Released on February 10, 1938, at the Grand Theatre, Sampaguita Pictures’ "Inang Mahal" was hailed as a dramatic masterpiece, following the studio’s earlier hit "Bituing Marikit." Adapted from Simeon P. Arcega’s "Mag-Inang Ulila," the film tells the moving story of a widowed mother struggling to raise her son, their eventual separation, and emotional reunion. Directed by Octavio Silos, noted for "Sa Paanan ng Krus" and "Teniente Rosario," the production was praised for its realism, emotional depth, varied settings, and strong moral theme—earning recognition as one of the most compelling locally produced films of the time.
The movie starred Rosario Moreno, Rogelio de la Rosa, Soledad Aquino,Teddy Benavides, Tita Duran, Carmen Martinez, Melquiades Francisco, Freddy Querry, Mariano Adan, Rolando Liwanag, Ramon Escudero and others.
"Inang Mahal" (1938)
Sampaguita Pictures
Release Date February 10, 1938/ Grand Theater
Story Simeon P. Arcega
Direction Octavio Silos
Cast Rosario Moreno, Rogelio de la Rosa, Soledad Aquino/ with Teddy Benavides, Tita Duran, Carmen Martinez, Melquiades Francisco, Freddy Querry, Mariano Adan, Rolando Liwanag, RamonEscudero and others
"INANG MAHAL"— SAMPAGUITA'S PULSE-
POUNDING DRAMA OPENS TODAY AT GRAND
For being tremendously touching and completely different from other pictures of the same kind, our local show audience will find their desire sufficiently up to the extreme when "Inang Mahal." Sampaguita’s dramatic masterpiece is released for
public showing at the Grand Theatre today, Feb. 10, 1938.
This is the Sampaguita Pictures second production, in which like its first "Bituing Marikit,” the recent record-breaking musical sensation, all efforts have been exerted by the technical staff and those in the cast in making it one of the best, if not definitely the best locally produced picture. With a considerably great sum of money spor.t in reproducing the different settings, "Inang Mahal," will undoubtedly capture the satisfaction of everyone. It bears a great moral theme overfilled with untiring suspense and emotion.
Powerful Story
Characterized with vivid and touching reality is the story of “Inang Mahal," the version of which was adapted from Simeon P. Arcegas dramatic masterpiece. "Mag-Inang Ulila." Every detail in the original story is included in the screen adaptation and treated with the greatest emphasis on beauty and realism, two of the factors that decide the success of every picture.
The plot is woven around the life of a mother, who after the death of hcr husband, was left alone with her little son to face life-battles. The intriguing circumstances in the whole story from the time the mother spent m bringing up her son until their separation, and lastly their final reunion, provide the stirring suspense and climax in the picture.
The settings are of big and wide variety as they cover both city and provincial backgrounds.
Ace Drama Director
With Director Octavio Silos, outstanding producer of record-breaking productions, "Inang Mahal" easily covets the unique reputation of being the first capably directed picture for the current year. Mr.Silos is credited with long years of picture-making experience His wide and thorough knowledge in the art makes "Inang Mahal" the topnotcher among his previous accomplishments. During the early filming of the picture. Director Silos encountered several hardships, which would have spelled discouragement and defeat for others, but he managed to overcome them all through sheer patience and love for the art. Those who applauded to the greatness of "Sa Paanan Ng Kruz' and "Teniente Rosario," two of Director Silos' early productions, will applaud more to the tasting glory and appeal of this sweeping and perfectly realistic human drama.
Brilliant Cast
The imposing cast in "Inang Mahal gives the picture an overwhelming importance. Rogelio de la Rosa, the screen idol, Rosario Moreno, the charming star, and Soledad Aquino, interpreting the mother role, head the list, with Teddy Benavides and Tita Duran, local screen's versatile child-star. This is the first picture in which Rogelio de la Rosa and Rosario Moreno are teamed together; critics have expressed their approval to the convincing perfection with which the two portray their roles. Rogelio is cast as the grown-up son, whose love for his mother pushed him on to his high ambition, fully knowing that after its realization, he would be able to give his mother all the comforts in life, which she failed to have during the early days. Rosario Moreno perfectly interprets the heroine's role. Her long years in the movies have given her ample training and experience 'so that the mastery with which she portrays her part had
been fully anticipated even before the commence of the filming.
Soledad Aquino — Foremost Screen Mother
Contributing to the greatness of "Inang Mahal" in a very high degree is Soledad Aquino's portrayal of the unfortunate mother. Aquino's capability in handling her part merits all the praises of the critics for its originality and richness of appeal. She admits that this kind of role is her favorite despite of the fact that she's relatively young in age. Movie fans will find out for themselves without the least doubt how remarkable she handles her role, and it is a foregone conclusion that
a big increase in her popularity and fame will be noted with this picture.
(The Tribune, February 10. 1938)
(Images above and below, courtesy of Casa Grande)
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