Poll: Just German Things
October 3 is the German National Day - 25 years ago, its Reunification was completed. Which franchise that gained enormous popularity in Germany but was hardly noticed in other countries is your favorite (or rather, which would you be most interested to get to know)? Discuss here
Vote:
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#1
Adaptations of Karl May's western novels, especially about the big-hearted Apache chief Winnetou (Pierre Brice) and his blood brother Old Shatterhand (Lex Barker). Filmed mostly in Yugoslavia, roughly 1962-1965. Winnetou was mentioned as "never having been translated into English despite being an American character" in the basement scene in "Inglourious Basterds". -
The Squeaker (1963)
Tongue-in-cheek crime/horror films based on Edgar Wallace novels (38 entries 1959-1972), often starring Klaus Kinski and Christopher Lee. They mostly feature the British high society. Spoofed in "Der Wixxer" (2004). The name "Edgar Wallace" is briefly seen in the "Inglourious Basterds"' basement scene. -
What Is the Matter with Willi? (1970)
Heinz Erhardt films (roughly 1957-1972), about a nervous bourgeois who has to face modernization in society and technology and often resorts to complex idioms or rhymes. -
Dieter Hallervorden
"Didi" comedies, starring Dieter "Didi" Hallervorden (eight movies, 1981-1992) - comparable to Louis de Funès, although "Didi" is usually rather nervous than choleric, and sometimes faces an arrogant doppelgänger who is also played by Hallervorden. A lot of slapstick is included, but there are also satirical references. -
Otto Waalkes in Holly - The Movie (1984)
10 "Otto" films 1985-2014 (comedian Otto Waalkes in his screen persona, an overexcited fool from East Frisia): Non-stop gags and parodies held together by a thin plot. -
Werner and the Wizard of Booze (1990)
Five mostly animated films (1990-2011) about "Werner", featuring vulgar or anarchic proles and North German slang. Beer, rowdiness and car tuning and crashes are at the heart of the action. -
Til Schweiger and Nora Tschirner in Rabbit Without Ears (2007)
Til Schweiger's directorial efforts 2007-2013, among them "Keinohrhasen" (No-Ear-Bunny), "Zweiohrküken" (Two-Ear-Chicken) and the animated "Keinohrhase und Zweiohrküken". Romantic comedies with many guest stars and Schweiger's little daughters in supporting roles. -
#8
Jerry Cotton: Franchise based on pulp novels written by various authors; they center on an FBI agent and take place in the 1950s. 8 movies 1965-1969 and a new adaptation in 2010. -
Arnold Fanck in The White Hell of Pitz Palu (1929)
Bergsteigerfilme (mountain climber films): Brought to their climax by Luis Trenker and Arnold Fanck ("The White Hell of Piz Palü") in the 1930s, enjoying great popularity until at least the 1950s, these adventure movies were defined by real Alpine shootings. These lay the ground for later nature documentaries. -
Heinz Rühmann in Bachelor's Paradise (1939)
Heinz Rühmann films: Centered on the arguably most popular German actor in his prime (1930-1950s). Lighthearted comedies about a likeable everyman who prevails over figures of authority with canny tricks. Most notably in "The Three from the Filling Station" (1930), some kind of early musical, and "The Punch Bowl" (1944). -
Apachen (1973)
16 East German "Indianerfilme" (1966-1985). Noble Native Americans fighting against oppressing US-Americans, often with Gojko Mitić in the lead role. With a clear political agenda, but also defying genre clichés. -
Christian Berkel in Inglourious Basterds (2009)
None: There's a reason these are all obscure to international audiences ...