Background

Percy Adlon was born on 1 June 1935 in Munich.

Career

Alter years working in theatre, in radio, and doing television documentaries, Adlon made his debut with a fascinating, full-length documentary on the relationship between writer Robert Walser and publisher Carl Seelig which is far from conventional—the film’s deepest intent is to undermine any set idea of the facts in the case. Céleste explored the way a maid viewed her employer, Marcel Proust. In both cases, there was a refreshingly practical and explorative sense of how creative people lead (and transform) their lives.

Since then, Adlon has moved toward a whimsical view of comedy that has won some international art-house following. Sugarbaby told the love story between a subway driver and a large woman who works in a funeral home. The woman was played by Marianne Sagebrecht, who went on to star in Bagdad Cafe and Rosalie Goes Shopping. These films are entertaining and serene screwball comedies, if not as challenging as Céleste or The Guardian and His Poet.

Works

More photos

• film

  • Fünf letzte Tage 1985
  • Die Schaukel 1983
  • Sugarbaby (Zuckerbaby) 1985
  • Bagdad Cafe 1987