Births on April 11

David Westheimer, American soldier, journalist, and author (d. 2005)

David Westheimer (1917–2005) was an American novelist whose career spanned decades, leaving a notable mark on literature and cinema. Born in Houston, Texas, on April 11, 1917, and passing away on November 8, 2005, Westheimer became widely recognized for his gripping tales of wartime survival and human resilience. While many remember him primarily for his iconic 1964 novel, Von Ryan's Express, which famously became a 1965 film starring Frank Sinatra, his literary journey encompassed diverse themes and an unusual story of an uncredited but enduring work.

A Life Forged in Experience and Words

Early Life and Wartime Service

Westheimer's early life saw him pursuing education at Rice University, a distinguished institution in his hometown. Following his graduation, he began his professional career in journalism, serving as an assistant editor for the Houston Post from 1939 to 1946. This period, however, was significantly interrupted by the tumultuous years of World War II. Joining the United States Army Air Forces, Westheimer served as a navigator aboard a B-24 bomber. His wartime experience took a dramatic turn on December 11, 1942, when his aircraft was shot down over Italy. He subsequently endured a harrowing period as a prisoner of war, held captive in the infamous Stalag Luft III. This experience, undoubtedly profound and challenging, would later inform and enrich some of his most compelling narratives, providing an authentic voice to stories of confinement and escape.

Literary Legacy and Unsung Contributions

Von Ryan's Express: The Signature Work

Westheimer's enduring fame largely stems from his 1964 novel, Von Ryan's Express. This gripping tale, set during World War II, chronicles the daring escape of Allied prisoners of war from an Italian POW camp, led by the unconventional Colonel Joseph Ryan. The book captivated readers with its tension, character development, and intricate plot, quickly becoming a bestseller. Its success naturally paved the way for a major motion picture adaptation in 1965, directed by Mark Robson. The film starred legendary actor Frank Sinatra as Colonel Ryan and the esteemed Trevor Howard, further cementing the story's place in popular culture and Westheimer's reputation as a master storyteller of wartime suspense. The novel remains a testament to his ability to blend historical accuracy with thrilling fiction, likely drawing on his own experiences as a POW.

The Curious Case of Days of Wine and Roses

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Westheimer's career involves another of his highly popular and remarkably enduring works: the novelization of Days of Wine and Roses. This book, based on the powerful screenplay by his friend J.P. Miller, tackled the poignant and then-taboo subject of alcoholism and its devastating impact on a young couple. In its initial printing, Westheimer was duly credited as the author of the novelization. However, the story, already iconic due to the acclaimed 1962 film starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick, became immensely popular in its book form as well. In an unusual move, and presumably by mutual agreement between the authors and publisher, Bantam Books eventually removed Westheimer's explicit byline. The decision was reportedly made to elevate the book into a broader "literature" category and ensure its continued availability – a goal they achieved, keeping it in print for decades. Subsequent editions were simply branded "J.P. Miller's Days of Wine and Roses," an ironic twist for an author who poured his craft into adapting a story that resonated so deeply with readers. This peculiar omission highlights the complex dynamics of authorship and publishing, especially when a story transcends its original medium.

Other Works and Thematic Echoes

While Von Ryan's Express and Days of Wine and Roses are his most recognized contributions, Westheimer's literary output began earlier and often echoed his personal experiences. His first novel, Summer on the Water, was published in 1948, marking the beginning of a prolific writing career. The themes of wartime and captivity, so central to his own life, also reappeared in other projects. For instance, he penned a television pilot titled Campo 44, which, like Von Ryan's Express, was set in an Italian prisoner of war camp. These works collectively demonstrate Westheimer's skill in transforming real-life adversity into compelling narratives that resonate with readers and viewers alike.

FAQs

What is David Westheimer best known for?

David Westheimer is primarily known for his 1964 novel Von Ryan's Express, a popular World War II escape thriller that was adapted into a successful 1965 film starring Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard.

Was David Westheimer a prisoner of war?

Yes, during World War II, David Westheimer served as a navigator in the United States Army Air Forces. He was shot down over Italy in December 1942 and subsequently spent time as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III.

Why was his name removed from Days of Wine and Roses?

Initially, David Westheimer was credited as the author of the novelization for Days of Wine and Roses, based on J.P. Miller's screenplay. However, due to the book's immense popularity and the story's iconic status, his publisher, Bantam Books, reportedly removed his explicit byline in later printings. This decision, likely by mutual arrangement, was made to categorize the book more broadly as "literature" and ensure its long-term availability, which it achieved for decades.

Did David Westheimer write other notable books?

Yes, in addition to Von Ryan's Express and the novelization of Days of Wine and Roses, Westheimer wrote several other works. His first novel was Summer on the Water (1948), and he also developed a television pilot called Campo 44, which was also set in an Italian prisoner of war camp, drawing on his personal experiences.

What was Stalag Luft III?

Stalag Luft III was a German prisoner of war camp during World War II, primarily for captured Allied airmen. It became particularly famous due to the "Great Escape" in 1944. David Westheimer was imprisoned there after being shot down in December 1942.