RAZA (Race, 1942) (DVD)
Spanish Civil War Film Propaganda
International Historic Films
J. L. Saenz de Heredia (Director)
Starring Alfredo Mayo, Ana Mariscal, Jose Nieto, and Blanca de Silos
 
War Film Propaganda
UPC: 009432332895
NR (Not Rated)
 
"The Film Franco Tried to Destroy - His Own Spanish Civil War Epic!"

One of the most curious Spanish films ever made is Raza (Race, 1942), a fictionalized account of four siblings whose lives are transformed by the Spanish Civil War (1936-1940). What at first seems little more than a highly entertaining, morale-affirming propaganda picture celebrating the victory of Generalissimo Francisco Franco's fascist forces over the doomed Spanish Republic is in fact a clever attempt to shape collective memory through the medium of cinema. Spain, allegorically depicted as a family torn apart by war, eventually triumphs as the result of an enlightened patriot's heroic acts. This was Franco's vision of the civil war as he wished it to be remembered.
 
The picture was premiered in Madrid on 5 January 1942, but in 1950 Franco suddenly withdrew it and destroyed almost all copies of the film, releasing in its place a revised version that reflected Cold War needs. The Caudillo (leader) had come to power with assistance from Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, toppled a democratically elected republic, and established a military dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. Raza was the official version of how the Franco dictatorship came to be. It is seen here in its original form.
 
Special Features:
Original Promotional Material Slideshows:
Spanish Press Photos
Cinema Ad, Flyer, Novel
Posters
Werberatschlag
 
A very good used DVD movie in a case with mild wear. 1942, B&W, 101 mins. Spanish dialogue, English subtitles.