Fifth Column Spanish Earth

Author: Hemingway
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
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, assists the Spanish government forces in counter-intelligence work, infiltrates enemy reconnaissance posts, and apprehends spies for arrest. His girlfriend is a somewhat cynical American university 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, who stage a series of vivid dramas at the Florida Hotel. Spanish Earth is a documentary shot on location by the Dutch director Evans in collaboration with Hemingway. Hemingway wrote the narration and personally voiced and read it, alongside The Fifth Column, as outstanding contributions to his dedication to the anti-Fascist struggle.