1970s Children's leather belt on the theme of Western films East Germany length-73 cm width 4 cm In the 1960s and 1970s, westerns, mostly German productions, were popular in Germany. They were known as "German westerns" and were often filmed behind the works of Karl May, especially about the adventures of Winnet and his friend Old Schutterhand. These films were a mixture of classic American Western and adventure paintings. Key features of German Westerns: Based on the books of Karl May (which, despite their popularity, did not have historical authenticity). The main characters are the Indian chief Vinnet (of the Apache tribe) and his friend the white tracker Old Shatterhand. Full-scale shooting was conducted not in the United States, but in Europe, often in Yugoslavia, where the scenery resembled the American West. The lead role of Winnet was most often played by French actor Pierre Brice, and Old Shatterhand was played by American Lex Barker. Often in the cast were European and American stars such as Stuart Granger, Roger Moore and others. Popular German Westerns: Treasure of Silver Lake (1962, Der Schatz im Silbersee) Winnetou - 1 part (1963, Winnetou - 1. Teil ) Winnetou - 2 part: Red-skinned gentleman (1964), Winnetou - 2. Teil ) Winnetou - 3 part: The Last Battle of Winnetou (1965), Winnetou - 3. The Sons of the Great Bear (1966) Die Söhne der großen Bärin ) - Western GDR with Gojko Mitic Old Shatterhand (1964) as Old Shatterhand Apache (1973, Apachen ) - film production GDR German Westerners of the GDR The GDR also filmed westerns, but with an ideological bias. Here the actor Gojko Mitic gained special popularity, who played noble Indians who are fighting against the oppressors. These films often contrasted themselves with Westerners, portraying Indians as savage barbarians, for as heroes. Popular "eastern" GDR westerns with Gojko Mitic: The Sons of the Great Bear (1966) The Falcon (1968, Spur des Falken) Tecumseh (1972) Apache (1973) Ulzan (1974) Influence and Heritage German westerns of the 1960s and 1970s became cult in Europe. Films about Winnet continue to be shown on television, and in Germany they still arrange theatrical productions based on the books of Karl May.