What Is Cuba About?
The premise of Cuba in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the waning days of the 1950s, Cuba teeters on the brink of seismic change. The shimmering luxury of Havana’s nightclubs sits uneasily beside the simmering unrest of a nation caught between an entrenched military ruler and the rising tide of revolutionary fervor. Sun‑baked streets echo with whispers of coups, while the heavy scent of cigar smoke carries the promise of both wealth and danger. The film’s mood is a sultry blend of intrigue and foreboding, capturing a world where personal ambition collides with historic upheaval.
Major Robert Dapes arrives from Europe, a seasoned British officer turned mercenary, summoned to advise the forces of General Fulgencio Batista. His expertise in counter‑insurgency places him at the heart of a precarious military agenda, yet his own motives remain veiled—part professional pride, part longing for purpose in a land far from home. Under the watchful eye of General Bello, Dapes navigates a hierarchy that is as ruthless as it is fragile, setting the stage for inevitable moral reckonings.
Across the city’s opulent avenues, Alexandra Pulido commands a successful cigar empire, a façade of control that masks a restless heart. Once romantically linked to Dapes, she now stands beside her husband, Juan Pulido, a charismatic plantation magnate whose wealth extends into sugar and rum. Their marriage, though outwardly formidable, is undercut by lingering affection and unspoken regrets. Adding another layer, Larry Gutman, an American businessman, becomes entwined with the Pulido family, highlighting the complex web of personal and economic ties that bind the characters together.
The narrative swirls around Dapes’s attempt to reconcile his professional obligations with the pull of a former love, while the Pulidos grapple with loyalty, ambition, and the ever‑tightening grip of political chaos. As the island’s future hangs in the balance, alliances shift and desires surface, promising a story steeped in tension, romance, and the inexorable clash between duty and longing.
What Happens in Cuba?
The complete story of Cuba, from the first scene to the last, in 618 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In December 1958, Major Robert Dapes (Sean Connery), a former British military officer and counter-insurgency expert, arrives in Havana, Cuba, with intentions of working as a mercenary. He has been recruited by General Bello (Martin Balsam) on behalf of the military dictator General Fulgencio Batista. Their goal? To assist the Cuban army in quelling Fidel Castro’s rebellion. On the same flight, American businessman Larry Gutman (Jack Weston) is greeted at the airport by the sophisticated and poised Alexandra Pulido (Brooke Adams). As Robert catches a glimpse of her, he believes he recognizes her from a previous romance, but is unable to reach her before her chauffer whisk her away. His military escort, Captain Ramirez (Hector Elizondo), informs him that she is married to a prominent member of one of Cuba’s wealthiest families.
Alexandra soon takes Gutman to manage her cigar factory. Meanwhile, her husband Juan Pulido (Chris Sarandon) is entangled in a scandalous affair with factory worker Therese Mederos (Lonette McKee). When Alexandra returns, she witnesses a flirtatious encounter between them and subsequently fires Therese in a demonstration of her authority. Juan, determined to impress Gutman, showcases the vast family business that spans tobacco, sugar, and rum. During a meeting with Don Jose Pulido (Walter Gotell), Juan’s father, Gutman learns that while Juan fancies being a playboy, it is Alexandra who runs the factory.
Robert, choosing modest lodgings over a luxurious hotel, meets with General Bello to discuss the military strategy against the rebels. He warns that Castro’s forces will be difficult to defeat if the populace supports them. Days later, Robert encounters Alexandra at a military barracks, only to find she rebuffs his attempts at friendship, steadfastly reminding him of her marriage.
Amidst escalating violence in Cuba, rebels attack a high-society gala attended by General Bello, resulting in panic and loss of life. As Robert and Ramirez arrive on the scene, they step into the chaos to aid the wounded. Caught in this conflict is Julio Mederos (Danny De La Paz), an ambitious young rebel who seeks vengeance against Juan. Tensions rise further as Alexandra grows frustrated with Juan during a Christmas party at a nightclub, where her past with Robert comes rushing back.
