A Farewell to Arms (1932) - Frank Borzage

Hemmingway's first big crack at Hollywood came when his then immensely popular novel was adapted by Paramount. Hot off the heels of a best actress Oscar, Helen Hayes gets top billing as Catherine Barkley the nurse-cum-love interest of Gary Cooper's Lt. Henry. The two are an interesting pair onscreen with the barely 5 foot Hayes looking up at the 6'3" Cooper. However they are great together, and Hayes was never more radiant. Borzage compacts much of the story, and in one brilliant montage covers nearly all the combat. Much of the weight is concentrated on the love scenes, and in these Cooper and particularly Hayes sparkle. Photography throughout is great courtesy of Charles Lang, and the film is a very well made production, certainly better than some of Borzage's work. I will admit to not having read the book, so I can't make any comparisons. The film was remade in typically overblown fashion by David O'Selznick.

*A Farwell to Arms was nominated for best picture, best art direction, best sound, and won for best cinematography.