Works of Hemingway - The Fifth Column. Spanish Earth

Author: Feng Yidai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: The play The Fifth Column is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Madrid. At that time, a Spanish rebel general claimed that four columns were surrounding Madrid, while a group of sympathizers inside the city were to cooperate with the troops in a joint operation, which he called the Fifth Column. The protagonist, an American journalist, helps the Spanish government army with counter-revolutionary work, infiltrates the enemy's reconnaissance post, and apprehends spies for arrest. His girlfriend is a somewhat cynical American college student who comes to Spain to report on the war. The play also features a German anti-fascist fighter, a leader of the Spanish government's defense agency, and a Black prostitute, among others. A series of vivid dramas unfold at the Hotel Florida. Spanish Earth is a documentary shot on location by the Dutch director Joris Ivens in collaboration with Hemingway, with Hemingway writing the narration and personally voicing it. Together with The Fifth Column, it stands as an outstanding contribution made by Hemingway to the anti-fascist struggle.