Charles Durning

Working on the set of "Hostage hotel", Charles Durning told me his fascinating WWII heroic story. On march of 1945, Mr. Durning was a prisoner of war in a German camp. He, and two other Soldiers, managed to escape and took refuge in the, completely demolished, town of Aachen. When they saw an American Jeep coming towards them, they sprung out joyfully - only to face the GI's weapons. The American soldiers thought they were imposters. Only the "good-all-American" swearing by Mr. Durning convinced them that they are genuine American POWs.  The soldier in front is Charles Durning at the age of 19. The demolished town in the background is Aachen in 1945.

(Actual size: 31"X26")