An actor in "The Great Escape" changed his surname several years before the movie's release. What is his original name and where is the famous gate he chose as his new name?

BRY2K

That would be Charles Bronson who played Flight Lt. Danny Velinski "The Tunnel King in the movie. He was born Charles Dennis Buchinsky (some sources note that he was born as Karolis Buèinskis, Casimir Businskis or Karol Buczyñski). He took his inspiration from the Bronson Gate at Paramount Studios, situated on the corner of Melrose Avenue and Bronson Street for his new stage name. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057115/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_bronson Nov 14 09, 10:07 AM

serpa

Yes indeed! Here's an interesting bit about Valentino and the gate. Seen from the outside, the studio has one notable landmark: if you've seen "Sunset Blvd," you'll be familiar with Paramount Studio's ornate, wrought iron entry gate. Built in 1926, this renowned arched gateway is located at the north end of Bronson Avenue (and is hence called "The Bronson Gate"). It's almost as famous as Paramount's well known logo (of a snow capped mountain with a halo of stars), and it has a unique history. According to the tour guide, the extra iron filigree on top of the gate was added after crazed female fans of Rudolph Valentino overwhelmed security and climbed over the original unfortified gate. http://www.seeing-stars.com/studios/ParamountStudios.shtml Nov 14 09, 10:14 AM