MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, GLORIA IMPERIAL, WITH KATY DE LA CRUZ, BERT LE ROY, PACITA DEL RIO, JOSE CRIS SOTO, GREGORIO TICMAN, SALVADOR ZARAGOZA, JAIME G. CASTELVI, GUILLERMO E. CARLS IN "MATAMIS NA KASINUNGALINGAN" (1939)

"The dramatic story of a woman's delightful lie!" says the blurb in this 1939 movie, "Matamis na Kasinungalingan." The movie, written and directed by Ramon A. Estella, starred Leopoldo Salcedo, Gloria Imperial, with Katy de la Cruz, Bert LeRoy, Pacita del Rio, Jose Cris Soto, Gregorio Ticman, Salvador Zaragoza, Jaime G. Castelvi andGuillermo E. Carls.

It was released and shown at Fox Theater, September 20, 1939.

"Matamis na Kasinungalingan" (1939)

Filippine Films

Release Date September 20, 1939

Written and Directed by Ramon A. Estella

Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Gloria Imperial, with Katy de la Cruz, Bert LeRoy, Pacita del Rio, Jose Cris Soto, Gregorio Ticman, Salvador Zaragoza, Jaime G. Castelvi, Guillermo E. Carls

(Image courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ARSENIA FRANCISCO, JOSE PADILLA, JR., WITH PRECIOSO PALMA, VICTOR (BANAHAW) SEVILLA, ROSARIO LAM, PACO ZAMORA, BERT LE ROY, ROLANDO LIWANAG, SALVADOR ZARAGOZA AND PUGO & TOGO IN "AZUCENA" (1939)

Only once in many moons is a motion picture produced so beautifully that audiences forgot they are in a theatre when they see the picture. Still more seldom is one made that it strikes chords deep down in human hearts. Such a picture has been produced by Excelsior Pictures. In “Azucena,” a story written by Susana de Guzman, they have created a super-production that is bound to linger long in the memories of movie audience. 

For "Azucena," the greatest dramatic actress of the Philippine cinema, Arsenia Francisco, has been co-starred with the favorite male star of the Philippines, Jose Padilla Jr. Having a vehicle that offers them the utmost in dramatic acting possibilities, the two stars give masterful characterizations of the roles they play.

Arsenia Francisco will jerk tears from your eyes as she wrings your heart when, as a loving and patient wife, she first loses her husband, then her baby, and finally her eyesight. She even almost loses hope itself. Only capable direction by Tor Villano brings the picture to a happy conclusion. A select cast composed of Precioso Palma, Rosario Lam, Paco Zamora, Bert Le Roy, Victor (Banahaw) Sevilla, Rolando Liwanag, Salvador Zaragoza. and the inimitable comedians, Pugo and Togo, round up the picture perfectly.

"Azucena" is not only a dramatic hit, but it also pulsates with music and romance. Lovely haunting songs are plaintively sung by Arsenia Francisco, the musical score being written by Constancio de Guzman. As the Grand opens today, it is expected to be jammed with people eager to see this latest picture of Excelsior Pictrues with Luis F. Nolasco in charge of production. Box-office records are expected to topple again as movie fans all over will want to see these new screen sweethearts in a great picture thousands of people have wanted to see in the movies!

The story of "Azucena" made a great hit with hundreds of thousands when it appeared in the Liwayway Extra Magazine. As a motion picture, it is destined for greater distinction. Executives of Excelsior Pictures have spared no efforts to make "Azucena" the tops among motion pictures produced in the Philippines since the birth of the movie industry in the Philippines.

(The Tribune, September 14, 1939)

The movie was released and shown at Grand Theater, September 14, 1939

"Azucena" (1939)

Excelsior Films

Release Date September 14, 1939

Story Susan de Guzman

Direction Tor Villano

Cast Arsenia Framcisco, Jose Padilla, Jr., with Precioso Palma, Victor (Banahaw) Sevilla, Rosario Lam, Paco Zamora, Bert LeRoy, Rolando Liwanag, Salvador Zaragoza And Pugo & Togo

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ARSENIA FRANCISCO, RICARDO BRILLANTES, ROMAN REYES, WITH AMADING SARABIA, PADING CUYUGAN, CRISTINO JOAQUIN IN "TAWAG NG BAYAN" (1939)

"Tawag ng Bayan" (1939)

