The original idea came from Ilse Obrig West Berlin TV and radio station Sender Freies Berlin (SFB), who with the help of author Johanna Schüppel, developed a working version in 1958. On 22 November 1959 East German television Deutscher Fernsehfunk (DFF) began broadcasting its own Unser Sandmännchen, complete with its own “good night, children” character, also called Sandmännchen.
Created by the puppetmaster and director Gerhard Behrendt, the East German show represented everyday life, travel, and fantastic adventures. The character often showcased socialist technological achievements, such as the use of awe-inspiring vehicles like futuristic cars and flying devices.
‘Unser Sandmännchen und seine Freunde’© – 2016 – MDR und rbbLizenz durch TELEPOOL GmbH- Alle Rechte vorbehalten