Paal Roschberg

Paal Roscher Roschberg (February 27, 1909 – March 21, 1955), also known by the stage name Paal Rocky, was a Norwegian dancer, film actor, and writer. After a decade of performing in major European cabarets and Pre-Code Hollywood, he served as a decorated pilot during World War II before returning to Norway to become a key figure in the country's post-war "marriage comedy" film era.

Early life and artistic roots Paal was born in Oslo (then Kristiania), Norway, into a socially prominent family.

Career The Outrageous Rocky Twins (1927–1937) At just 18 years old, Paal and Leif were "discovered" and booked at the Casino de Paris for the 1927 revue Les Ailes de Paris. Their most controversial and popular routine involved dressing in elaborate drag to parody the Dolly Sisters. Their impersonation was so convincing and "disturbingly beautiful" that they became the talk of the Parisian nightlife.

They became the Jazz Age Icons. They were nicknamed "The Black Orchids of the North". Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, they headlined at the Folies Bergère, the Lido, and toured Vienna, Berlin, and Scandinavia. In 1932, director Edmund Goulding cast them in the MGM film Blondie of the Follies. Their pirate-themed dance sequence with Marion Davies remains their most famous filmed performance. During this time, they were staples of the Hollywood social circuit, frequently staying at Hearst Castle and socializing with Charlie Chaplin, Tallulah Bankhead, and William Haines.

Solo Career and German Cinema (1938–1940) By 1937, the twins decided to pursue separate paths. Paal moved to Berlin, where his "Nordic" looks and dance training allowed him to transition into the German film industry.

In 1938, he starred in the major musical revue film The Stars Shine. Billed as Paul Roschberg, he performed as a lead dancer ("Der Tänzer") alongside the exotic star La Jana. He briefly returned to the U.S. in 1940, attempting to secure work at RKO Pictures, but as the political climate shifted and the Jazz Age aesthetic faded, the demand for his specific style of performance declined.

Military Service With the outbreak of World War II, Paal abandoned his stage career to serve his country and the Allied cause. Paal lived an "outrageous" and open life that defied the strict social codes of the 1930s.

Death and mystery Paal Roschberg died on March 21, 1955, in New York City at the age of 46.

Filmography Film

Writer

Stage and Cabaret Year Title Venue(s)Notes 1927 Les Ailes de Paris (Casino de Paris) Paris, France Professional debut; first performance of the Dolly Sisters drag parody. 1928 La Volupté de Paris (Concert Mayol) Paris, France Starred alongside Gina Palerme. Their Dolly Sisters impersonation became a "legendary" fixture here. 1928–29 Sie Werden Lachen (Stadt Theatre) Vienna, Austria Appeared in the Emil Schwarz revue. 1929 Kit Kat Club London, UK Part of a London tour escorted by Mistinguett. 1929 Royal Orfeum Budapest, HU Shared a bill with Josephine Baker. 1929 Andre Charlot's Cabaret Revue London, UK Performed at the Grosvenor House Hotel; featured the hit number "Guess Which is Which". 1930 Paris Miss (Casino de Paris) Paris, France Partners to Mistinguett; featured a "hide and seek" act involving quick-change gender transformations. 1930 Les Champs Elysées Paris, France Starred in a standalone cabaret show. 1931 European Tour Various Toured with Mistinguett across Europe. 1931 Scandinavian Tour Stockholm, Sweden Performed with Mona Lee; tour cut short after one twin was injured on stage. 1933–34 Ziegfeld Follies New York, USA Initially booked but were barred from performing due to Actors Equity rules. 1934–36 Various Cabaret Venues New York, USA Performed at numerous New York nightspots during the Pansy Craze.

Legacy Today, Paal Roschberg is remembered as a pioneer of queer performance.