GENERAL HOSPITAL'S Wally Kurth has a smile on his face as he enters the American Pavilion on the beach at the Cannes Film Festival, in Cannes, France.

And why shouldn't he? Yes, he plays Ned Ashton on GENERAL HOSPITAL. But Wally Kurth is not content with staying within the city limits of Port Charles. Kurth is in Cannes to meet with investors for his first screenplay, "MAN ON FIRE". The film (which he also directs and stars in) is autobiographical. It is loosely based on his 5 year old brother burning down the house when they were kids and keeping the secret for 20 years.

Wally told Soap Star World in Cannes that this film is a big moment in his career.

"I always thought that soaps would be a stepping stone to other things in my career. I knew that I would have to take that first step myself. Now I have.", Kurth said.

While making the rounds at Cannes, Wally acted like a festival veteran. He strolled the famous Croisette pressing the flesh with money men, E! Entertainment's Steve Kmetko and GH fans!

"It is funny. Over here the paparazzi have no idea who I am, but I keep running into college students who are big GH fans and they are thrilled!", Kurth told us. Adding with a chuckle, "I guess I am the biggest star they have seen so far".

You can check out the promo reel for "MAN ON FIRE" by going to www.evolutionpictures.com

If that's not enough of a Wally fix for you, he has a new CD out called FREEDOM. It's by Kurth & Taylor (his band.) and it's available on their website www.kurthandtaylor.com

Oh, did we forget to mention that he has the Kurth and Taylor Foundation, that raises money for children's charities?

That's why from Port Charles to France, Wally Kurth is not only hot, he's on fire! Ooh La La!