MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: FLOR DE JASMIN, ROBERTO ROSALES, ROSA AGUIRRE, MIGUEL ANZURES, ISA DELGADO, JOSE LUNA, OLYMPIO LA TORRE, ENGRACIO IBARRA IN "JASMIN" (1940)/ UPDATED

"Jasmin," the latest celluloid creation of Don Danon whose directorial ability was bolted with the tremendous success of his 1939 hit "Takip Silim" is opening at the Grand Theatre today."Jasmin" introduces a new romantic pair, Flor de Jasmin and Roberto Rosales. It is for this reason that this picture becomes a real surprise to theatergoers because inspite of the fact that the leading players are having their first starring roles, they play their parts with fervor— with finesse that would equal the performances of their already established colleagues.

"Jasmin" strengthens the standing of Rosa Aguirre among the most brilliant character-actresses of our times. In this picture, she portrays the role of an uncomplaining Chinese woman who moves about in an aura of mystery as is always characteristic of the celestials. She is responsible for the suspense in the story. "When you will see her, you will ask yourself, "Who is she? Why does she have such deep affection for a girl who thinks she is just her Chinese governess?" The

make-up of Miss Aguirre is something real, something new and her portrayal is brilliantly executed.

"Jasmin" brings a different angle in screenplay and characterization. It bears an up-to-date plot as today's style. The story moves at a swift pace from initial fade-in to final fade-out. It revolves about the undying love between two people of different color and race, about the great devotion of a mother to her daughter. Its background setting has never graced the local silver sheet before. The enchantment,  the  glamour of oriental China is lavishedly blended with the palm-fringed shores of romantic Philippines and against this breath-taking beauty, a beautiful romance is told.

"Jasmin" is one long reel of photographic delight. Cameraman Higino J. Fallorina presents many camera tricks that would, dwarf his previous achievements. He gives you a pictorial illusion of a brokenhearted girl coming out from a steaming coffee cup, from a sliced orange, pleading to her lost love to come back to her.

"Jasmin" is spectacular. There are dance ensembles performed by charming pairs in sarong and fanciful leis and in native balintawaks to thrill you with their rhythmic precision.

"Jasmin" abounds with songs, enthralling music composed by one of the country's foremost

composers, Constancio de Guzman.

"Jasmin" has a powerful supporting cast which includes Miguel Anzures, Isa Delgado, Jose

Luna, Olympio La Torre, and Engracio Ibarra.

To appreciate "Jasmin," you must not miss it — see it — for it is one picture that you will long remember.

(The Tribune, April 18, 1940)

"Jasmin" (1940)

Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.
Release Date: April 18-24, 1940/ Grand Theater
Director Don Danon
Cast Flor de Jasmin, Roberto Rosales, Rosa Aguirre, Miguel Anzures, Isa Delgado, Jose Luna, Olympio La Torre, Engracio Ibarra

"Movie flyers have been used by theater owners as promotional ads to drum up business for movies. They would print them up from materials provided by the studio, adding information on local screening times and locations. Although they were cheaply produced, many of the flyers were quite nicely designed and are now considered highly collectibles. In many cases the original films have been lost, making the surviving flyers the only visual record of numerous movies."