Five Came Back

A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War

By Mark Harris | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

About the book

One of The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 Greatest Film Books of All Time

“One of the great works of film history of the decade.” —Slate

Now a Netflix original documentary series, also written by Mark Harris: t
he extraordinary wartime experience of five of Hollywood's most important directors, all of whom put their stamp on World War II and were changed by it forever 

Here is the remarkable, untold story of how five major Hollywood directors—John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, and Frank Capra—changed World War II, and how, in turn, the war changed them. In a move unheard of at the time, the U.S. government farmed out its war propaganda effort to Hollywood, allowing these directors the freedom to film in combat zones as never before. They were on the scene at almost every major moment of America’s war, shaping the public’s collective consciousness of what we’ve now come to call the good fight. The product of five years of scrupulous archival research, Five Came Back provides a revelatory new understanding of Hollywood’s role in the war through the life and work of these five men who chose to go, and who came back.

Editions of Five Came Back

Hardcover
ISBN 9781594204302
Paperback
ISBN 9780143126836
EBook
ISBN 9780698151574

Read an Excerpt

One of The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 Greatest Film Books of All Time

“One of the great works of film history of the decade.” —Slate

Now a Netflix original documentary series, also written by Mark Harris: t
he extraordinary wartime experience of five of Hollywood's most important directors, all of whom put their stamp on World War II and were changed by it forever 

Here is the remarkable, untold story of how five major Hollywood directors—John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, and Frank Capra—changed World War II, and how, in turn, the war changed them. In a move unheard of at the time, the U.S. government farmed out its war propaganda effort to Hollywood, allowing these directors the freedom to film in combat zones as never before. They were on the scene at almost every major moment of America’s war, shaping the public’s collective consciousness of what we’ve now come to call the good fight. The product of five years of scrupulous archival research, Five Came Back provides a revelatory new understanding of Hollywood’s role in the war through the life and work of these five men who chose to go, and who came back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Five Came Back about?

One of The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 Greatest Film Books of All Time

“One of the great works of film history of the decade.” —Slate

Now a Netflix original documentary series, also written by Mark Harris: t
he extraordinary wartime experience of five of Hollywood's most important directors, all of whom put their stamp on World War II and were changed by it forever 

Here is the remarkable, untold story of how five major Hollywood directors—John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, and Frank Capra—changed World War II, and how, in turn, the war changed them. In a move unheard of at the time, the U.S. government farmed out its war propaganda effort to Hollywood, allowing these directors the freedom to film in combat zones as never before. They were on the scene at almost every major moment of America’s war, shaping the public’s collective consciousness of what we’ve now come to call the good fight. The product of five years of scrupulous archival research, Five Came Back provides a revelatory new understanding of Hollywood’s role in the war through the life and work of these five men who chose to go, and who came back.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Five Came Back?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of Five Came Back?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781594204302

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Five Came Back?

Mark Harris

Who is the Publisher of the book Five Came Back?

Penguin Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Five Came Back is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781594204302) and paperback(ISBN 9780143126836) and ebook(ISBN 9780698151574)

Where can I buy Five Came Back online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Five Came Back from below

Where can I buy Five Came Back?