Liwayway Pictures

Release Date September 5, 1939/ Fox Theater

Story Isaac Gomez

Music Juan Y. Benasa

Direction Julian Manansala

Cast Arsenia Francisco, Ricardo Brilliante, Roman Reyes, with Amading Sarabia, Pading Cuyugan, Cristino Joaquin

(Courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: FELY VALLEJO, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, CORAZON NOBLE, WITH ERNESTO LA GUARDIA, PRECIOSO PALMA, NATI RUBI, CITA DELLA, TOMASA ALVAREZ, EXEQUIEL SEGOVIA IN "DALISAY" (1939)

"Out of this picture comes the story of a girl who gives vent to her youth's sparkling emotions in vain... dreams of a man who never dreams of her... told in all the loveliness of melody!"  and  "Her love reveals youth's fiery emotions, her voice the sweetness of melody!" says the ads in this 1939 Sampaguita's grandest musical production, "Dalisay."

The movie, directed by Manuel Silos, starred Fely Vallejo, Rogelio de la Rosa, Corazon Noble, with Ernesto La Guardia, Precioso Palma, Nati Rubi, Cita Della, Tomasa Alvareza and Exequiel Segovia.

It was released and shown at Grand Theatre, September 1, 1939 and at the newly opened Sylvia Theatre (Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija), September 14, 1939.

"Dalisay" (1939)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date September 1, 1939/ Grand Theater/ September 14/ Sylvia Theater

Story Antonio M. Abad

Direction Manuel Silos

Cast Fely Vallejo, Rogelio de la Rosa, Corazon Noble, with Ernesto La Guardia, Precioso Palma, Nati Rubi, Cita Della, Tomasa Alvarez, Exequiel Segovia

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA, TITO AREVALO, MERCEDES PONCE, ANTONINA HERNANDEZ IN "YAMAN NG MAHIRAP" (1939)/ UPDATED

Did you know that Armida Siguon-Reyna had her first acting experience in 1939? At age 8, Armida, Armida Liwanag Ponce-Enrile in real life, appeared as an extra with another child star Tita Duran in Yaman ng Mahirap, a movie directed by her aunt, Carmen Concha. 

(Source: The URIAN Anthology 1990-1999).

"Yaman ng Mahirap" (1939)

A Parlatone Production
Release Date: August 25- 31,1939/ Grand Theater
Director Carmen Concha
Cast Angel Esmeralda, Tito Arevalo, Mercedes Ponce, Antonina Hernandez

"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."

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: LUCITA GOYENA, ANGELITO NEPOMUCENO, GREGORIO FERNANDEZ, TITA DURAN, ANDRES CENTENERA, REYNALDO DANTE IN "TATLONG PAGKABIRHEN" (1939)

"Tatlong Pagkabirhen" (1939)

X'Otic Films

Release Date August 11, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Gregorio Coching

Direction Gregorio Fernandez

Cast Lucita Goyena, Angelito Nepomuceno, Gregorio Fernandez, Tita Duran,Andres Centenera, Reynaldo Dante and others

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ELY RAMOS, FERNANDO POE, MILA DEL SOL, FLEUR DE LIS, PRECIOSO PALMA, BEN RUBIO, CECILIO JOAQUIN IN "GILIW KO" (1939): LVN PICTURES' FIRST MOVIE/ UPDATED

LVN Pictures was established in 1939 by three friends--- Doña Narcisa "Sisang" Buencamino de Leon, Carmen Villongco and Eleuterio Navoa, whose initials spelled the name of the company. Their first movie, Giliw Ko, a musical starring Ely Ramos, Fernando Poe, Sr., Mila del Sol and Fleur de Lis (later renamed Mona Lisa) was a sensational box-office hit. However, its succeeding films did not fare well at the tills and in order to save the company, Doña Sisang had to buy out the other stockholders.

Giliw Ko, directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa, is one of the five existing pre-war movies available.

The movie was released and shown at Grand Theater, July 29, 1939.

