Available online
Description
This programme traces the history of the Cuban Revolution since 1959. It begins by looking at the social conditions under Batista's regime and the political system which gave rise to them. It goes ...on to show the changes made after Castro's revolution up to the present day. It is mostly a narrative documentary, but contains interviews with a writer, a painter and the Deputy Prime Minister, Carlos Rodriguez, recorded in 1969. The programme includes sequences about the famous literacy campaign, the diversification of agriculture, nationalisation of industries, factory workers, the new role of women, housing projects, volunteer workers, People's Tribunals and the new schools where pupils combine their studies with productive work. The latter part of the programme emphasises this aspect of Cuba's attempt to build a new man with altruistic motives, for the creation of a truly communist society. The programme consists entirely of library film, including some from archive sources, and from two special reports by Denis Tuohy for '24 Hours' in 1969 and 'Panorama' in 1974.
This programme traces the history of the Cuban Revolution since 1959. It begins by looking at the social conditions under Batista's regime and the political system which gave rise to them. It goes ...on to show the changes made after Castro's revolution up to the present day. It is mostly a narrative documentary, but contains interviews with a writer, a painter and the Deputy Prime Minister, Carlos Rodriguez, recorded in 1969. The programme includes sequences about the famous literacy campaign, the diversification of agriculture, nationalisation of industries, factory workers, the new role of women, housing projects, volunteer workers, People's Tribunals and the new schools where pupils combine their studies with productive work. The latter part of the programme emphasises this aspect of Cuba's attempt to build a new man with altruistic motives, for the creation of a truly communist society. The programme consists entirely of library film, including some from archive sources, and from two special reports by Denis Tuohy for '24 Hours' in 1969 and 'Panorama' in 1974.
| Module code and title: | D302, Patterns of inequality |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D302; 15 |
| First transmission date: | 28-09-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:49:05 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Carol Haslam |
| Contributors: | Stephanie Goodenough; Denis Tuohy; Edmundo Desnoes; Carlos Rafael Rodriguez |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Cuba; Economic development; Inequality; Revolution |
| Footage description: | The programme is an all-film programme with historical and contemporary film of all aspects of Cuban history, economics and social life. The pre-revolution state of Cuba is described, stressing its reliance on sugar and its massive poverty. The dominance of US interests in the Cuban economy is emphasised, as well as its effects on Cuban society. The political sphere is described, the rule by Batista and the guerrilla groups in the rural areas. The new style of the Castro revolutionary government is outlined. Initial reforms in agriculture, housing etc. are described. Changes in economic life are discussed, including the US blockade and nationalisation. The development of a people's militia and local Committees for the Defence of the Revolution is outlined. Tuohy describes the change in the role of women and blacks in Cuban society. The diversification of the economy is analysed leading to a return to a reliance on sugar whilst bringing in greatly improved facilities for the rural population. The role of cooperatives in the fishing industry is described as well as the creation of voluntary work brigades. The priority given to education is stressed, especially the 1961 campaign to eliminate illiteracy, and the general concept of creating the new man. Desnoes describes the critical role of the intellectual. The new Lenin school is described in detail, how it is run, etc. Provisions for the mentally ill are also described stressing the idea of community involvement. Forms of personal incentive and community involvement are shown at a cigar factory and the use of micro-brigades on building projects. Tuohy describes the need for voluntary labour of all sorts, using the Picadura valley project as an example. Rodriguez discusses the political situation, the lack of a constitution etc. Grassroots involvement in dispensing justice is seen at a session of a People's Tribunal. Over shots of a group of Cubans happily singing Guantanamera, Goodenough and Tuohy sum up on the success and prospects of the Cuban revolution. Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72154 |
| Production number: | 00525_2290 |
| Videofinder number: | 197 |
| Available to public: | no |
