V

Previously ignored by most German studies literary reference works, Bavarian Karl Valentin is increasingly recognized as a unique comic writer-performer, whose multimedia artistry elevated him beyond the Munich Volkssänger milieu from which he emerged at the turn of the century. Appearing initially on the Kleinkabarettbühne pub-cabaret stage as a stand-up comedian, he also pioneered the silent screen in Germany with early performances such as his 1912 Bayerischer Landgendarm—a Bavarian equivalent of the “keystone cop”—and was billed as Germany’s Charlie Chaplin. “Valentiniaden” (performances of his own material) also were featured regularly in radio broadcasts during the 1930s. In this period, many filmed versions of Szenen were also produced, and Valentin appeared in several full-length films, but unlike his rival Volkshumorist Weiß Ferdl, he was never won over to the Nazi cause despite attempts to woo him. Valentin’s scripts were also published regularly.