The Old Salazar

Description

The Old Salazar examines the legacy of António de Oliveira Salazar, the Portuguese dictator who ruled from 1932 to 1968, in the context of the centenary of the 1926 military coup. The documentary features various individuals, including a housekeeper, a cardinal, a minister of propaganda, a nurse, and a shoeshiner, who share their personal memories and experiences related to Salazar's regime. Through these recollections, the film aims to uncover stories that have lingered in public memory and challenge the notion that they have been forgotten. The documentary is conceived as a diptych, paralleling earlier works, including one on Álvaro Cunhal made for the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. In the film, the interview subjects recount their interactions and observations during Salazar's time in power, providing insight into daily life under his authoritarian rule. As the film progresses, it reveals the varied perspectives of those who lived through the era, offering a multifaceted view of a significant period in Portuguese history.