For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943)

VHS COVER/SIDE

MPAA Certifcate Number: 7982

Length of film: 170 Minutes

Rated: Passed (PG)

Genre: Adventure, Drama, History

Director: Sam Wood

Starring: Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Akim Tamiroff, Arturo de Cordova, Vladimir Sokoloff, Katina Paxinou

IMDB Rank: 6.9/10

Part 1 Time: 88 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 82 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Anti-fascist Guerrilla fighters with Robert Jordan (Gary Cooper) decide whether it is safe to continue the journey toward blowing up the bridge, there are concerns due to the snow.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Fools, lunatics, you’re all crazy if you believe it” Agustin (Arturo de Cordovea) shouts at the group.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Whats the matter?” Maria (Ingrid Bergman) asks Robert Jordan why he is on guard. Robert Jordan has seen a trooper on horseback.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, some members of the group are questioning whether it is safe to continue the mission due to the snow. Pablo (Akim Tamiroff) former group leader is still frustrated by being displaced. Will the group continue the mission or will some members defect?

Which part is better? Part one is somewhat slow, as it focuses on Jordan’s growing relationship to the anti-fascist guerrillas members (in particular Maria). Part two has significantly more action as it shows the events surrounding the destruction of the bridge. As a result, part two is much better.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Katina Paxinou), Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Gary Cooper), Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Ingrid Bergman), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Akim Tamiroff), Best Cinematography-Colour (Nominated), Best Art-Direction Interior Decoration-Colour (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Music- Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated).