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The Devil Makes Three

The Devil Makes Three

"Are you the man they always use to trap women?"

195296 minApprovedMidcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
Andrew Marton
Starring
Gene Kelly, Pier Angeli, Richard Rober, Richard Egan

Jeff Elliot is an American GI investigating a black market gang in Munich.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Devil Makes Three?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list The Devil Makes Three on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Devil Makes Three?

The Devil Makes Three earns 2 badges, led by Visual feast and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is The Devil Makes Three worth watching?

The Devil Makes Three's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 629 ratings across 3 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

46th percentile among Crime39th percentile among 1950s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

46th percentile among Crime37th percentile among 1950s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Crime40th percentile among 1950s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

35th percentile

629 ratings across platforms

24th percentile among Crime36th percentile among 1950s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$1M

What reviewers say

Common ground

A post-war thriller shot on location in Germany that offers a rare look at the ruins of Hitler's Eagle's Nest and the devastated cities.

Fans praised

  • authentic on-location footage of bombed-out Munich, Salzburg, and Hitler's Berchtesgaden ruins
  • Pier Angeli's moving performance as a cynical yet vulnerable war orphan
  • documentary-like glimpse of post-war German poverty, cabarets, and everyday life

Detractors panned

  • Gene Kelly's stiff, unconvincing dramatic acting outside musicals
  • slow pacing and dull romantic interludes that undercut the thriller plot
  • disjointed story that shifts too late to the neo-Nazi conspiracy

What stands out

Cinematography80

superlative location photography of bombed cities, Alps, and Hitler's ruins

AtmosphereDivisive75

grim winter landscapes and authentic ruins create a haunting post-war mood

OriginalityDivisive55

rare focus on post-war Germany and early neo-Nazi revival, but plot is standard espionage

Acting45

Pier Angeli praised as compelling; Gene Kelly widely panned as wooden outside musicals

Characters40

Angeli's orphan written with cynical survival instinct but undermotivated romance with Kelly

Plot and storyDivisive35

conceptually interesting post-war neo-Nazi smuggling plot but poorly executed, slow and disjointed

TensionDivisive35

little suspense until climax; romance dominates

Pacing25

slow first hour of romance; action comes too late

Watch experience

What is The Devil Makes Three like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseRomanticMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its post-war romance and conspiracy thriller straight, with sincere emotion and naturalistic location shooting.
The rideThe film balances romantic scenes with increasing tension, culminating in the chase at the Eagle's Nest.
StructureThe story unfolds linearly from the hero's arrival in Germany through his entanglement with the neo-Nazi plot and the climactic chase.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe resolution of the conspiracy and romance leaves a hopeful feeling, but the backdrop of ruined Germany adds a bittersweet note.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeCaptain Jeff Eliot returns to post-war Germany and uncovers a neo-Nazi smuggling ring, which he must defeat to save the woman he loves.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsSurvivalBetrayal · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the romance between an American soldier and a German woman forced into a conspiracy, exploring trust and coercion in the shadow of war.
StanceThe film celebrates romantic love overcoming the obstacles of post-war distrust and neo-Nazi coercion.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalBackground music · hybrid
SettingPost-war Munich, Salzburg, and Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden

Content guide

Is The Devil Makes Three okay for kids?

Not Rated

The Devil Makes Three is not rated.

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does The Devil Makes Three have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Devil Makes Three?

Cast

Gene Kelly
as Capt. Jeff Eliot
Pier Angeli
as Wilhelmina (Willie) Lehrt
Richard Rober
as Col. James Terry
Richard Egan
as Lt. Parker
Claus Clausen
as Heisemann
Wilfried Seyferth
as Hansig
Heinrich Gretler
as Keigler
Annie Rosar
as Mrs. Keigler
Otto Gebühr
as Mr. Nolder
Margot Hielscher
as Cabaret Singer

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Devil Makes Three?

Movies like The Devil Makes Three include King Solomon's Mines (1950), Jumper (2008) and The Big Parade (1925). All three are whirlwind romances and films set in the wilderness.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Devil Makes Three?

980 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.