Werner Schwier

Werner Schwier (born 28 May 1921 in Stadthagen; died 3 May 1982 in Munich) was a German actor, voice actor, and television presenter.

Career Werner Schwier made a name for himself in silent films on German television. On 14 May 1961 to September 1965, he presented 65 episodes of Hessischer Rundfunk and produced the series Es darf gelacht werden (It is permitted to laugh). The show was a 45 minutes long evening program of the ARD. During the broadcast, three complete short films would be shown. He also had two silent film stars on the show as guests, Buster Keaton in 1962 and Harold Lloyd in 1963.

In the manner of a small film show of the times of the silent films, Schwier presented in a checkered suit, assisted by Konrad Elfers on the Piano and Géza Janós on violin. Before each short film, he would say "I present now, the symbol---assuming the operator approves.", this was followed by a flying bowler hat on screen, to mark the start of the show.

Silent films played only a role on Schwier's afternoon show, which showed only the funny material of the era of silent films. He obtained, with the show, viewers ratings over 80 percent. Schwier added presentation with appropriate dry-humour to the shows, that was not as chaotic as his English counterpart Bob Monkhouse in 1966 with Mad Movies or the later Vater der Klamotte with the corny jokes of Hanns Dieter Hüsch.

After the decline of silent films, Schwier also worked as a supporting actor in films, such as Es (1966), Mädchen, Mädchen (1967), 24 Hour Lover (1968) or (1979). He was also a guest on the programme Kennen Sie Kino? mit Hellmut Lange.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes1957 Charlie Chaplins Lachparade Himself - Host 1965 Diamonds Are Brittle Dr. Worms 1966 Es Angler 1967 Mädchen, Mädchen 1967 Partyguest Uncredited1967 Next Year, Same Time Werner 1967 The Blonde from Peking Smernoff 1968 Jet Generation Hotel portier 1968 24 Hour Lover Doctor 1969 April - April Smily 1970 Heureux qui comme Ulysse... Automobilistes 1970 Der gelbe Koffer Lucas 1974 Con la música a otra parte Lucas 1975 Mein Onkel Theodor oder Wie man viel Geld im Schlaf verdient Landrat 1979 Ramirez