Tonight on TV: This classic you’ve never seen before

Published in 1940, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (“For whom the bell tolls” en VO) is strongly inspired by the experience of its author, American journalist Ernest Hemingway, who joined the ranks of the Republicans who opposed the nascent Francoism during the Spanish Civil War.

If the famous David O. Selznick is interested in it, eventually Paramount recovers the rights. Unlike the original novel, which dealt with political controversy, the screenplay by Dudley Nichols (a regular collaborator of John Ford and Howard Hawks, among others) focuses more on the romance of the main character, Robert Jordan, with the resilient Maria. The latter are respectively interpreted by the stars of the time Gary Cooper (a personal friend of Ernest Hemingway) and Ingrid Bergman.

released in 1943, For whom the bell tolls It turned out to be a huge success in the United States as well as internationally. In France, where it was not released until 1947, 8.27 million attendees (!). This success then launched Hemingway’s career across the Atlantic, where many of his novels have now been adapted into films.

The film was also critically acclaimed with nine Oscar nominations. And it’s the supporting roles that steal the show for prestigious headliners at award shows. Indeed, Greek actress Katina Paxinou won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, while her co-star Akim Tamiroff won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

For Whom the Death Knell Tolls by Sam Wood with Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Akim Tamiroff…

Tonight on Arte at 20:50.