Watch Cuban Rebel Girls

Cuban Rebel Girls is a 1959 film directed by Barry Mahon and produced by exploitation film mastermind William Mishkin. Though often considered a B-movie, the film stars the legendary actor Errol Flynn as one of the main characters. It follows the story of a group of young Cuban rebels who work together to overthrow their corrupt dictator, Fulgencio Batista.

The film is set during the Cuban Revolution, a period of significant unrest and social upheaval in Cuba during the late 1950s. The revolution was a time of great hope for the Cuban people, many of whom were living in poverty and oppression under the Batista dictatorship. The rebels hoped to establish a new era of freedom and democracy for their country, and many young people were eager to join the fight.

The main character, Flynn's character Tony, is a roguish adventurer who arrives in Cuba looking for excitement and adventure. He soon finds himself caught up in the struggle between the rebels and Batista's forces, and becomes a key figure in the revolution. Along the way, he falls in love with a young rebel, played by Beverly Aadland, who is also fighting for freedom.

The film portrays the rebels as brave and noble fighters, struggling against overwhelming odds to defeat a powerful and oppressive regime. However, it also acknowledges the violent and bloody nature of the revolution, with scenes of fighting and bloodshed that are not always easy to watch.

Despite its status as a B-movie, the film is notable for its strong anti-establishment message and its support for the revolutionary cause in Cuba. It was made at a time when Cuba was a hot topic in American politics, with many people both in the US and around the world supporting the revolution as a necessary step towards democracy and social justice.

One interesting aspect of Cuban Rebel Girls is its treatment of gender roles. While the film certainly reflects the gender norms of its time (the female rebels are generally portrayed as more nurturing and less violent than their male counterparts), it also shows women playing an active role in the revolution. Aadland's character, in particular, is a strong and capable fighter who is as dedicated to the cause as any of the men. This makes the film a little ahead of its time in terms of gender representation, especially for a B-movie made in the late 1950s.

One thing that is striking about Cuban Rebel Girls is its visual style. The film is shot in vibrant, sometimes garish colors, with a focus on bright blues, pinks, and oranges. This gives the movie a very 1950s feel, and contrasts sharply with the gritty realism of the subject matter. Some viewers may find the color scheme distracting or even cheesy, but it definitely makes the film stand out.

Overall, Cuban Rebel Girls is an interesting piece of history, both as a B-movie from the late 1950s and as a reflection of the political climate of its time. It may not be a classic in the same way that some of Flynn's other films are, but it is a fascinating look at a moment of turmoil and upheaval in Cuban history.

Cuban Rebel Girls is a 1959 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.