"Giliw Ko" (1939)

LVN Pictures
Release Date: July 29, 1939/ Metropolitan Theater
and August 1-10, 1939/ Grand Theater

Director Carlos Vander Tolosa

Cast Ely Ramos, Fernando Poe, Mila del Sol, Fleur de Lis, Ben Rubio, Precioso Palma, Cecilio Joaquin

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSARIO MORENO, CARLOS PADILLA, NATY BERNARDO, WITH FERNANDO ROYO, MARIA MIRANDA, MIGUEL ANZURES, EXEQUIEL SEGOVIA, JOAQUIN SAN AGUSTIN, JOAQUIN GAVINO, JOSE BERNARDO IN "SIYA'Y AKING ANAK" (1939)

"Siya'y Aking Anak" (1939)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date July 23, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Luis F. Nolasco and Carlos Padilla

Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Rosario Moreno, Carlos Padilla, Naty Bernardo, with Fernando Royo, Maria Miranda, Miguel ANzures, Exequiel Segovia, Joaquin San Agustin, Joaquin Gavino, Jose Bernardo

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ELISA MANALO, EDGARDO CARILLO, BEN DE LUNA, GREGORIO TICMAN IN "ANA MARIA" (1939)

Poignant drama of young love with enchanting musical entertainment never yet seen in any film of its kind with Ana Maria," its first production which, by public demand, to be shown at a four-day advance run at the Grand theatre beginning today, July 16. Silangan Movietone, Inc. does not make any false pretense, neither does it boast of having spent so huge a sum of money to produce this musical hit, which critics believe is destined to dwarf all other local films of its kind. But it is a bare fact that the company has spared no little sum, amounting to thousands of pesos, and time, covering months,  scouting and other preparation activities to create a picture that will remain a truly great musical hit of all times.

In "Ana Maria" indeed comes the fulfillment of the dream of many a local producer to create a musical picture set in a background of beauty and glamour. The picture is based on an extraordinary drama and vibrant with pathos. To give you a wholesome musical entertainment and a melody relief so enchanting that you will be humming with delight the tunes sung by Elisa Manalo and Edgardo Carillo, the leading players, Silangan Movietone gathered into its technical staff some of the best known local musical composers and directors to give a hand  in the production.

For the first time Elisa Manalo, Miss Luzon and Miss Radio of 1937, comes to you through the silver screen as a full-fledged star whose acting and singing will surely captivate even the most fastidious cinema addicts and establish for herself such a reputation as another singing sweetheart of local movie fans. Portraying the title role in this magnificent musical hit of the year, Miss Manalo's beauty and highly merited great story, replete with human singing voice will more than delight all those who will see and hear her. The picture is presented in a dazzling background of marvelous settings never yet seen in any local film.

Playing with Elisa Manalo, also in a principal role, is Edgardo Carillo, a new find who is destined to climb directly to fame in his perfect enactment of the role of Dario. the barrio lad and romantic singing lover of Ana Maria. Inspired by the love he bears for the heroine, Dario strives hard and makes good to vindicate himself from the unreasonable ire of his beloved's parents. Edgardo Carillo is perfectly convincing in his role and justifies the want of other producers to engage him he consented to play for Silangan Movieton in "Ana Maria." His voice, which has a rare singing quality, and his adept acting are seldom, if at all, found in a new actor.

(The Tribune, July 16, 1939)

The movie was released and shown at Grand Theater, July 16, 1939.

"Ana Maria" (1939)

Silangan Movietone, Inc.

Release Date July 16, 1939/ Grand Theater

Written and Directed by Antonio G. Sempio

Cast Elisa Manalo, Edgardo Carillo, Ben de Luna, Gregorio Ticman

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA, TITO AREVALO, LINA ALVA, LITA ZABALA IN "LIHIM NG DAGAT-DAGATAN" (1939)

Angel Esmeralda has never failed to charm you, in his magnificent interpretation of the truly difficult role in "Lihim ng Dagat-Dagatan", he will sweep you off your feet. Never has he given so much to a role. All the power and depth of feeling, all the passion and intensity the stars soul is capable of and which hitherto have been almost ignored by his studios, found expression, as it were, at last in “Porong,”  the simple farmer of "Lihim ng Dagat-Dagatan", who had simple wants, simple thoughts, simple fears, — until he loved.  Love made him know a multitude of emotions, made him strive desperately for a glimpse of heaven, made him pass through hell. Now a man, conscious of right and wrong, sensitive to the slightest hurt —now a beast, brutal, nigh crazed, numb to all that is good and noble — Angel Esmeralda runs the gamut of emotions in this, his greatest role.

(The Tribune, July 15, 1939)

The movie was released and shown at the Metropolitan Theater, July 15, 1939.

