He seems more of a writer and this is his only directing credit. The sense of bored youth is all over this movie. The girls almost don't have the strength to lift their arms. The people live so slowly that they almost travel back in time. It's a more amateurish production. It does have the great Waterston and the great Rampling in their youth. These are beautiful people in their 20's. Rampling is especially adapt at playing beautiful, young, bored, and yet mentally alert. There are moments which struck me as funny. It's not a movie of action thrills but the old world charms do have its own particular thrills. Let's watch them lie around some more.
    8JLRFilmReviews

    Three Young People Maturing in Europe

    Based on an Irwin Shaw story, this film revolves around college pals Sam Waterston and Robie Porter on their summer trip through Europe. In their travels they meet Charlotte Rampling, who they invite to come with them, but on condition she pays her own way. Also, the guys have a pact that they will not let her come between their friendship. From landmarks to landscapes on their trek, we see them laugh, reminisce, and contemplate their own lives. We see chapels and beaches, as their summer comes to life. "Three" is a very natural, relaxing, and, I don't think I've described a film this way before, sexy. The exotic locales made me think of "A Little Romance" with Laurence Olivier." This is the sort of film that stays with you in a very haunting sort of way. Its stillness and romanticism is of an another era, a yesteryear. But it's also very real. You'd swear they weren't acting at all. A very interesting turn of events transpires, as their trip comes to an end, the kind of ending that makes you want to see it again. It makes you wonder if you've actually been paying attention. Its aloofness, a feeling it's short of reaching keeps you interested in the three lives. I had never seen Robie Porter in a film before this. He looks like a cross between George Segal and Dennis Quaid. For a very mature and memorable trip through Europe, take time with these "Three" as they learn about themselves, while taking in a little of the world.
    8Insp. Clouzot

    Elegant and touching

    Charlotte Rampling was really beautiful... A subtle film on a subject treated so many times in the movie history. But this one is elegant and interesting not the least because of the very good actors. The characters have depth. Dialogues are good. Marvellous spots for the film shooting on the French Riviera. Definitely worth seeing.

    My vote : 8 / 10.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Film debut of Robie Porter.
    • Quotes

      Taylor: The trouble with me is I can never say what I really feel, what I really think. You do. It's one of the things I like about you.

      Marty: You're very nice.

      Taylor: I try not to be. I do try.

    • Connections
      References To Catch a Thief (1955)

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    FAQ13

    • How long is Three?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 23, 1969 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Tres
    • Filming locations
      • Rome, Lazio, Italy
    • Production company
      • Obelisk
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 44m(104 min)
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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