German Writer and Actor. He wrote the story for the 1957 film, "Rivalen Am Steuer." In 1932 he appeared in the film, "Kampf" playing the role of 'Robert Wenck.' He was a famous German racing driver who drove for the Mercedes-Benz "Silver Arrows" team during the 1930s. Although a reasonable driver with some success, he struggled with bad luck failing to finish many races through accidents and mechanical problems. His nickname was 'Der Pechvogel' - Mr. Bad Luck. He was overshadowed by his team mates such as Rudolf Caracciola and Herman Lang. He won three Grand prix and his fastest lap in the 1937 Monaco GP stood for eighteen years. He was born in Hamburg, of an old military family - his uncle was the famous General Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch who led the German Army on the Russian Front. Manfred was rejected for military service in WW2 because of his many racing injuries. He married Gisela and after the war went to Argentina to start a new life. He could not settle down and returned to Germany where in 1955 he defected to east Germany. His distraught wife committed suicide. He later remarried, to Lieselotte, and was permitted back into West Germany.
German Writer and Actor. He wrote the story for the 1957 film, "Rivalen Am Steuer." In 1932 he appeared in the film, "Kampf" playing the role of 'Robert Wenck.' He was a famous German racing driver who drove for the Mercedes-Benz "Silver Arrows" team during the 1930s. Although a reasonable driver with some success, he struggled with bad luck failing to finish many races through accidents and mechanical problems. His nickname was 'Der Pechvogel' - Mr. Bad Luck. He was overshadowed by his team mates such as Rudolf Caracciola and Herman Lang. He won three Grand prix and his fastest lap in the 1937 Monaco GP stood for eighteen years. He was born in Hamburg, of an old military family - his uncle was the famous General Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch who led the German Army on the Russian Front. Manfred was rejected for military service in WW2 because of his many racing injuries. He married Gisela and after the war went to Argentina to start a new life. He could not settle down and returned to Germany where in 1955 he defected to east Germany. His distraught wife committed suicide. He later remarried, to Lieselotte, and was permitted back into West Germany.
Bio by: Paul Narramore
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