Cuban Rebel Girls

"Cuban Rebel Girls" (1959) is an intriguing blend of war, romance, and history, strikingly reminiscent of the era it's depicting. Directed by Barry Mahon, this film showcases the remarkable ability of Hollywood heartthrob Errol Flynn to immerse himself into a character, this time as the adventurous American journalist roaming the treacherous territories of 1950s' revolutionary Cuba. The cast is completed by Beverly Aadland as Beverly Woods, and John McKay as John.

"Cuban Rebel Girls" is more than just a regular action or adventure flick; it is a visual experience of a turbulent time contributing to the collective memory of a historic revolution. Set in the heart of the Cuban revolution, which eventually led to the rise of Fidel Castro as dominance changed hands in post-Batista Cuba, this movie vividly portrays the chaos, turmoil, and excitement of the guerrilla warfare along with personal stories that were at its helm.

Errol Flynn, who made this film just before his death, plays a noteworthy role as an American news reporter. His character, operating out of Miami and seeing the tension escalating in Cuba, decides to infiltrate the land of turmoil to investigate what's unfolding there. Inspired by his daring nature, curiosity, and genuine concern for the people undergoing stress due to the uprising, he ventures into the danger zone, throwing himself in the middle of revolutionary warfare.

Interestingly, Flynn's real-life girlfriend Beverly Aadland is cast opposite him as Beverly Woods. Her character, deeply excited by the revolution, decides to join Flynn on the dangerous journey. Beverly is depicted as a character full of life, brave, confident, and ready to take on challenges despite the knowledge of the risks involved, disregarding the typical feminine roles of that era.

Together, these two fictional characters meet a band of teenage girls, led by the passionate and charismatic female guerrilla fighter Marita Lorenz, who are fighting on the front lines of the revolution. Amid their dangerous journey, they raise armies, conduct daredevil missions, and assist in providing intelligence. However, their journey is not void of encounters with corrupt officials, assassinations, horrendous torture, and desperate struggles, which echo the reality of that era’s revolution.

The actual revolutionary leaders Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are portrayed in this film via original documentary footage, making "Cuban Rebel Girls" one of the few films where these figures appear as themselves. In many ways, what makes this film remarkable are the scenes interspersed with real documentary footage portraying the real stops of the revolution's progress— making it an intriguing blend of fiction and reality.

Mahoney's direction for this movie has given it a raw outlook that perfectly mirrors the situation of the time. The black and white production also captures the desired realism of the Cuban revolution, reflecting its ambiance and gritty nature. The suspense in the plot and the reality of the times they are portraying helps the audience understand the emotional turmoil experienced by the people of Cuba during the revolution.

Despite being produced with a limited budget and under technical limitations, "Cuban Rebel Girls" successfully portrayed the Cuban scenario with much accuracy and emotional genuineness. The intense and realistic depiction of the struggle against oppression echoes strong themes of courage and resilience in the face of tyranny.

While Flynn’s performance is commendable and displays the actor's ability to deliver in a range of roles, it is Beverly Aadland's portrayal of the vibrant and young enthusiast which will leave you amazed. She manages to embody the audacity and fervor of the youth of that era in her portrayal.

In short, "Cuban Rebel Girls" is not just a movie. It is a time-capsule, an adventure into the reality of one of the most important events in the 20th century. It's a must-see for anyone interested in history, politics, and war-based drama.