That Man Franco

That Man Franco is a commemorative documentary, released in 1964, that formed part of the celebrations marking the “twenty-five years of peace” following the Spanish Civil War. Commissioned by the regime, it was produced and directed by José Luis Sáenz de Heredia, who had previously directed Raza (1942), a film based on a literary work by the dictator himself.

Based on extensive archival footage and interviews conducted specifically for the project and narrated by a voice-over, the 103-minute film, offers a broad overview of Francisco Franco’s life from his youth, portraying him as a central figure in the major events of the 20th century up to that point. It covers topics such as his military career in Africa, his role during the Civil War, and his stance during the Second World War.

The Spanish Civil War plays a very peculiar role in the film. The conflict is presented as a historical necessity, a necessary evil to save Spain from what is described as decadence and chaos.

The voice-over refers to the Civil War in general terms, avoiding potentially controversial details. In an attempt to project an image of reconciliation, it speaks of “a million Spaniards” who died on both sides for a “better Spain”. However, this apparent neutrality masks a justification of the uprising and the subsequent dictatorship.

The film also employs a strategy of narrative ellipsis that avoids any in-depth exploration of specific events of the conflict in order to minimize its impact on collective memory. Notably, controversial aspects of the war—such as repression or the long-term consequences of the conflict—are omitted. The documentary avoids any criticism or objective analysis of Franco’s role during the war, portraying him solely as a heroic leader and savior of the nation.

The film shifts quickly from the war to the achievements of the regime during the years of peace. It focuses especially on the economic development policies of the 1960s, known as desarrollismo [developmentalism], presenting them as the fruit of victory in the Civil War and the subsequent peace. Franco is portrayed as the guarantor of peace, the providential leader who not only won the war but also ensured the country’s later stability and progress.

At its core, That Man Franco uses the Spanish Civil War primarily as a backdrop to justify Franco’s rise to power and his subsequent role as Spain’s “pacifier.” It is an official biography of the dictator, aimed at glorifying his figure and legitimizing the Francoist regime. This representation of the Civil War is a clear example of how the regime sought to shape historical memory in its favor, using cinema as a tool of political propaganda.

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