The battle scenes came from the experiences of Hemingway's friend Chink Dorman-Smith who was at the Battle of Mons; the matador story originated from another friend, Mike Strater.
Adegan pertempuran didapat dari pengalaman dengan kawan Hemingway, Chink Dorman-Smith yang pernah berada di Battle of Mons; sejarah asli matador dari kawan lain, Mike Strater.