Hemingway

The Avatar (1929-1944)

Hemingway, having achieved a level of fame rarely seen in the literary world, settles in Key West with Pauline Pfeiffer but can’t stay put for long. He reports on the Spanish Civil War and begins a tempestuous romance with Martha Gellhorn.

The Avatar (1929-1944)

1h 46m

Hemingway, having achieved a level of fame rarely seen in the literary world, settles in Key West with Pauline Pfeiffer but can’t stay put for long. He reports on the Spanish Civil War and begins a tempestuous romance with Martha Gellhorn.

Previews + Extras

  • Mastering the Art of Nonfiction: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Mastering the Art of Nonfiction

    S1 E2 - 3m 38s

    Referring to himself as "Papa," Ernest Hemingway strived to be an expert on everything. This desire to be knowledgeable on all subjects was often reflected in his writing, especially as he sought to master nonfiction and hoped to pass forward his learnings to others. Studying Hemingway as a young writer, novelist Ralph Ellison once learned how to lead a bird from a hunting description in his work.

  • After Deadly Hurricane, Hemingway Asks: Who Killed the Vets?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    After Deadly Hurricane, Hemingway Asks: Who Killed the Vets?

    S1 E2 - 4m 21s

    In 1935, a hurricane hit Florida killing more than 400 people, including 259 homeless veterans of WWI. Hemingway, whose peers denounced him during the Great Depression for his refusal to declare solidarity with the working class, admonished the Roosevelt administration in "New Masses" magazine for its role in sending veterans south to build highway bridges to bring visitors to the Florida Keys.

  • Hemingway's Call to Action During the Spanish Civil War: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hemingway's Call to Action During the Spanish Civil War

    S1 E2 - 3m 4s

    As another war in Europe loomed with Adolf Hitler's rise and the spread of fascism, Hemingway told readers of "Esquire" that America shouldn't get involved. Yet when Spain found itself in the midst of civil war and fascist Francisco Franco, with the aid of Hitler and Benito Mussolini, worked to overthrow the socialist government, the author felt called to return to the country he loved.

  • Hemingway's Front Seat to the Spanish Civil War: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hemingway's Front Seat to the Spanish Civil War

    S1 E2 - 3m 55s

    Ernest Hemingway returned to Spain to cover the civil war for the North American Newspaper Alliance, reporting alongside Collier's writer Martha Gellhorn. Beginning a three-year affair, the two stayed at the Hotel Florida, where other correspondents also resided to witness the events, despite its close proximity to a Loyalist communications center, making it an unintended target of enemy shells.

  • Hemingway's Home in Cuba, the Finca Vigía: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hemingway's Home in Cuba, the Finca Vigía

    S1 E2 - 1m 56s

    In the spring of 1939, Ernest Hemingway returned to Havana, Cuba where Martha Gellhorn would later join him. Martha rented the Finca Vigía, a 10-acre property outside the city where they could live together, which Hemingway would eventually buy and would become his home for the next two decades.

  • The End of Ernest and Pauline Hemingway's Marriage: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The End of Ernest and Pauline Hemingway's Marriage

    S1 E2 - 2m 58s

    After Ernest Hemingway's relationship with Martha Gellhorn came to light and the two began to openly live together in Cuba, Pauline Hemingway did what she could to try to save her 13-year marriage with her husband. Yet despite her reluctance to grant him a divorce, on September 3, 1939, Hemingway told Pauline he was leaving her.

  • Sen. John McCain on His Hero from 'For Whom the Bell Tolls': asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Sen. John McCain on His Hero from 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'

    S1 E2 - 2m 45s

    Published in the fall of 1940 at the end of the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" follows character Robert Jordan, a young American college instructor, in his fight against fascism. Senator John McCain discusses the profound impact the novel and its hero had on him.

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