"Lihim ng Dagat-Dagatan" (1939)

A Parlatone Production

Release Date July 15, 1939/ Metropolitan Theater

Written and Directed by Joaquin Pardo de Tavera

Cast Angel Esmeralda, Tito Arevalo, Lina Alva, Lita Zabala

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: LUCITA GOYENA, FERNANDO POE, ANGELITO NEPOMUCENO IN "LERON- LERON SINTA" (1939)

Designed for delightful and high-class entertainment, X-otic Flms' musical extravaganza, "Leron Leron Sinta," which opens at the Grand Theatre today, is filled to overflowing with heart-stirring pathos, thrill-packed action, uproarious comedy, entrancing melodies and a superb cast headed by the talented and precocious child star Angelito Nepomuceno, dark-eyed and lovely Lucita Goyena, and tall and handsome Fernando Poe.

Eduardo de Castro, ace-director whose fame has even reached abroad, directed with consummate skill this Teodoro Virrey dramatic story of a vaudeville artist's love affair with the scion of a rich family. Original musical compositions by Prof. Francisco Santiago, together with a modern version of the popular song, "Leron Leron Sinta," provides melodious interludes and background music to this photoplay which is destined to top even the greatest of all hits, "Punit na Bandila."

The story of "Leron Leron Sinta" presents Lucita Goyena as Naty, a vaudeville star, who has captivated the heart of a rich young medical student, Pepe, interpreted dashingly by Fernando Poe. Naturally in love, they do not reckon with the parental objection of Pepe's parents who, in the fashion of most well-to-do people, are prejudiced against actresses, especially vaudeville artists. Wise in intrigue, Pepe's parents, played by Benjamin Racelis and Martina Jimenez, pretend that they like Naty and apparently to show their sincerity, they take the vaudevile actress into the family. However, they convince the young lovers that for the sake of their future, Pepe must go abroad to study medicine. Unsuspectingly they agree. But once Pepe has left, his parents find excuse to send Naty out of their home. This sequence is sure to stir audiences to tears, for very heart-rending it is, and Miss Goyena acts her part with enough restraint to make the sequence realistically convincing. She carries in her bosom the fruit of hers and Pepe's love when she is driven away from Pepe's home. From this time on, her life becomes an endless rosary of tears, and even the consequent birth of Pepe's son does not lighten the situation for she dies a thousand deaths seeing her son help earn their livelihood by selling flowers. This son is skillfully portrayed by Angelito Nepomuceno.

(The Tribune, June 28, 1939)

"Leron-Leron Sinta" (1939)

X-Otic Films

Release Date June 28, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Teodoro Virrey

Direction Eduardo de Castro

Cast Lucita Goyena, Fernando Poe, Angelito Nepomuceno

(Image, courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSA DEL ROSARIO AND LEOPOLDO SALCEDO IN SEVERINO REYES' "WALANG SUGAT" (1939)/ UPDATED

Regarded as Severino Reyes' masterpiece, Walang Sugat broadly underscores the injustice of Spanish rule even as it dances around the cruel fate of the young lovers Tenyong and Julia with humor and song. Set in the final leg of the Philippine Revolution, Tenyong is forced to leave behind his childhood sweetheart Julia to join the Katipunan. Meanwhile, Julia's mother pressures her into marrying the wealthy Miguel instead. With no word from Tenyong as the battle prolongs, Julia gives in, but her wedding is interrupted by the fatally wounded Tenyong, who returns with a dying wish. (Internet Source)

The movie was released and shown at Starnd Theater (formerly Savoy), June 6, 1939.

"Walang Sugat" (1939)

Filippine Films
Release Date: June 6-14, 1939/ Strand Theater
Director Enrique Herrera- Davila
Based on the immortal operetta by Severino Reyes
Cast Rosa del Rosario and Leopoldo Salcedo

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: GERARDO DE LEON, TITO AREVALO, LILIA VIZCONDE, VIRGINIA SALCEDO, ARMANDO CRIS, EDUARDO INFANTE, EDO NAGALI, LALING TALTI IN "AMA AT ANAK" (1939)

From the pen of Simeon P. Arcega, well-known vernacular writer comes one of the most human themes that has been the privilege of  Parlatone to offer — its latest drama, "Ama at Anak." A most powerful story, full of emotional scenes actually taken in Bilibid Prison, yet not a prison story— but the tortured drama of "after prison," the life continuously haunted by the years spent "behind the bars." Realistic, fast moving, and most wholesome, "Ama at Anak" is a cinch to please not only fathers and sons, but also mothers and daughters, while it is an essentially sad story, yet the elements of incidental comedy sprinkled all over the picture relieves whatever tension there is.

