"The restoration of this film is dedicated to Don Esteban Estragó Trías's memory (1905- 1963)," "Paraguayan cinematography pioneer and visionary that rescued and conserved this film, which was only exhibited with non-profit aims." "The original footage used for this restoration was preserved by the Estargó-Bieber family and Hugo Gamarra in cooperation with the Paraguayan Cinemateque Foundation." "This restoration was possible thanks to APROCINAIN" "(Association for Supporting the Audiovisual Patrimony), and to the cooperation of Kodak and Cinecolor." "IN THE HELL OF CHACO JUNGLE" "Cinematography by ROQUE FUNES Sound S.I.D.E." "The whole footage of this film was captured in real battle fields." "Respectful toward the truth, it is our aim to offer an authentic document of the War of Chaco." "Paraguay, small glorious country, that has overcame misfortune, kind in peace, courageous in battle." "Once again, in order to defend your flag, your sons take the arms." "A witty enemy, impotent, was growing hate against you and stabbed you in the back." "It trampled on your rights and spilled your progeny's blood." "You have severely punished them, thus shown that are men and not weapons that draw a battle, and that a machete held by a Paraguayan heart is superior to any machine-gun." "You have not started this war." "Nevertheless, it will lead you to the glory, as your cause is fair and courage never gets old in Paraguayan land." "Glory to you, Paraguayan volunteer who fight better tan a veteran!" "Glory to you, Paraguayan Army, brave guardian of flag!" "Glory to the illustrious leaders" "that leaded us to Victory!" "Paraguay" "Bolivia" "Brazil" "Argentina" "Chaco Paraguayan" "Chaco, a large region scarcely inhabited, hell of the rain forest and deserted valleys, burning under the tropical sky." "Challenging fever and thirst, the "machetero"" "clears the thick shadows of the ancient woods." "The only symbol of civilization:" "THE FORT, a handful of men and a flag." "The long days of sorrow and isolation are only interrupted by the cart that brings groceries and memories from the distant lands." "Hell inside hell, the war is the origin of the tragic parade of legions that fill the roads with misery and pain as they pass by." "Half a century ago, after another war had flattened the Bolivian land, this country lost its way out to the Pacific Ocean." "It remained locked inside the center of South America." "And now searches a way out to the Atlantic Ocean through Paraguay." "La Paz, Capital city of Bolivia, had been preparing for this war for a long time." "Potosí, Oruro, Cochabamba, Sucre, its main cities, are located at a long distance from the operation camps." "Only supported by its interests," "Bolivia managed to move a large army across the High Plateau in order to invade Paraguay." "Santa Cruz is the closest Bolivian city to Chaco." "Paraguay, by means of colonization and the railway, is carrying the civilization impulse toward them." "Under its protection, the Mennonites have established several colonies." "The sudden occupation of Boquerón and the death of a fistful of Paraguayan soldiers started a war." "Toward Asunción, ready to set out to the battle zone." "From Buenos Aires," "Paraguayan students set out to protect their homeland." "Hoisting the flag in territorial waters." "Arriving in Asunción." "Asunción bursts in patriotic fervor." "An enthusiastic crowd is waiting for us in the port." "Among them there are several military uniforms." "Troop parade passing in front of Daura house." "In the Government Palace of Asunción, stands a man who represents hope and courage to the people." "President Eusebio Ayala." "Meanwhile, beyond the Chaco jungle, the Commander in Chief of the Paraguayan Army shares the suffering of his troop and takes it to victory." "Colonel Felix Estigarribia." "At Asuncion's Military School." "The youths, full of hope, enlist to pay tribute to the country." "They receive the flag that they will defend in the battle field." "The crowd acclaims the soldiers' parade along Asunción streets." "They march to the battle front." "More soldiers join the legion, coming from every corner of the country, leaving their peaceful homes, willing to defend their homeland." "However, war and pain will always be inseparable." "Asunción's Medical Corps." "The first wounded at Boquerón front." "Near them, paraguayan woman is and admirable symbol of confort and