Gary Cooper in Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" (1932) - feat. Adolphe Menjou

Description :

On the Italian front during World War I, Lieutenant Frederic Henry (Gary Cooper), serving as an ambulance officer with the Italian Army, crosses paths with English nurse Catherine Barkley (Helen Hayes) during an air raid. She has fled her dormitory in her nightclothes, and though Frederic is somewhat drunk and awkward, he is struck by her quiet grief and dignity. Rinaldi (Adolphe Menjou), Frederic’s friend and fellow officer, arranges a double date with Catherine and her friend Helen “Fergie” Ferguson (Mary Philips), hoping at first to pursue Catherine himself. Instead, Frederic and Catherine slowly form a bond. In the hospital garden, Catherine confides that she was engaged for years to a soldier killed in battle, and is still mourning him. When Frederic tries to kiss her, she resists, then allows herself to accept his affection. Their romance deepens, and he tells her earnestly that he loves her. Before Frederic can see her again, he is sent back to the front. Catherine gives him a St. Anthony medal, hoping to protect him. Frederic is severely wounded in battle and is transported to a hospital in Milan, where Catherine has coincidentally been assigned. Their reunion is overwhelming. Despite Fergie’s stern warnings, Frederic and Catherine behave as a married couple. The Padre (Jack La Rue), touched by their devotion, performs a quiet, unofficial wedding ceremony in Frederic’s hospital room. When Frederic is ordered to return to duty sooner than expected, he and Catherine cling to each other. She later confides to Fergie that she is pregnant, and moves to Switzerland to await the birth, writing to Frederic without revealing her condition. But Rinaldi, jealous and regretful, intercepts her letters, and Frederic’s letters to her are returned marked “person unknown.” Believing something is terribly wrong, Frederic deserts the army and searches for her, finally learning she is in Brissago, Switzerland. Reunited at last, they try to build a quiet life together. But Catherine goes into labor and suffers terrible complications. The baby dies before birth, and Catherine grows weak. Frederic remains beside her, holding her hand as she faces death with bravery. She tells him she is not afraid as long as he is with her. Catherine tells him she is not afraid and dies in Frederic's arms as the sun rises. Frederic, shattered and alone, picks up her body, slowly, sobbing, and whispers softly, “Peace, Peace.”