Herr Karl Valentin was one of the most remarkable comedians of the early days of cinema in Germany ( and believe this German Count, those days were not a very funny ones even for the aristocracy
) not to mention his development in an important talkie career. His film "Der Neue Schreibtisch" is probably one of the most popular and successful short films directed by this funny German director during those early Teutonic days.
This kleine movie is a perfect example of the characteristics of Herr Valentin's films and career ( focused with visual gags in his silent films as opposed to more oral in the talkie ones ). Herr Valentin plays those characters he cares about so much (low class people, clerks, retailers
that is to say, that kind of funny people that have nothing in common with the serious aristocracy
). They often have to deal with the simple problems such as acquiring a new desk ( ordinary furniture that have nothing in common either with the distinguished aristocratic bureaus ).
His simple, short, funny and effective films are the same way (in the techniques of Herr Valentin, he focused his efforts with gags filmed almost in a long shot). His only and uncomplicated intention - to making the audience laugh, included Germans.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must remove his decadent bureau for a bold rococo one.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/