Horst Birr was a German-born American actor best known for his roles in “D III 88,” “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” and “Liebelei und Liebe.” He made a mark in the 1930s as a supporting actor in cabaret and film, showcasing his comedic talent.
Personal and Family Life
Borr was born on February 17, 1912, in Leipzig, Germany. He was known to have joined the Nazi Party in 1932 but kept his Jewish heritage a secret. His life took a tragic turn when he was conscripted into the military during World War II and served in Norway.
Career
Birr started his career in the theater, finding success as a comedian before moving on to film in 1934. He acted in numerous films throughout the late 1930s and gained recognition for his comic roles. However, the rise of the National Socialist regime led to challenges in his career due to his Jewish ancestry.
Death and Legacy
Horst Birr’s life ended tragically on October 8, 1943, in Norway, where he was executed. His untimely death marked the end of a promising career and highlighted the severe consequences faced by those who were persecuted during the Nazi regime. Today, he is remembered as a forgotten comedian whose legacy serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Herz ist Trumpf | 1934-12-31 | Peter, Schiffsjunge, Tonis Freund |
| Liebeslied | 1935-12-16 | André |
| Der Raub der Sabinerinnen | 1936-03-01 | Willi Methge, Oberprimaner |
| Savoy-Hotel 217 | 1936-04-06 | Wanja – Hotelangestellter |
| Heimweh | 1937-09-02 | Blake – Schiffsjunge der ‘Triton’ |
| Es leuchten die Sterne | 1938-03-17 | Kruse |
| Der unmögliche Herr Pitt | 1938-04-15 | Bob, ein Schiffsjunge |
| Liebelei und Liebe | 1938-10-20 | Fritz Sperling |
| Ein ganzer Kerl | 1939-12-22 | Franz |
| Das Gewehr über | 1939-12-07 | Schütze Jupp Derksen |
| Kampfgeschwader Lützow | 1941-02-28 | Obergefreiter Hasinger |
| Ritt in die Freiheit | 1937-01-14 | Krupka |
| Eine Siebzehnjährige | 1934-08-29 | Paul, Walters Freund |
| D III 88 | 1939-10-25 | Monteur Hasinger |
| Spiel mit dem Feuer | 1934-09-17 | Emil Kummerberg, Kellner |
| Leichte Kavallerie | 1935-10-13 | |
| Der Mann, der Sherlock Holmes war | 1937-07-14 | 2. Schlafwagenschaffner |
| Napoleon ist an allem schuld | 1938-11-29 | |
| Sieben Ohrfeigen | 1937-08-02 | |
| Der Hund von Baskerville | 1937-01-12 |