The Failed Revolution
William Morgan held out hope that the Cuban revolution would follow through on the ideals he had fought for. But more and more he saw things he didn't like or agree with: former comrades being arrested for speaking out against the government, the nationalization of newspapers and banks, jails filling up with prisoners. "American Comandante" premieres Nov. 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Previews + Extras
American Comandante Preview
S28 E1 - 30s
When William Morgan was executed outside a Havana prison on March 11, 1961, his strange story seemed to vanish from the popular imagination as quickly as it had appeared; it was lost in the classified archives of the Cold War; and it was edited out of Cuban history by Fidel Castro’s retelling of the revolution. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
William Morgan at the Circus
S28 E1 - 1m 15s
When William "Billy" Morgan was growing up, his father, Alexander Morgan filmed home movies of the family and their exploits. In this silent clip, a young Billy Morgan explores a circus and does some calisthenics.
Winter in Ohio
S28 E1 - 1m 50s
When William "Billy" Morgan was a child, his father took home movies of the family throughout the 1930s and '40s. In this silent clip, Morgan plays in the snow at home in Ohio.
Teenage William Morgan
S28 E1 - 33s
When William "Billy" Morgan was growing up, his father took home movies of the family throughout the 1930s and '40s. In this silent clip, a teen Billy spends time with the family dog in Ohio.
American Comandante, Chapter 1
S28 E1 - 9m 17s
William Morgan always wanted to "be somebody." After deserting from the army, spending time in prison and working for the mob, Morgan was ready for a new start. He got his chance as a Comandante fighting in the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s and '60s. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
"Deep Trouble" from American Comandante
S28 E1 - 1m 45s
By 1960, Fidel Castro had deployed tens of thousands of men against the hundreds in the resistance. William Morgan was deeply worried for his family, but he was not prepared to walk away from what he had become in Cuba.
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