There is not a slow movement during the picture's entire running time. Dialogue and action are well-balanced with the greater emphasis on the latter. Two prominent stars, Gerardo de Leon and Tito Arevalo at the climax of their brilliant screen careers are portraying the leading roles. Gerardo as director and star exercised much ingenuity and plenty of hard work to make "Ama at Anak" the successful picture that it is. As the first film appearance of Tito Arevalo since his success in "Isang Halik Lamang," Tito as the grown up son definitely establishes a place for himself among the dramatic actors of the Filipino screen.

Parlatone also invested in top talents when it engaged the other leading stars who contributed to the making of "Ama at Anak." Lilia Vizconde who comes back to the screen after an absence of sometime is at her best, and so with Virginia Salcedo. The unequalled Laling Talti and Edo Nagali will again have the crowd roaring with their antics. Armando Cris, Eduardo Infante, Amelita Sol, Moneng Iiagan, Juan Espinosa, Emong Torres, are the able cast playing the supporting roles. The boys, Totoy Hernandez and Eduardo Sanga will captivate the hearts of all. No less than the well known Prof. Julio Eeteban Anguita and the equally famous Maestro Juan Hernandez collaborated in making the music.

(The Tribune, June 22, 1939)

"Ama at Anak" (1939)

A Parlatone Production

Release Date June 22, 1939/ Fox Theater

Story Simeon P. Arcega

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Gerardo de Leon, Tito Arevalo,Lilia Vizconde, Virginia Salcedo, Armando Cris, Eduardo Infante, Edo nagali, Laling Tatli

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: CARLOS PADILLA, LILA LUNA, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, ROSITA RIVERA, NEMESIO CARAVANA, CESAR BASA IN "FLORANTE AT LAURA" (1939)

The movie, "Florante at Laura," based from the immortal poem of Francisco Balagtas, starred Carlos Padilla, Lila Luna,Rogelio de la Rosa, Rosita Rivera, Nemesio Caravana and Cesar Basa.

Directed by Vicente Salumbides, the movie was released and shown at Metropolitan Theater, June 17, 1939.

"Florante at Laura" (1939)

Salumbides Film Co., Ltd.

Release Date June 17, 1939/ Metropolitan Theater

Direction Vicente Salumbides

Cast Carlos Padilla, Lila Luna, Rogelio de la Rosa, Rosita Rivera, Nemesio Caravana, Cesar Basa

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ROSITA RIVERA, MANUEL BARBEYTO, WITH BONIFACIO VILLANUEVA, SALVADOR ZARAGOZA, PILAR ZARAGOZA, CORRA VELOSA, MANUEL SANCHEZ, BABY ARBOLEDA, JOSE LUZ BERNARDO IN "IKAW ANG DAHILAN" (1939)/ UPDATED

Mighty!  Powerful! A drama never before candidly and openly unfolded before the discriminating movie-public! A drama so sweeping and true that it will jolt the audience from a sweet slumber amidst the prevalence of a grim fact of life! — so sensational and magnificently produced that "Ikaw ang Dahilan" has yet to be seen! '

Taut with romance and suspense, "Ikaw ang Datuian" presents Philippines' foremost dramatic pair — Leopoldo Salcedo and Rosita Rivera — who crossed at last to interpret a story they have longed to! In this powerful musical melodrama, these two screen idols have exerted their best which accounted for the picture being highly applauded and commended by movie critics.

"Ikaw ang Dahilan" is a daring epic of a mother's great sacrifices for her child — sacrifices and sufferings that seethe with poignancy which almost impaired the bondage between this woman and herhusband. Angel (Leopoldo Salcedo), scion of a wealthy family, marries Mameng CRosita Rivera), a country lass, but not before Tonio (Manuel Barbeyto) has fallen in deep love for her. Tonio incidentally is Angel s brother and plays the role of physician in this stirring tale. One day, Angel, due to a very urgent call, goes to Davao in spite of Mameng's disapproval. During Angel's absence, his child becomes gravely ill and even after several physicians had exerted their efforts to save the child from the affliction, the ba by's condition becomes more pernicious. As such, Mameng, though much to her dislike, is forced to call on her brother-in-law as a last resort to save her child from the malady, but advertent Tonio gives her a conditional response — that is, he is willing to cure the baby provided Mameng consents to his lustful entreaties and mad desires. Being confronted by such alternative and consternation, Mameng's mind becomes engrossed in an empty space. And Tonio becomes more insistent.

