Early activity of rebel leader Fidel Castro in Cuba, soon after overthrow by rebels of the Batista government. February 1959: A monument in Venezuela. Cuban rebel leader Fidel Castro arrives in Venezuela. He is greeted as he disembarks from the aircraft. An enormous crowd gathered to welcome him as the Cuban liberator. He greets the people from an open jeep. A large crowd in the University auditorium. Fidel Castro receives an honorary degree at the University. Castro receives a public welcome in Central Park, New York. Castro addresses the crowd. Back in Cuba: Executions by Castro's men begin. People gathered on the streets. A rebel points out to bloody marks made on walls and ceilings during executions. A man shows torture marks on his back. Castro's rebels talk to a lawyer during the trial against Fulgencio Batista. The rebels display evidence in the form of instruments for torture, weapons, skulls and remains. A rebel talks to the press. Colonel Cornelio Rojas, Batista's Commander in prison. He is led out of the prison and onto the streets by soldiers. He salutes and shouts as the rebels shoot him. The rebels stand and observe. Rojas lying on the ground after his execution. Fidel Castro's men pass verdicts during trials of Batista's supporters. Men testify and are interrogated. Batista's Lieutenant on trial, his appeal is heard and denied, the death sentence stands. He is taken to a secluded place, he writes a note to his wife and son, and asks permission to give the orders to fire, himself. He is led away for execution. A large crowd gathered to celebrate the success of the revolution. People wave the Cuban flag. A monument in Havana. Cuban flag on a building. Antonio Nunez Jimenez takes charge of the Agrarian Reform Institute. He addresses a gathering. Castro seated listens to him. Farmers demonstrate to express their joy at the agrarian reforms. The decree signed by Fidel Castro. Ernesto Che Guevara with his comrades. Communist supporter, and the new President declared by Castro, Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado, talks to a crowd.
U.S. Army pilot Lieutenant Cyrus Bettis gets out of his Curtiss R3C-1 racer airplane after winning the Pulitzer Trophy Race and setting a new world speed record of 249.3 miles per hour in the International Air Races at Mitchel Field, New York. He is congratulated by U.S. Army Air Service Major T. G. Lanphier.
Ground crewman manually pulls prop blades through as minature low wing monoplane, "Delgado Flash," made by Delgado Trades School, New Orleans, Louisiana, prepares for flight. Plane takes off, piloted by Clarence McArthur and is clocked at 207.02 mph, a new speed record, for planes in its class. Clarence lands the plane and kisses a girl. In separate clip, armament factory workers elevate the barrel of a 16 inch Sea Coast Gun in Watertown, Massachusetts. A man looks at a 2000 pound shell meant for the gun. (Shortly before outbreak of World War 2).
The baseball New York Giants get ready for the 1956 season at spring training in Phoenix Arizona. Fans in stands watch as new manager Bill Rigney hits ground balls in practice. Shots of first baseman Whitey Lockman, pitchers John Antonelli and Hoyt Wilhelm, and catcher Wes Westrum. Clip notes that Hall of Famer Johnny Mize has returned to the team as a coach and can hopefully instruct players on batting skills. Giants stars Alvin Dark, Dusty Rhodes and Hall of Famer Willie Mays take swings in batting cage.
Cardinals gather as Pope Paul VI elevates 24 new Cardinals at Vatican's Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. Ceremony goes on. Crowd and officials gather to see the ceremony. Pope stands in between the Cardinals. The new Princess of the Church includes four Americans: Francis John Cardinal Brennan, Dean of the Sacred Roman Rota; John Patrick. Cardinal Cody (Chicago); John Cardinal Kroll (Philadelphia); and Patrick Cardinal O'Boyle (Washington, DC).
A discussion in Washington DC between Harold Leclaire Ickes, United States Secretory of the Interior, and Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the Mayor of New York City. Mayor talks about housing funds for New York City to be raised to 15 million dollars.
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