ARTE Distribution

This film tells the story of how, in the 50's and 60's, the Spanish dictator used American cinema to restore the image of Francoist Spain and revive its economy. A little-known story, in which glamour and dictatorship, international stars and men operating in the dark, propaganda and grand spectacle are closely intertwined.

In the years following the Second World War, Spain, deprived of the economic aid of the Marshall Plan, was far behind its European neighbors. Bled dry by years of civil war, the country found itself isolated, a victim of Franco's image abroad and his autarkic policy. The Cold War, however, gave Franco the opportunity to change all that. Fiercely opposed to communism, the dictator opportunely developed bilateral relations with the United States, which he intended to put to good use to improve the country's finances. The Hollywood film industry played a key role in that scheme: encouraged by the regime, the relocation of American blockbusters to Spain guaranteed substantial foreign exchange earnings; above all, the films, whose editorial content was closely monitored, offered a formidable showcase for Spain, and highlighted the beauty and diversity of its natural scenery, as well as the originality of its culture. From the outset, the goal was clearly defined: this publicity was to fasten the development of the tourism industry. And the result was outstanding. In the wake of Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and John Wayne, almost four million American tourists headed for Madrid and Barcelona in the 1960s alone! A unique insight into this decisive episode in Spain's history, which lasted two decades.