Film Response Topics Farewell to Arms

Farewell to Arms Film Version There were two versions made of Farewell to Arms – the first in 1932 (shortly after the novel was published in 1929) and the second in 1957. The 1932 film starred Gary Cooper. As you may remember from our Hemingway background video, Cooper (one of the most popular actors of his time) & Hemingway become friends, hung out, hunted together, drank, basically guys being dudes. The 1957 film starred Rock Hudson – a huge Hollywood star at the time. He’s notable aside from his acting in that he was the first celebrity to die of AIDS (in 1985) and the fact that his on-screen image was completely opposite of his secret personal life.

Farewell to Arms Film Version Today we’re going to look at some scenes from the two movies and do some response questions. Both of the movies are a bit dated (certainly the 1932 version more so) but they’re both fairly respected films. We’re not going to watch large portions of the movies, just selected scenes.

Scene Response #1 Let’s look at both movies where we’re introduced to Frederic, Renaldi, and Catherine. After you watch both scenes, comment on the films depiction of the characters. Which one did a better job in your mind? What did they do right with a character, what was wrong about a depiction(s)? Explain. 1932 version: 9:55 – 17:30 1957 version: 7:30 – 20:00

Scene Response #2 Now lets go to the war scene when Frederic is wounded. After you watch both scenes, comment on the films did well and not so well in your opinion. Explain. 1932 version: 22:50 – 25:00 1957 version: 33:15 – 37:20

Scene Response #3 Now lets go to the scene where Frederic escapes (at the end of Book 3). After you watch both scenes, comment on the films did well and not so well in your opinion. Explain. 1932 version: 56:00 – 58:00 1957 version: 1:34:45 – 1:41:50