1950s PRE-REVOLUTIONARY CUBA DOCUMENTARY FILM SANTIAGO, HAVANA, TRINIDAD (PART 1) GG30675a

Part 2:    • 1950s PRE-REVOLUTIONARY CUBA DOCUMENTARY F...  

Join this channel:
   / @periscopefilm  

Join us on Patreon. Visit   / periscopefilm  
Visit our website www.PeriscopeFilm.com

Produced by RCA and presented in Spanish, this pre-revolutionary film "Cuba" was produced by G. D. de Zayas, directed by Gonzalo Roig with music by Gonzalo Roig, Francisco Rojas and Rodrigo Prats.



It offers a sweeping visual and historical journey, tracing Cuba's rich cultural, economic, and geographical legacy from the time of Columbus to the mid-20th century. It explores colonial landmarks, key historical cities, and celebrates Cuba’s Afro-Cuban heritage through traditional dances. It highlights major industries, natural beauty and modern developments, portraying Cuba as a land of vibrant culture, history, and transformation.





00:00 Historical narration about Columbus’s second voyage in 1492, his discovery of Cuba.

1:50: Columbus praises Cuba in his diary. King Ferdinand praises Columbus in a royal decree and appoints Diego Velázquez as the first governor of the island. Columbus’s landing site in Baracoa.

3:00: Santiago de Cuba.

Santiago Bay played a crucial role in naval history, including the 1898 Battle of Santiago, a key event in Cuba’s independence.

5:00: Colonial heritage in Santiago: churches, streets, the Bacardí factory, and the Sanctuary of El Cobre, where the Virgin of Charity, Cuba’s patron saint, is venerated.

Also featured: the tomb of José Martí, Cuba’s national hero.

6:00–7:00

The Armistice Tree symbolizes the end of Spanish rule in 1898, when Spain signed a peace agreement with Cuba and the U.S.

Introduction of Cuba’s national shield and identity as a newly independent republic.

7:00: Journey west to Camagüey and Trinidad, highlighting colonial architecture, plazas, churches, and homes.

Hernán Cortés departed from Trinidad to conquer Mexico in 1518.

9:00:Celebration of Afro-Cuban culture through dances like Changó, Carabalí, and El Cocuyé, rich in tradition and symbolism.

These performances reflect religious, spiritual, and celebratory aspects of Cuban identity.

12:00: Visit to Topes de Collantes, a modern hospital in the mountains near Trinidad.

Spectacular views of Ana Vanilla waterfalls near Cienfuegos.

Arrival in Matanzas, an important port founded in 1693.

14:00:Focus on Varadero, one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches, known for its white sand and blue waters.

Tourists are drawn to this tropical paradise filled with music and natural beauty.

16:00: In Pinar del Río, visitors explore San Diego’s sulfur springs, waterfalls, and the Viñales Valley, known for its dramatic mogote hills and lush landscape.

18:00: Visit to Isla de Pinos (now Isla de la Juventud), once a pirate refuge and the setting for "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The island now features fishing spots, citrus plantations, and marble roads.

20:00: Back on the mainland: focus on sugar production, the economic backbone of Cuba.

From cutting cane to processing it in mills, sugar is described as "liquid gold," essential to the Cuban economy.

23:00: Introduction to the tobacco industry: cultivation, drying, and the art of cigar rolling, a tradition passed from father to son.

Cuban cigars are presented as world-renowned symbols of craftsmanship.

25:00: Overview of coffee, rice, and henequén (used to make rope), all important agricultural products.

French influence in coffee plantations is visible in architecture and historic practices.

27:00: Showcase of fine woods, exotic fruits like mango, mamey, and bananas.

Presentation of flowers and tropical plants, including orchids and flamboyants, as part of Cuba’s natural wealth.

30:00:The cattle industry is thriving, with breeds like Santa Gertrudis developed for the Cuban climate.

Emphasis on the role of ranching and livestock export.

32:00: Mining emerges as a key industry, including copper and newly discovered oil in places like Jatibonico.

33:00: Focus on sports: deep-sea fishing, horse racing, polo, golf, and especially baseball, Cuba’s most beloved sport.

Highlights from Havana’s Sugar Kings and international broadcasting of games.

36:00:Technological advancement in television broadcasting, including the first live foreign broadcast (the World Series) via an airplane relay from Miami to Havana.

38:00:

Final scenes show President Fulgencio Batista in a family setting and Cardinal Manuel Arteaga blessing the Cuban people.

Closing reflections emphasize Cuba’s identity—a blend of history, culture, tradition, and modern progress.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com