1950s PRE-REVOLUTIONARY CUBA DOCUMENTARY FILM SANTIAGO, HAVANA, TRINIDAD (PART 2) GG30675b

Part 1:    • 1950s PRE-REVOLUTIONARY CUBA DOCUMENTARY F...  

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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.

This documentary showcases Havana as a global hub, accessible by air, sea, and rail, and a tour of its historical landmarks. The narrative then shifts to modern advancements, highlighting its architecture and cultural institutions. life pulses through festivals like Carnival, theater, radio, and television, all underpinned by a strong sense of national pride and identity. The film concludes with poetic scenes of daily life and music, celebrating Cuba as a land of beauty, resilience, and cultural richness—“the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen,” as Columbus once described.




0:00:
The film introduces Havana as a globally connected city, accessible by both air and sea. People arrive from around the world through José Martí Airport and by ship. Havana serves as a key port for the Americas.

1:21:
Begins a tour of Old Havana: historic castles, fortresses, colonial ruins, and churches such as Paula, San Francisco, La Merced, and the Cathedral. Emphasis is placed on their artistic and spiritual value.

3:01:
Additional colonial landmarks are highlighted: El Templete (site of Havana’s first mass in 1519), the Santa Clara Convent, and Castillo de la Fuerza. The story of Isabel, wife of Hernando de Soto, is mentioned.

4:34:
Plaza de Armas remains the heart of the old city, alongside the City Hall and statues honoring national heroes like José Martí. The narration reflects on colonial memories and national pride.

5:51:
The city’s transition from old to modern is shown: new streets, the National Capitol building, Paseo del Prado, and the famous Malecón. Modern monuments to generals Máximo Gómez and Antonio Maceo are featured.

6:51:
Celebration of “Pilot’s Day,” a national event with international pilots. President Batista inspects the colorful parade. Festivities are held along the Malecón and port area, welcoming the visiting pilots.

8:31:
Focus shifts to the new Civic Center, modern hospitals, and national institutions. Tribute is paid to Carlos Finlay, who discovered the vector for yellow fever. The military is presented as a pillar of democracy.

10:17:
Cuban military forces are paraded: Independence Day, Cuban and U.S. flags fly together. Air Force jets and paratroopers are shown in peaceful maneuvers. Cuba's land, sea, and air defenses are emphasized.

13:12:
A new microwave radio tower is inaugurated to unify military and governmental communication systems. The technology improves connectivity across the country.

15:27:
Modern construction: new buildings and skyscrapers in neighborhoods like El Vedado and Miramar. Churches are built in newly expanding communities.

16:44: Cultural life: elegant hotels (like the Nacional and Comodoro), theaters, ballet, cinema, and symphony concerts. The Havana Carnival comes alive with vibrant, Afro-Cuban-inspired parades.

18:38:Cuba’s media: strong press, radio, and television. The national lottery is televised live. Cuban news covers everything from politics and culture to quirky stories like the lottery. Programs are exchanged internationally.

21:01:
Musical interlude showcasing Afro-Cuban rhythms, traditional chants, and street life scenes, including vendors and local characters such as the "Caballero de París." The soundtrack blends humor, culture, and rhythm.

27:31:
Daily life in Havana is poetically portrayed: street vendors calling out, romantic scenes, and the city waking up under a soft melody. Musicians sing for tourists and locals alike.

31:00:
The film closes by celebrating Cuba as a vibrant nation — a fusion of Spanish tradition and Cuban spirit. A land of sunshine, music, beauty, and progress, rich in tropical fruits and open to global trade. The final tribute is paid to Columbus, who called Cuba "the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen."

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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