Mary Vivola

Jack Londons "To Build A Fire"

Starring Ian Hogg

Narrated by Orson Welles

Written, Produced and Directed by David Cobham

"To Build a Fire" is a short story by American author Jack London, published in 1908.

"To Build a Fire" is about an unnamed male protagonist who ventures out in the subzero boreal forest of the Yukon Territory. He is followed by a native dog and is en route to visit his friends—ignoring warnings from an older man from Sulphur Creek about the dangers of hiking alone in extreme cold. The protagonist underestimates the harsh conditions and slowly freezes to death.

"To Build a Fire" is an oft-cited example of the naturalist movement that portrays the conflict of man vs. nature. It also reflects Londons personal experiences in the Yukon Territory.

Copyright: David Cobham Productions/@DavidCobham

First Broadcast: BBC 1969

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