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CUBA AND THE COLD WAR | From revolution to missile crisis

News | Castro Interview

Castro speaks to reporters a week after the revolution.

CHANNEL | BBC Television

FIRST BROADCAST | 10 January 1959

DURATION | 1 minute 13 seconds

FIRSTBROADCAST

1959

Synopsis

Surrounded by press and supporters, Castro answers questions regarding a free election, gambling, tourism and whether he'll shave off his beard. He concludes with, 'Batista finished for ever in Cuba.' This news item may not have been shown in its entirety since it was first broadcast and suffers from poor sound quality.

Did you know?

Soon after growing a beard, Castro discovered its advantages. It became a form of identification that prevented spies from infiltrating the guerrilla group (as they would need at least six months of beard-growing preparation), a symbol of the revolution and, lastly, he proclaimed that not having to shave is more economical and frees up valuable time in the morning.

Contributors

Fidel Castro
Contributor
Unknown
Reporter

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