Biography

Joined the Nazi Party in 1933. Was convicted as a 'fellow traveller' to a six-months prison term in 1945. Attempted with little success to resurrect his film career in the early 1950's.

Served for fourteen years on a sailing school ship. Worked as a painter, and, for a while, joined a circus. Started acting in Paris from 1912, soon writing his own screenplays and directing from 1923. From 1929, released through his own company, Ariel Film. Specialised in popular outdoor and adventure films, invariably doing his own stunts, and often partnered by his wife Dary Holm.

In 1962, in a Berlin newspaper, he was looking for "a life-mate middle-aged, respectable and well off" and found it in Lilli Stromereder, who was his last companion.

In 1927 he cast himself in a double role with Marlene Dietrich together in the film His Greatest Bluff.

In Paris he met the director Léonce Perret, who arranged a meeting with Gaumont. There he wrote his first script and the thought to place his future occupation at the new medium film took shape.