Bomber & Paganini

I first saw this film on BBC2 some time ago and, as far as I know, it hasn't been repeated. I have always been amazed that it wasn't re-shown as it is such a great film and I have been looking for a VHS copy ever since then. While browsing Amazon.de I was delighted when I found a DVD version was available. Though I read no German, using Amazon.de is just the same as using Amazon.uk and there was no problem obtaining the (2/PAL) DVD. There are also copies available from the Amazon.de Marketplace.

The film is in German only and, as a non-German speaker, I missed the spoken comedy but the plot is easy to follow and the visual comedy is international. Also, the locations are visually interesting and I found that I appreciated them more as I had only remembered the comedy!

I don't really like current films (possibly an age thing) so seeing "Bomber & Paganini" after all this time was a real pleasure.

I reviewed this film some years ago when I bought a German language DVD (from Amazon.de) and was surprised to find that there was a trailer dubbed in English. I had seen the film on BBC2 but could not remember if it was dubbed in English, had English subtitles or was shown with just the German soundtrack - I know I liked the film. I just wanted to add that I have recently obtained (on eBay) a Greek issue of the DVD which, while providing the option of Greek subtitles, ALSO provides the option for the soundtrack to be in German or dubbed English. In my opinion, the dubbing is very successful and, for an English fan of the film who is ignorant of the German language, understanding the verbal humour is a very special bonus.

One remark on previous reviewers' statements about German humour. I can't say what is the sense of German humour, neither can I say whether this film represents typical qualities of the German humour. But just mind that its director, Nikos Perakis, is a Greek comedy director, with an important filmography in the Greek contemporary cinema.

An interesting aspect about "Bomber & Paganini" is that it employs comedy as an amusing medium by which it lays out some truths about humans' behaviour and nature. Fellowship and solidarity come after the need of mutual dependence, but when the latter disappears, people often turn into greed and selfishness, especially before the interest of getting money.

Saw it in in english translation more than 20 years ago on the BBC. Very sick humour, but a real laugh.

If anyone knows how to get a copy (in English or German) get in contact as I will pay handsomely for it!

Yes, like the other reviewers here I too saw this film as a kid when it was shown on one of those late night BBC2 (probably) foreign film seasons. As the film was made in 1976, this showing must have been 25-30 years ago now and as it has never - to my knowledge - been repeated in the UK, what does it tell you about how good the visual gags were that I can still remember some of them to this day.. Right from the start there is a race between the newly crippled crooks when they leave hospital - very little dialogue but none necessary: priceless, and very black. I always keep a lookout for one-offs and classics that have impressed me down the years and am so pleased to see this become available again - cant wait to see it.