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German director Axel von Ambesser (born Axel von Osterreich, he changed his name so he could get top billing on-stage) specialized in light comedies and romances but is best remembered for directing the highly regarded satires The Good Soldier Schweik and Der Hauptmann aus Kopenick. He got his start as an actor at the Hamburg Kammerspiele and went on to have a successful theatrical career. He made his film debut as an actor in 1935. In addition to acting and directing, von Ambesser was also a playwright.