The Germans took a real-life farce and blew it up into a broad pantomime, telegraphing every joke and turning every character into a gurning caricature. It also demonstrates the bizarre fact that Germans think simpering is funny. Why does Armin Mueller Stahl do a tapdance (while simpering)? The UK TV version was much, much better than this and starred Alan Bennett as Hugh Trevor Roper, the British historian who was fooled by the diaries. If you ever suspected that the Germans had no sense of humour, here's your proof. Perhaps the Germans are capable of understated wit, but they don't often show it in public. Do not see this so-called "funny" film but read the book (there must be one). xxxxxxx
