Author David Westheimer dead at 88

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Author David Westheimer, whose best known works were "Von Ryan's Express" and "My Sweet Charlie," has died in Los Angeles at age 88.

The former Houston Post editor and columnist died Tuesday of heart failure at UCLA Medical Center, his son told the Los Angeles Times.

Westheimer drew on his experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II for his fourth novel, "Von Ryan's Express," which was made into a Frank Sinatra film that was nominated for an Oscar in 1965.

His 1965 novel, "My Sweet Charlie," became a successful play starring Bonnie Bedelia and Louis Gossett Jr., and a TV version later won Patty Duke an Emmy.

Westheimer's other books included "Summer on the Water," "Sitting It Out," and "Delay En Route."

The longtime Brentwood, Calif., resident is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dody; two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.