On March 25, 1940, The Fifth Column, the only full-length play written by Ernest Hemingway, premiered in New York City under the direction of the Theater Guild. Adapted for the stage by Benjamin Glazer, the production brought Hemingway’s sharp, understated prose and wartime perspective to Broadway audiences at a moment when the world itself stood on the brink of even greater conflict. Though Hemingway was already internationally renowned for his novels and short stories, this theatrical endeavor revealed another dimension of his creative voice—one shaped by immediacy, tension, and the moral ambiguities of war.
The Fifth Column originated from Hemingway’s experiences as a journalist covering the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Deeply affected by what he witnessed in Spain, Hemingway infused the play with a sense of realism and psychological complexity. The title itself refers to a clandestine group working within a city to undermine it from the inside—a concept that had gained prominence during the war. This theme of hidden enemies and internal betrayal resonated strongly in 1940, as fears of espionage and ideological subversion were growing across Europe and the United States alike.
Set in Madrid during the siege by Nationalist forces, the play centers on Philip Rawlings, an American counterintelligence agent tasked with rooting out fascist sympathizers within the Republican-held city. Unlike traditional war heroes, Rawlings is portrayed as conflicted and introspective, grappling with both the brutality of his duties and the emotional toll of constant suspicion. His relationship with Dorothy Bridges, a war correspondent, introduces a humanizing element to the narrative, highlighting the tension between personal connection and professional obligation in a time of crisis.
The Theater Guild’s production sought to translate Hemingway’s sparse, dialogue-driven style into a compelling stage experience. Benjamin Glazer’s adaptation aimed to maintain the integrity of Hemingway’s voice while making the story accessible to a theater audience. The result was a work that emphasized atmosphere and character over spectacle, relying on sharp exchanges and underlying tension to carry the drama. While the play received mixed reviews from critics—some praising its authenticity and others finding it uneven—it nevertheless marked a significant moment in Hemingway’s career.
The timing of the premiere added to its relevance. In March 1940, World War II had already begun in Europe, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. American audiences were increasingly aware of global instability, and The Fifth Column offered a lens through which to examine the complexities of modern warfare—not just on the battlefield, but within societies themselves. The notion that danger could come from within, from neighbors or colleagues, gave the play a chilling immediacy.
Although The Fifth Column did not achieve the enduring fame of Hemingway’s novels such as For Whom the Bell Tolls or A Farewell to Arms, it remains an important piece of his body of work. It demonstrates his willingness to experiment with form and his commitment to exploring the human dimensions of conflict. The play’s premiere on March 25, 1940, stands as a reminder of how art can reflect and respond to the anxieties of its time, capturing the uncertainty, fear, and resilience of a world in turmoil.
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Discussion Questions
- How does The Fifth Column reflect the fears and uncertainties of wartime society in 1940?
- In what ways might the idea of a “hidden enemy within” apply to different historical or modern contexts?
- How do personal relationships, like that between Philip Rawlings and Dorothy Bridges, complicate moral decisions during war?
Classroom Activity
Have students work in small groups to create a short scene (2–3 minutes) set during a time of conflict where trust is uncertain. Each group should incorporate the idea of a “fifth column” or hidden threat. After performing, discuss how tension and suspicion were conveyed.
Debate Prompt
“Security during wartime justifies limiting personal freedoms.”
Students should take a position and use examples from history—including the themes of The Fifth Column—to support their arguments.
Writing Assignment Idea
Ask students to write a journal entry from the perspective of someone living in a city under siege. They should describe their daily life, fears, and how they determine who to trust.
Printable Quote
“The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for.” — Ernest Hemingway