hope." "Mothers, girlfriends and wives accomplish their duty showing a sublime feminine abnegation." "Despite being aware of the suffering, they will have to undergo, they will always be where they are required." "Sailing high Paraguay toward Casado port." "Puerto Casado, axis of the Paraguayan communications with Chaco, was the Bolivians' main target." "Military command in Puerto Casado." "A SOLDIER OF THE GREAT WAR" "Almandos Almonacid, an Argentine pilot who once fought for France, is in charge of the Paraguayan Air Force." "Pilot Officers get ready to fly to the battle zone." ""SALAMANDRA", the air force pet, holds the highest records among the numerous monkey family." "The railway that Paraguay is building in the heart of Chaco starts here." "One more step and we've reached the boundaries of the inhabited territory:" "Kilometer 145," "Central Gran Chaco Railway terminal station." "The first group of Bolivian prisoners is found here;" "ready to be taken to the concentration camps." "Dr Recalde, Chief of Military Surgery." "TOWARD CHACO JUNGLE" "More and more Paraguayan legions gather together and head Chaco, going through rivers, jungles and valleys in their way." "Tireless new regiments march to join the scarce troops that were thrown ou from their Forts in Chaco." "230 kilometers before reaching Casado port, the Colonia Rizo regiment force-marches toward the battle front." "POl ISLAND" "Poi Island is just a small piece of shadow lost in the Chaco jungle darkness." "Located in the battle zone, the island is used as a supply center, aviation camp, campsite and field hospital." "The last "tereré" (local infusion)." "This is the place where the pain of the wounded first reaches." "This is the place where the new volunteers arrive." "This is the place where the troops rest after a long day of duty and where they listen to war tales before setting out to the battle front." "At the campsite, during the night, before the next day battle, the songs and the joy burst in the soldier's souls, maybe for the last time." ""Tachuelita", the smallest of all the Paraguayan soldiers..." "But dancing the polka, he grows happy." "He's 27 years old and only 120 cm." "Tall." "Despite his height, when he dances the polka he feels like 10 feet tall!" "VICTORY DAY" "The Paraguayan troops concentrate for a massive attack at Boquerón, after long days of bravely fighting the enemy." "At sunrise, the Paraguayan planes take off in order to inspect the enemy's field." "Colonel Estigarribia has given the orders in his tent." "Meanwhile, the different regiments march forward in order to take their battle positions." "Behind the fire line, the Regimental Chiefs encourage the troops at the concentration camps." "The officers wait for the final combat." "The Military Staff on duty." "The observers take their positions, camouflaged among the trees." "There are nests of machine-guns hidden in the branches." "A lateral maneuver allows them o fly straight over the Bolivian trench." "Once they have located the Paraguayan formation, the Bolivian artillery opens fire." "Boquerón!" "That battle cry was carved in every heart." "Aware of an unavoidable defeat, the Bolivians abandon the fort, setting fire to the surrounding forest." "The triumphant troops keep on moving forward, overcoming every obstacle and hazard, fire, death and gunfire, until not one Bolivian soldier remains standing on Paraguayan land." "Boquerón has fallen!" "A glorious, torn Paraguayan flag flutters over the fort walls." "Hurrahs and reveilles are the sounds of victory." "Countless weapons, rifles, cannons and machine-guns now belong to the victors." "The holes in the fort walls show the Paraguayan artillery accuracy." "Machine-gun nests and stockade trenches were there to defend Boquerón." "The Paraguayan patrols cover the battle field, rescuing the Bolivian soldiers that remain lost in the jungle, near to die of thirst." "This way, the Paraguayan army takes numerous prisoners." "The troops manage to get water, a treasure in this hell of thirst." "Victory is victory." "However, a good military does not forget the other duties of a soldier." "A solemn campaign mass is held, in order to honor the glorious fallen in Boquerón." "Fighting a superior, strongly entrenched enemy," "Paraguay could only conquer this victory thanks to its courageous soldiers." "Glory to the Boquerón conquerors!" "HONOR AND GLORY TO THE FLAG" "LONG LIVE PARAGUAY"