This documentary from 1961 is part of the ‘Biography’ series created in the 1960’s by David L. Wolper and narrated by Mike Wallace. This episode takes a look at Francisco Franco prior to, during and after the Spanish Civil War which took place from 1936 to 1939. Francisco Franco is pictured at (:39). Mike Wallace informs viewers Franco had ruled as a dictator for a quarter of a century (1:27). Spanish army troops are seen moving through the streets (2:11). Franco’s early youth is depicted (3:04) beginning with his birth in Galicia in 1892. Franco is pictured at fourteen during his enrollment at a military academy (3:12) and at seventeen (3:23) following graduation when he had become a 2nd Lieutenant in the Spanish army. Spanish naval vessels are seen loaded with troops in 1912 (3:34) as Franco volunteered to aide in squashing native uprisings in Morocco. Franco rose to become the youngest General in any European army at the age of 32 (4:12). Franco returned to Spain as a national hero in the 1920’s and participated in a motion picture film (4:28). The King at the time was Alfonso XIII (4:50) and much of the population was being exploited by the ruling class (5:01). Civil unrest reached a head in 1930 (5:21) as civilians are seen protesting and running through the streets (5:42). After the government fell and the King fled, Spain became a republic (5:51). Crucial elections were held in 1936 (5:59) as candidates are seen delivering speeches to the public (6:03). Footage follows of the political left which was comprised of anarchists, liberals, socialists and communists (6:07). The political right is shown which was comprised of the Spanish army, fascists, landowners, monarchists and the Catholic Church (6:21). Franco had become a key figure in a plot against the political left which had won the election (6:31). Cannons are seen erupting as the Spanish Civil War broke out in July of 1936 (6:49). Armed Spanish civilians are seen who remained loyal to the republic (7:06). A Soviet flag is seen on a jeep. The Soviets supplied the loyalists (7:34). The International Brigade is shown comprised of foreign volunteers who fought on the side of the Loyalists (7:45). US forces called themselves Abraham Lincoln and George Washington Brigades (7:57). Franco took command of the Spanish Army (8:14) and took aid from Italy and Germany (8:22). The German Luftwaffe Condor Legion fly overhead and bomb Spanish cities (8:42). Fascists pull civilians (9:42) from homes for mass executions (9:47). Franco is pictured behind the lines directing the Spanish Army (10:33). Block to block combat with troops ducking behind barricades follows (11:20). Loyalists were overwhelmed by the Spanish Army (11:29). Pedestrians move through Barcelona after the fighting ceased with their belongings (11:57). In March of 1939 as the war ended, Franco addresses the public (12:17). Images of his face are hung on building walls (12:27). A train delivers Franco to Germany (13:48) in 1940 as he meets with Hitler (13:57) and swears allegiance. Franco gives the Nazi salute (14:12). Franco is also seen meeting with Mussolini (14:44) as both dictators attempted to sway Franco to join WWII. Political members of the Fascist party (15:22). Franco gave the Catholic Church large subsidies and made Catholicism the official religion (15:45). Franco’s fascist government took control of all industrial production, prices, wages, labor unions and employees (16:48). Some of Franco’s relatives which had been made officials through nepotism are seen (17:02). He is then seen visiting scientists in 1940 (17:19). Some of the Spanish civilians who were living as serfs (17:39). Evita Perone, the wife of Argentinean President Juan Peron visited Franco (17:59). The pair enjoy bull fights (18:14) as Evita waves to the matador (18:18). In the 1950’s, during the Cold War, U.S. officials offered Franco diplomatic recognition in exchange for bases in Spain (18:42). Eisenhower steps from Air Force One (19:01) to provide Franco with nearly a billion in aid. Eisenhower delivers a speech while standing next to Franco (19:08). Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace; also known as the film actress Grace Kelly (19:58), paid Franco a visit. Towards the end of his life, Franco is pictured with his grandchildren (20:10) in his backyard and hunting for sport (20:43). A Victorian era carriage is seen as he slipped further into the past (21:23). The massive tomb which Franco had built for himself in his seventies (22:26). The film concludes (23:37).

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