By chronicling Ernest Hemingway's life in Cuba we build a contemporary picture of the American influence on this fascinating island, both pre and post revolution. As this story is told, a striking parallel emerges which throws into relief the development of American and Cuban activities in the 20th Century.

Political isolation has resulted in Cuba appearing to be caught in a 1950s time warp - a time of corrupt politicians, glamorous film stars, enormous American cars and the Mafia, with much of the infrastructure being built to cater for the American elite in those heady pre-revolutionary days before Castro.

Hemingway spent the best part of his life in Cuba, and although some would say he never became a true Cuban, his influence over the island and its American visitors is incalculable. Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy and many other Hollywood stars would be drawn to Cuba to drink Daiquiris with Hemingway, gamble in the world's most sophisticated casinos and enjoy the wilder side of life.

Hemingway stayed on through the revolution but left soon after and died in 1961 by his own hand, realising he could never return to Havana and the life he so loved. This final programme not only looks back on Hemingway's Cuba but also to what the future may hold for this fascinating country.