Crisis over Cuba - 1962 | Movietone Moment | 22 October 2021

On this day in 1962, President Kennedy appeared on television to inform Americans of the recently discovered Soviet military buildup in Cuba. Here is a British Movietone report covering highlights of the crisis. In less than 4 years, Fidel Castro, who came to power on a wave of personal popularity, has allowed himself to become dominated by Russia. Her support (there are Russian missile bases less than 100 miles from the United States) now constitutes a threat to Western security. President Kennedy’s dramatic retaliation underlines the gravity of this threat. The President’s warning follows closely on a daring mission by Cuban exiles. These exclusive pictures follow six men in their attempt to combat the Communists, an abortive but gallant attempt at sabotage. Close shots of Castro seated at a desk - followers clapping. CU Castro talking to a little girl. SCU smoking a large cigar. CU Kennedy. Cuban exiles in a boat with guns on their way to Cuba. Landing - in hiding - night shots of the rescue of two sai