To Die in Madrid


1h 25m 1965

Brief Synopsis

Utilizing newsreel footage from a variety of archives, the documentary reviews the Spanish Civil War from its beginnings in 1931 to Franco's rise to power in 1939.

Film Details

Also Known As
Mourir à Madrid
Genre
Documentary
War
Release Date
Jan 1965
Premiere Information
New York opening: 20 Sep 1965
Production Company
Ancinex
Distribution Company
Altura Films International
Country
France

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 25m

Synopsis

Composed of newsreel footage from the archives of six countries, the film reviews the Spanish Civil War from its origins in 1931 to Franco's consolidation of power in 1939, with scenes of modern Spain juxtaposed. Scenes of the following events and organizations are included: the 1931 elections won by the Republicans and the formation of the Second Spanish Republic; growth of opposition to the republic by the upper class, the Roman Catholic Church, monarchists, Carlists, military cliques, and eventually the Falange; the electoral victory of the Popular Front in 1936; reforms instituted by the Popular Front causing violent reaction by many segments of Nationalists; recognition of the Nationalist government by Hitler and Mussolini; the influx of German and Italian war matériel to the Nationalists and Russian aid to the Republicans; the International Brigade of foreign sympathizers to the Loyalist (Republican) cause; the Condor Legion; Republican and Nationalist soldiers in battle; the execution of Federico García Lorca; the defense of Madrid; the silencing of philosopher Unamuno; the destruction of Guernica; Basque priests walking to their execution; the battle of Guadalajara; Hitler reviewing German troops recently returned from Spain; the demobilization of the International Brigade in Barcelona; and Franco's final victory.

Film Details

Also Known As
Mourir à Madrid
Genre
Documentary
War
Release Date
Jan 1965
Premiere Information
New York opening: 20 Sep 1965
Production Company
Ancinex
Distribution Company
Altura Films International
Country
France

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 25m

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Opened in Paris in April 1963 as Mourir à Madrid. French version narrated by Suzanne Flon, Germaine Montero, Pierre Vaneck, Roger Mollien, and Jean Vilar.

Miscellaneous Notes

Voted One of the Year's Ten Best Films by the 1965 New York Times Film Critics.

Released in United States Fall September 20, 1965

Re-released in Paris February 14, 1990.

French and English versions

Released in United States Fall September 20, 1965