Is the Pride and the Passion a True Story? Check Plot, Cast, Where to Watch, and More
by Sangamithra
Updated Dec 19, 2023
The Pride and the Passion
"The Pride and the Passion" is a 1957 American war film set in the Napoleonic era. Directed by Stanley Kramer, it stars Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Sophia Loren. The story follows a British Royal Navy officer tasked with retrieving a massive siege cannon from Spain for the British forces. However, the Spanish guerrilla leader insisted on moving the cannon 1,000 km across Spain to aid in recapturing Ávila from the French before handing it over to the British.
The film portrays the challenges of transporting the cannon through rivers and mountains while avoiding pursuing French forces. A subplot revolves around the romantic rivalry for the affections of the Spanish woman Juana (played by Loren). Based on C.S. Forester's 1933 novel "The Gun," the screenplay, written by Edna Anhalt and Edward Anhalt, loosely adapts the source material. The film also features a musical score by George Antheil, marking his final significant work.
Notably, this score is the only one of Antheil's many film compositions to be preserved on a commercial soundtrack recording. "The Pride and the Passion" explores themes of war, romance, and the challenges of transporting a vital weapon in a tumultuous historical period.
Is the Pride and the Passion a True Story?
No, "The Pride and the Passion" is not a true story. The film's story and screenplay, written by Edna Anhalt and Edward Anhalt, are loosely based on the 1933 novel "The Gun" by C.S. Forester. While the movie takes inspiration from Forester's work, it is a fictional narrative set against the historical backdrop of the Peninsular War during the Napoleonic era.
The involvement of contributors like Earl Felton for screenplay re-writing, George Antheil for the music score, and Saul Bass for the opening title sequence further emphasizes the creative and artistic elements involved in bringing this fictional tale to the screen, rather than being a retelling of actual events.
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The Pride and the Passion Cast
Cary Grant
Capt. Anthony Trumbull, RN
Frank Sinatra
Miguel
Sophia Loren
Juana
Theodore Bikel
General Jouvet
John Wengraf
Sermaine
Jay Novello
Ballinger
José Nieto
Carlos
Philip Van Zandt
Colonel Vidal
Cast
Character
The Pride and the Passion Plot
"The Pride and the Passion" unfolds during the Peninsular War, where Napoleon's forces conquer Spain. The focus is on a colossal siege cannon abandoned by the Spanish army. Captain Anthony Trumbull, a Royal Navy officer, is sent by Britain to retrieve it before the French do. He encounters Miguel, a guerrilla leader, who agrees to help if the cannon aids in capturing Ávila, a city he's obsessed with.
As they collaborate, tensions rise due to their dislike for each other, fueled by Miguel's mistress, Juana, who falls for Trumbull. The guerrilla band, joined by locals, faces challenges moving the cannon. Despite French threats, they reach Ávila, hiding the cannon in a cathedral and disguising it during a religious procession. The French fail to find it. When the cannon reaches the guerrilla camp, Trumbull and Miguel plan to attack Ávila.
Trumbull warns of heavy losses, but the guerrillas charge, breaching the walls. The siege cannon, operated by Trumbull, contributes to the victory. After the battle, Trumbull bids farewell to Juana and leaves Ávila with the cannon, haunted by the memories of their journey across Spain. The film explores themes of war, sacrifice, and the human cost of conflict.
The Pride and the Passion Release Date
"The Pride and the Passion" was released on July 10, 1957, in the United States. This American war film, set during the Napoleonic era, was presented in Technicolor and VistaVision. Stanley Kramer served as both the producer and director, leading a cast that included well-known actors such as Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Sophia Loren.
The storyline revolves around the efforts to retrieve a massive siege cannon in Spain amid the backdrop of the Peninsular War. The film explores themes of war, romance, and the challenges of transporting a crucial weapon. Released by United Artists, it marked a significant cinematic moment in 1957, captivating audiences with its epic tale.
Where Was the Pride and the Passion Filmed?
Despite claims in the film's press book that "The Pride and the Passion" was entirely shot in Spain, Hollywood Reporter news items disclosed that some filming occurred on the Universal Studios lot for ten days in late January-early February 1957. While the majority of the movie was indeed filmed in Spain, the additional days on the Universal Studios lot indicate a blend of on-location shooting and studio work.
This mix allowed filmmakers to capture the authentic Spanish backdrop for most scenes while utilizing studio facilities for specific sequences. The combination of real Spanish landscapes and controlled studio settings contributed to the visual appeal and production of the movie.
The Pride and the Passion Where to Watch?
"The Pride and the Passion" is available to watch on Prime Video. This means you can stream the movie on the Prime Video platform. The film, released in 1957, is an American Napoleonic-era war movie directed by Stanley Kramer and produced by United Artists. Starring iconic actors such as Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Sophia Loren, the story revolves around the challenges of transporting a massive siege cannon during the Peninsular War in Spain.
The film explores themes of war, romance, and the human cost of conflict. With its Technicolor and VistaVision presentation, the movie offers a cinematic journey set against the historical backdrop of the Napoleonic era.
Is the Pride and the Passion a True Story - FAQs
No, it is a fictional narrative loosely inspired by C.S. Forester's novel "The Gun."
The main cast includes Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Sophia Loren.
You can stream it on Prime Video.
The movie was released on July 10, 1957, in the United States.
While the majority was filmed in Spain, ten days of shooting took place on the Universal Studios lot.