Then There Were Three Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Then There Were Three
| Movie | Then There Were Three |
| Release Year | 1961 |
| Director | Alex Nicol |
| Genre | War / Drama |
| Runtime | 82 minutes (1h 22m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Then There Were Three (1961) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this War.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Then There Were Three are led by Barry Cahill . The supporting cast, including Frank Latimore and Alex Nicol , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Then There Were Three stands out as a strong entry in the War genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured War narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Then There Were Three has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the War fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Then There Were Three
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1961, Then There Were Three is a War, Drama film directed by Alex Nicol, written by Frank Gregory. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Barry Cahill as Sgt. Travers.
Ending Explained: Then There Were Three
Then There Were Three Ending Explained: When an American attack on the German-held town of San Corrado results in the Germans being forced out of the town, they don't have time to take along a top Italian partisan leader they have captured and imprisoned. Directed by Alex Nicol, this 1961 war film stars Barry Cahill (Sgt. Travers), alongside Frank Latimore as Lt. Willotsky, Alex Nicol as Sam McLease, Fredrick R. Clark as Calhoun. Rated 7.3/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Then There Were Three?
When an American attack on the German-held town of San Corrado results in the Germans being forced out of the town, they don't have time to take along a top Italian partisan leader they have captured and imprisoned. Fearing that the Americans will turn the man loose to organize more partisan attacks on their forces, the Germans send one of their top agents to infiltrate the town, posing as an American soldier cut off from his unit, and assign him to re-capture the partisan leader and bring him back for interrogation--or, if that's not possible, to kill him.
Alex Nicol's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Barry Cahill (Sgt. Travers)'s journey. Fearing that the Americans will turn the man loose to organize more partisan attacks on their forces, the Germans send one of their top agents to infiltrate the town, posing as an American soldier cut off from his unit, and assign him to re-capture the partisan leader and bring him back for interrogation--or, if that's not possible, to kill him.
How Does Barry Cahill (Sgt. Travers)'s Story End?
- Barry Cahill: Barry Cahill's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Alex Nicol delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 22m runtime.
- Frank Latimore (Lt. Willotsky): Frank Latimore's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Alex Nicol (Sam McLease): Alex Nicol's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Then There Were Three Based on a True Story?
Yes — Then There Were Three draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Alex Nicol has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Then There Were Three Mean?
The ending of Then There Were Three ties together the narrative threads involving Barry Cahill. Alex Nicol chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
Then There Were Three Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Then There Were Three Based on a True Story?
Yes, Then There Were Three reflects historical conflicts and military events. Directed by Alex Nicol and starring Barry Cahill, this war, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Then There Were Three
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: Then There Were Three uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch Then There Were Three?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Barry Cahill or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 82 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch Then There Were Three Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoThen There Were Three Parents Guide & Age Rating
1961 AdvisoryWondering about Then There Were Three age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Then There Were Three (1961) is 82 minutes (1h 22m). Directed by Alex Nicol, the film runs for 82 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Then There Were Three is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1961 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Then There Were Three worth watching?
Then There Were Three is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Then There Were Three parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Then There Were Three identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Then There Were Three (1961)?
The runtime of Then There Were Three (1961) is 82 minutes (approximately 1h 22m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