“I remember a time when we were both happy…”
While an imminent assassination attempt on Juan is thwarted by Robert, the political landscape in Cuba shifts dramatically. A rigged election results in Rivero Agüero becoming President, chosen by Batista. This ignites further unrest as strikes fill the streets. Alexandra’s moral struggle deepens as she devotes herself to the factory and her family, yet she senses her unhappiness in marriage.
As Julio’s desperate actions lead to more bloodshed, Robert discovers Alexandra in danger. A clash with Castro’s forces ensues at a strategic location where Robert decides to aid the rebels, breaking free from the government’s grip and showing his allegiance to the Cuban people. This decision culminates in a fierce battle, where fire and chaos reign, and lives are lost on both sides.
In a dramatic twist on New Year’s Day, Robert tries to persuade Alexandra to flee Cuba with him, but she feels caught between her obligations and desire. As he turns to leave, tragedy unfolds when Juan is murdered by Julio. Amidst the turmoil of the airport and the mad escape of Batista and his allies, Robert hopes against hope that Alexandra would join him. However, destiny pulls her back to Havana as she must confront her uncertain future alone.
The film concludes with the turmoil in Cuba evident and Fidel Castro arriving as the new leader, leaving audiences to reflect on the personal and political upheavals of the time, as the screen fades to black with the poignant text: Cuba, 1959.
Cuba Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in Havana” to “Cuba Under Castro”. 15 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Arrival in Havana
In December 1958, Major Robert Dapes arrives in Havana, Cuba, intending to work as a mercenary. He has been recruited by General Bello to assist the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in quelling Fidel Castro's rebellion.
When:December 1958 Where:Havana, Cuba
- 2
Meeting Alexandra
On the same flight to Havana, Robert catches a glimpse of Alexandra Pulido, a sophisticated woman he believes he recognizes from a past romance. Unfortunately, he loses the chance to reconnect as she is whisked away by her chauffeur.
Where:Havana Airport
- 3
Introduction to the Cigar Factory
Alexandra takes businessman Larry Gutman to manage her family’s cigar factory. During this visit, Gutman discovers that despite her husband Juan's playboy tendencies, Alexandra is the true driving force behind the factory's operations.
Where:Cigar Factory
- 4
Juan's Affair Exposed
Juan Pulido's affair with factory worker Therese Mederos comes to light when Alexandra witnesses their flirtation. In her fury, she fires Therese, asserting her authority in the family business and trying to restore order.
Where:Cigar Factory
- 5
Strategy Meeting with General Bello
Robert meets with General Bello to discuss military strategies against Castro's rebels. He warns that the rebels may be difficult to defeat if they have the support of the Cuban populace.
Where:Military Barracks
- 6
Reunion with Alexandra
Robert unexpectedly encounters Alexandra at a military barracks, where his attempts at friendship are firmly rebuffed. She insists on her loyalty to her marriage despite Robert's lingering feelings.
Where:Military Barracks
- 7
Gala Attack
A high-society gala attended by General Bello is violently disrupted by a rebel attack. Amidst the chaos, Robert and Captain Ramirez rush to assist the wounded, stepping into the heart of the conflict.
Where:High-Society Gala
- 8
Christmas Party Conflict
During a Christmas party at a nightclub, frustrations ignite as Alexandra confronts Juan about his behavior. Memories of her past with Robert resurface, igniting deeper emotional turmoil within her.
Where:Nightclub
- 9
Assassination Attempt Thwarted
After a thwarted assassination attempt on Juan, Robert finds himself in the midst of a changing political landscape. Meanwhile, the increasing unrest among the people of Cuba marks a shift in the country's future.
Where:Cuba
- 10
Elections and Unrest
A rigged election results in Rivero Agüero being named President by Batista, which further fuels unrest in the streets. Alexandra struggles with her moral compass as she is pulled between her family and her sense of justice.
Where:Cuba
Show the other 5 events of Cuba Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Robert Defects
In a pivotal moment, Robert discovers Alexandra in peril and decides to help the rebels. This decision marks his break from the government as he chooses to support the Cuban people's fight for freedom.
