TV-FEATURE

Das Diarium des Dr. Döblinger

The Diary of Dr. Döblinger

Michael Schottenberg
Based on the many observations made during his extremely interesting and far from dull life, Dr. Döblinger relates four episodes in which he wants to give us a picture of the loneliness and incomprehensibility of mankind. The first story is about the young circus performer, Katharine Hoschek, who was a victim of the unusual vengeance of her rival, Anita Melinatti. Dr. Döblinger goes on to the time when he was middle-aged and an inspector of a fire insurance company, and often had to travel. He tells about a place where he studied the curious habits and customs of the people with great interest. The man of the world is rather taciturn about his erotic adventures but he does mention one because of its pedagogic importance: Even in the most delicate being, fragile like porcelain, there is a raging beast. The narrator also includes recollections which refer to the moral value of the arts. For example, in the pub he always goes to, he sees a stranger who suddenly performs a conjuring trick which baffles everybody. Dr. Döblinger thinks it's so good that he chose it to be the last story told. Above all, because of the aphorism which he at the time adopted: The purpose kills art. A true word. Four comical short stories, full of black humor.
Technical Data
Running time: 75
Format: 16mm
Screen ratio: 1:1.33
Language spoken: German
Production year: 1986
Contact: epo-film
Credits
Director(s): Michael Schottenberg
Writer(s): Michael Horowitz (based on stories by Heimito von Doderer)
Cinematography: Wolfgang Treu
Editing: Eliska Stibrova
Key cast: Helmut Qualtinger, Vera Borek, Susanne Prinzhorn, Toni Böhm, Beatrice Frey, Rudolf Wessely, Gerhard Zemann
Production company
Neue Studio Film
tel:
With
for ORF