Figure 1.-- Here is an image from the original 1931 German production of "Emil and the Detectives" based on the notabable Erich Kästner book. The changes in the style of boys clothing in the various versions is interesting to note. The scene here is the main character and his friends following Bowler Hat.

Here we have the first production of the Erich Kästner's book, Emil and the Detectives. This book published in the 1920s quickly became one of the most popular Germsn children's book. A group of young detectives out to nab the thief who robbed their friend. We have little information on the production st this time. This was the only German production of an Erich Kästner book for some time. The NAZI's seized control of Germany (1933) and Kästner was not only a pacifist, but an outspoken anti-NAZI. His books were burned and he was not allowed to publish. Of course Goebbels who also controlled movie production did not permit any of his bookdss to be produced as movies. Thus it was the only film production of a Kästner book in Germany for more than a decade.

Created: 6:19 AM 8/29/2009
Last updated: 6:19 AM 8/29/2009