Where:Cuban Countryside
- 12
Battle for Freedom
A fierce battle ensues, filled with chaos and devastation as gunfire erupts around them. Lives are lost on both sides, underscoring the brutal cost of war and the struggle for liberation.
Where:Cuban Countryside
- 13
New Year's Day Tragedy
On New Year’s Day, Robert urges Alexandra to escape Cuba with him, but she is torn between her obligations and her desires. Just as they part ways, tragedy strikes when Juan is murdered by Julio.
When:New Year's Day Where:Airport
- 14
Alexandra's Decision
In the aftermath of Juan's murder and the chaos of Batista's escape, Alexandra faces an uncertain future. Though tempted to join Robert, she feels the pull of her responsibilities in Havana.
Where:Havana
- 15
Cuba Under Castro
As the film concludes, Fidel Castro's rise to power is evident. The political and personal upheavals are felt throughout Cuba, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of this turbulent era.
Where:Cuba
Who Are the Main Characters in Cuba?
3 characters, among them Major Robert Dapes (Sean Connery), Alexandra Pulido (Brooke Adams) and General Bello (Martin Balsam): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Major Robert Dapes (Sean Connery)
Played by Sean Connery
A former British military officer turned mercenary, Robert is caught between duty and personal feelings as he navigates the tumultuous political landscape of Cuba. His character embodies both a sense of honor and the complexity of aligning himself with either rebels or the government forces. He struggles with his past connection to Alexandra while seeking a cause worth fighting for.
- 🪖 Military
- 💔 Love
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Alexandra Pulido (Brooke Adams)
Played by Brooke Adams
Sophisticated and resilient, Alexandra represents the conflicted loyalties of her time. As the manager of a cigar factory, she navigates her responsibilities amid her troubled marriage and her undeniable past with Robert. Her character illustrates the challenges women faced during political upheaval, reflecting her courage in the face of personal betrayal and societal expectations.
- 👗 Fashion
- ⚖️ Struggle
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General Bello (Martin Balsam)
Played by Martin Balsam
As a military leader supporting Batista, General Bello embodies the entrenched power structures resisting change. He is pragmatic but ruthless, and his decisions directly impact the lives of many, including Robert and the Cuban people. His character portrays the complexities of military politics during a volatile time.
- 🪖 Authority
- 💼 Politics
Where and When Is Cuba Set?
Cuba is set in Havana and Cuba (December 1958). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
December 1958
The movie takes place during a critical moment in Cuba's history, right before Fidel Castro's revolution led to sweeping changes in the country. This time period is marked by civil strife, political corruption, and the struggle for freedom among the Cuban populace. Turmoil and violent confrontations between government forces and rebels characterize this tumultuous era.
Where
Havana, Cuba
Havana is the capital city of Cuba, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. In December 1958, it serves as the backdrop for major political unrest and turmoil as revolutionary forces rise against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. The city's lively atmosphere contrasts sharply with the violence brewing within its streets.
- 🇨🇺 Cuba
- 🏙️ Urban
What Are the Themes of Cuba?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Conflict and Love and Sacrifice.
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01
Conflict
The central theme of conflict is manifested both politically and personally throughout the narrative. The struggle between the Cuban government and revolutionary forces highlights the broader themes of power, loyalty, and resistance. Additionally, personal conflicts arise as characters navigate love, betrayal, and commitment amidst the chaos of war.
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02
Love and Sacrifice
The theme of love is poignantly explored through the relationships of Alexandra, Juan, and Robert. Their struggles underscore the sacrifices they must make for their beliefs and desires, showcasing the emotional toll that political turmoil inflicts on personal lives. Alexandra's predicament highlights the complexity of love in the face of moral dilemmas.
What Kind of Film Is Cuba?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and romantic political thriller set against the Cuban Revolution, where personal desires and complex loyalties collide with escalating violence, creating a desperate and uncertain atmosphere.
- tense
- romantic
- turbulent
- dangerous
- desperate
- uncertain
- political revolution
- forbidden love
- mercenary
- adultery
Content notes: war violence, murder, shootout, assassination attempt.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Cuba
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