Alan, why do you think it's 'a very German production'? I mean, I read the other day that the audience consisted entirely of NDR employees, and some can to this day recognise their own off-screen laughs. What else?
Several years ago, NDR showed a documentary on the life of Freddie Frinton, made long after his death, which I thought much more interesting than the sketch, and rather sad. IIRR, Frinton came from a stage family and made his living from seaside entertainment. I can't remember his real name, but his stage name was taken from the resort of Frinton in Essex. He got by with his family, he even managed when he (or his wife) got a divorce and he started a second family.
Although over fifty, he was beginning to get TV and minor film parts, mainly in Ealing comedies for which his stage experience made him suitable. People they interviewed for the documentary agreed he was very good and might have got his big break before long. However, he died in the Sixties at the age of 59, from a heart attack at least partly caused by overwork and strain, so the NDR film must be almost unique. Every year I wish they'd repeat that documentary, but they never have!