Quietude and Quest: Protagonists and Antagonists in the Theatre, on and Off Stage As Seen Through the Eyes of Leon Askin. (Studies in Austrian Literature, Culture, and Thought)

This is more than an autobiography of Leon Askin, known to American audiences as General Burhkhalter in the TV Series 'Hogan's Heroes' -- it is a legacy. Askin was born in Vienna and began his auspicious career under the influence of the legendary showman Max Reinhardt. He spent five years in Dusseldorf in the renowned Louise Dumont Playhouse. He attained considerable stature as a cabaret performer, especially for his staging in Paris and Vienna. He was forced to flee after the Nazi takeover and came to the United States in 1940. After a tour of duty in the Armed Forces he played the stages of New York and Los Angeles, where he became a movie star. His acclaimed directorial achievements included Goethe, Shakespeare, Shaw and he worked with all major stars in the movies.