The Original KATZENJAMMER KIDS Hans and Fritz (1911)

Here we see Mama with "der little sweathearts" while the Captain knows better and calls them "der little stiffs" as they are sleeping. Maybe! The Brothers Katzenjammer developed distinct personalities of their own. "They were brilliant strategists, impressive orators, clever conversationalists, and experts at creating explosions, setting traps, and persuading assorted animals, especially elephants and wildcats, to participate in their schemes. They were dedicated to attacking conformity, adult authority, and the traditional values held by society. Combining the best qualities of con men, burglars, guerrilla warriors, and jesters, they elevated prankery to a fine art." How ever the conclusion was usually a good spanking by the Captain. The lads, along with the other central characters, spoke in a sort of vaudeville Dutch dialect that was rich with such words as "dollink," "dumbkopf" and "dod-gasted." Each was recognized by their hair color, which later was switched for some reason.