The defeat which brought an end to the Republic during the Spanish Civil War
In 1938 the Spanish Civil War was into its second year and both armies were worn out. While the rebels, under Franco's command, received unconditional aid from Hitler and Mussolini, in the form of weapons and men on the ground, soldiers in the Republican army were virtually ignored by Europe, which was more concerned about a possible Great War than Spain's destiny. Given the situation, crossing the Ebre River in southern Catalonia seemed to be the Republican's best tactic, not only for calling in on the necessary International alliances, but also to make a strong push against the fascists, who were speeding towards victory.
Against this terrible backdrop, Pere Puig, a small-town boy, was called to serve in the army and forced to leave home and head for the front. In contrast, Fermí Quintana enlisted voluntarily in the hopes of finding his brother, while Valentí Godany, a devout communist, signed up with a strong determination to defend Republican values.
These three youngsters─just 17 or 18 years old─all found themselves fighting the Battle of the Ebre and experiencing situations which prove that in war nobody wins, everyone loses. On an emotional plane, there are no differences between the two sides; fear and loneliness are shared by all. The decisions that would allow them to return home, thus sparing the lives of fathers, brothers and friends, are made far from the battle field.
Ebre: from Cradle to Battle tells the story of a generation of adolescents who came to be known as La LLeva del Biberò (The Baby-bottle Conscription) and whose youthful innocence was quashed by the whistling sound of bullets.
A story that leaves its mark.
Against this terrible backdrop, Pere Puig, a small-town boy, was called to serve in the army and forced to leave home and head for the front. In contrast, Fermí Quintana enlisted voluntarily in the hopes of finding his brother, while Valentí Godany, a devout communist, signed up with a strong determination to defend Republican values.
These three youngsters─just 17 or 18 years old─all found themselves fighting the Battle of the Ebre and experiencing situations which prove that in war nobody wins, everyone loses. On an emotional plane, there are no differences between the two sides; fear and loneliness are shared by all. The decisions that would allow them to return home, thus sparing the lives of fathers, brothers and friends, are made far from the battle field.
Ebre: from Cradle to Battle tells the story of a generation of adolescents who came to be known as La LLeva del Biberò (The Baby-bottle Conscription) and whose youthful innocence was quashed by the whistling sound of bullets.
A story that leaves its mark.
