“ SCHLEY RIDE TO TREASURE ISLAND “ 1950s VISIT TO PRE-REVOLUTIONARY CUBA PART 3 XD50814
Join this channel to get access to perks:
Want to learn more about Periscope Film and get access to exclusive swag? Join us on Patreon. Visit
Visit our website
Part 1 & 2:
This travelogue was made by Norman E. Schley, who made a series of films titled “Schley Rides“. This particular film takes the viewer on a breathtaking journey around pre-revolutionary, and pre-U.S. embargo, Havana, Cuba. Please note that the film is silent, but would have originally been presented at screenings with live narration by Norman Schley himself. The footage is predominantly taken in and around rural Southern Cuba in places like perhaps Isla de Pinos (now Isla de Juventud).
Crowd watches as passengers board Pan American World Airways Douglas DC-7C, N731PA “Clipper Bald Eagle“ (0:07) ( later renamed “Clipper Dauntless“). Airport International of Rancho Boyeros Havana (1:18). Cubana de Aviación Douglas DC-3 lands (1:28). Baggage stacked on luggage cart (1:38). Another Cubana de Aviación Douglas DC-3 lands on airfield in rural Cuba (perhaps Santiago de Cuba) (2:04). Aerial view desolate alcove (perhaps Playa Juraguá), blue water, green of tree-lined hills and land (2:53). Red-headed vulture perched on tree branch (3:37). Hibiscus flowers (3:52). Antique irons on hot coals (4:17). Woman in house clothes smokes wooden pipe while ironing on front porch (4:20). Camera pans coastline desolate beach (4:56). Hands thread fishing hook (5:16). Fisherman wades into water (5:46). Sea urchin in fisherman’s hand (6:47). Fisherman struggles to reel in catch (7:19). Terracotta roof buildings on commercial street, mountains in background (perhaps small town in Isla de Pinos) (7:38). Sign for Anglo American Community Center (8:01). Woman signs guest book, perhaps wedding of elderly couple (8:12). Local police officer rides down street on red motorcycle (8:30). Two young cuban women in conversation in front of bar (8:57). A Q for Aerovias Q Airways hangs in walkway (9:18). Small stand alone branch of BANCO NACIONAL DE CUBA (9:22). Woman in plaid dress caries box of baguettes (9:30). Camera pans desolate dirt road, tiny single-floor home enclosed by chicken wire fence (9:39). Mrs. Schley and son let into gated area, montage flora and fauna in garden (9:53). Various tropical birds around bird sanctuary: blue jays, flamingos, herrings, seagull (10:05). Man sits on oxen-pulled cart down rural road (10:39). Presidio Modelo seen at end of gravel road (10:58). Ranch style guest house (11:11). Property lands: topiary garden, guests on rocking chairs, grass roof huts amid palm trees and other tropical foliage (11:20). Perhaps Mrs. Schley touches plumeria buds (11:52). Mrs. Schley exits grass-roofed guest house framed among trees (12:11). River, perhaps part of Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Lanier (12:23). Shirtless man points at perhaps energy generator enclosed in glass case on ground (12:53). Motor boat speeds up and down perhaps Las Casas River (13:11). Sailboats docked along river (13:36). Men prepare fire pit for hog roast (14:06). Hog laid on sticks, seasoned and covered with banana leaves (14:55). Men drink and dance in swim shorts while waiting for hog to cook (16:10). Men dive into swimming hole shaded by palm trees (16:23). Outdoor buffet table outfitted with salads, rice, cups and plates - group of young people line up and fill up their plates (17:01). Cubana de Aviación Douglas DC-3 is cleaned, maintained on tarmac (17:59). View from plane of island formations, clouds in the sky (18:06). Cars pull up to entrance of Hotel Varadero International, group of middle-aged men get out (18:16). The men, in button up shirts, slacks, and ties, peruse goods sold by street vendor kid (18:48). Men pose for photo on hotel’s outdoor terrace, palm trees sway in wind, crystal clear water in background (19:26). Men play round of shuffleboard on beach-side court (19:29). The men wade in water at the beach (19:39). Perhaps Son Cubano and joyfully play music for guests in festive outfits (20:05). View from head of very long table, the group of men sit down to meal at hotel (20:34). Waitress carries tray of sorbets with wafers into dining room (20:56). Men and women in traditional 1950s swimming costume lounge and play around at the hotel pool (21:21). Varadero International Hotel mid-century modern entrance gate (21:23). The End.
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit