Sternbilder (1999)

German version of a compilation film of Laurel and Hardy clips, by Alan Douglas.

I can't confirm this, but I believe that Douglas was a Laurel and Hardy fanatic who decided to bring his heroes' work to a modern audience by creating a compilation film. This was done in 1982, but I think it may not have been released at that time. Much later, in 1999, a this German version was released.

In both cases the problem was finding the money for publicity, without which mainstream cinemas are reluctant to show the material.

In this German version, the links between the clips are made by two angels off-screen discussing whether the now-deceased Laurel and Hardy have done enough to enter heaven; they then review their work. The script for this is laboured, however, and adds nothing to the original work.

Only two very brief transgender items appear, Stan and Oliver in separate sequences.

The film is also known in Germany as Dick und Doof - Dance of the Cuckoos. Dance of the Cuckoos was the title of the signature music the two men used in their films, and Dick und Doof is the German name for Laurel and Hardy.

I can't trace the title of the English language version of the film, if it exists.

HF April 2003

This Page: Sternbilder Return to Alphabetical Index Page Return to Home Page

Hazel Freeman's International Transgender Film Guide is maintained by

Hazel Freeman

and hosted at