Islands in the Stream, Ernest Hemmingway

Hemmingway's 'Big Book About the Sea'.

With a variety of themes and moods, dynamic action scenes and - unexpectedly - a rich and ribald sense of humor, ISLANDS IN THE STREAM tells a story closely resembling Hemmingway's life. 

Thomas Hudson is 'a good painter'.  His solitary life of artistic self-discipline on the lush Caribbean island of Bimini is interrupted by a visit from his three lively sons.  In a thrilling descriptive scene, David, the middle boy, shows his courage when attacked by a shark and his endurance while fighting a thousand-pound swordfish.  It is an initiation into manhood. 

Years later, Hudson is in Cuba mourning the death of his oldest son.  a chance encounter with his first wife renews their passionate commitment to each other. 

In the final episode, a masterpiece of action and adventure, Hudson captains an improvised Q-boat hunting down the survivors of a German submarine.  This assignment requires a kind of discipline wholly different from his creative life as a painter - but no less important to his integrity.  It is Thomas Hudson's most important battle.