Two versions of
Sandmännchen were created: one in East Germany (
Unser Sandmännchen), and one in West Germany (
Das Sandmännchen).
The original idea came from Ilse Obrig of West Berlin TV and radio station Sender
Freies Berlin (SFB), who with the help of author Johanna Schüppel, developed a working version in 1958. The Little Sandman himself first appeared on screen in West Berlin in
Sandmännchens Gruß für Kinder (Sandmännchen's Greeting to Children) on December 1st, 1959, and other episodes were soon made.
However, on November 22nd, 1959 (less than three weeks after the production had started), East German television (
Deutscher Fernsehfunk, DFF) began broadcasting
Unser Sandmännchen with its own "good night, children" character, also called
Sandmännchen.
Created by the puppetmaster and director Gerhard Behrendt, the show represented everyday life, travel, and fantastic adventure, as well as a certain amount of propaganda. Some people claim that the title character bears a resemblance to the then leader of the DDR, Walter Ulbricht, and the show was often a showcase for DDR and Socialist technology and success. This is one of the reasons why he often arrived in amazing vehicles like futuristic cars and flying devices.
The production of the Western version of
Sandmännchen ceased in 1991, following the unification of Germany. However, episodes from the DFF show are still run on German television today.
Therefore the
Sandmännchen also has an entry at the internet movie database (IMDb). Take a look - ( (
visit link) )
For further informations please visit the german languaged website - ( (
visit link) )