Where Eagles Dare

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Major William Wilner

Major Wilner is Field Marschal Kesselring's chief of intelligence. Judging from his reaction when getting waked up in the middle of the night, he is a friendly, helpful and warm person outwards, but privately he is rather cold and judging.

Overview

  • Name William Wilner
  • Rank Major
  • Nationality German
  • Role description Small role
  • First appearance 01:27:08 (In his bedroom)
  • Actor Guy Deghy

Background

Wilner used to be a teacher.

Comments

Major Wilner's role in the picture is slightly cut down. In the novel, Smith and Kramer ventilate a lot "those were the days"-memories about him, but that is definitely a part of the novel you would be happier without. It really doesn't matter if Wilner was the favorite teacher of Smith and Kramer - it just feels like plot-twist overkilling by Alistair MacLean. So his appearance in the picture is actually better than the same part in the novel. And Guy Deghy surely looks like the "kind grandfather"-like character described in the novel.

Favourite scene

Major Wilner laughing heartily in bed after hearing Smith’s comment relayed by Kramer.

Major William Wilner: Major Wilmer speaking. Ja, colonel.

Colonel Paul Kramer: Can you describe him?

Major William Wilner: That will not be necessary. Ask him to show you his right forearm.

Colonel Paul Kramer: May I see your right forearm.

Major John Smith: Certainly.

Major William Wilner: There are two parallel scares about three centimeters apart.

Colonel Paul Kramer: The scares are there.

Major William Wilner: Ask, how did he get them.

Colonel Paul Kramer: How did you get those?

Major John Smith: I was born with them.

Colonel Paul Kramer: He says he was born with them.

Major William Wilner: That is right. So tell him he's a traitor.

Major John Smith: Tell him he's a renegade.

Major William Wilner: [laughing] Yaah, that is Schmidt, no question about it.

Colonel Paul Kramer: Thank you, major.

Major William Wilner: Thank you Colonel and good night.

Wilner turns to his serving officer.

Major William Wilner: Give me the water!

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Random stills

The film title "Where Eagles Dare" in red text, with the snowy Alps in the background.
The bold red title of *Where Eagles Dare* stands out against the majestic, snow-covered Alps.