Will she consent to his threatening desires and shatter a home built with the warmth of love and loyalty? Or will she give him a rebuff and let her only baby die? If she consents, will she be starting a sad chapter of her marital life and at the same time be justified' Or if she rebuke, will she be upholding their happy, unmarred bondage by letting her baby pass away? Now, do not start guessing which is which, for"Ikaw ang Dahilan" is better seen than merely read and conjectured—your 'maybe' is as good as anybody's. See "Ikaw ang Dahilan'' and witness the grim truth by which these two characters live their marital life!.

Sanggumay Pictures, with Maximo N. Cruz as producer, and Jose de Jesus as production manager, magnificently created this highly dramatic screen offering — "Ikaw ang Dahilan,'' with music supervision by Prof. Constancio de Guzman. Youthful Tor Villano successfully directed "Ikaw and Dahilan," which he opined conservatively, will equal any of his past box-office hits. "Ikaw ang Dahilan," distributed by Pan-Oriental Films, starts today at Grand theatre!

(The Tribune, June 22, 1939)

"Ikaw ang Dahilan" (1939)

Sanggumay Pictures

Release Date: June 22- 30, 1939/ Grand Theater

Director Tor Villano
Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Rosita Rivera, Manuel Barbeyto, with Bonifacio Villanueva, Salvador Zaragoza, Pilar Zaragoza, Corra Velosa, Manuel Sanchez, Baby Arboleda, Jose Luz Bernardo

"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."

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: YOLANDA MARQUEZ, RUDY CONCEPCION, PRECIOSO PALMA, WITH FERNANDO ROYO, SILVIA ROSALES, ROSA AGUIRRE, MIGUEL ANZURES, MERCEDES DE GAVINO IN "GABAY NG MAGULANG" (1939)

"Here's the gripping story of a monstrous son who repays the love of his father with poison in his mind and evil in his heart!" ("Narito ang kapanapanabik na kuwento ng isang halimaw na anak na ginantihan ang pagmamahal ng kanyang ama ng lason sa isipan at kasamaan sa puso!")... says the ad in 1939 drama, "Gabay ng Magulang."

The movie, directed by Octavio Silos, starred Yolanda Marquez, Rudy Concepcion, Precioso Palma, with Fernando Royo, Silvia Rosales, Rosa Aguirre, Miguel Anzures and Mercedes de Gavino.

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, June 13, 1939.

"Gabay ng Magulang" (1939)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date June 13, 1939/ Grand Theater

Direction Octavio Silos

Cast Yolanda Marquez, Rudy Concepcion, Precioso Palma, with Fernando Royo, Silvia Rosales, Rosa Aguirre, Miguel Anzures, Mercedes de Gavino

(Image, courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROGELIO DE LA ROSA AND CORAZON NOBLE, WITH ROSA AGUIRRE, NATY RUBI, JUSTINA DAVID, BILLY VIZCARRA, CARMEN MARTINEZ, SALVADOR TINSAY, FRANCISCO MONROY IN "PASANG KRUS" (1939)/ UPDATED

"Here's the breath-taking confessions of a wife who found that love, alone, is a matchless weapon against the cruel fangs of jealousy!" ("Naito ang nakakalunos na pagtatapat ng isang babaing may asawa na nakasaksing ang pagibig ay di sapat na sandata laban sa kalupitan ng panibugho!")... says the ad in this 1939 drama, "Pasang Krus." 

The movie, directed by Octavio Silos, starred Corazon Noble, Rogelio de la Rosa, Rosa Aguirre, Naty Rubi, Justina David, Billy Vizcarra, Carmen Martinez, Salvador Tinsay and Francisco Monroy.

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, May 30, 1939.

"Pasang Krus" (1939)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date May 30- June 12, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Susana de Guzman and Mateo Cruz Cornelio

Direction Octavio Silos

Cast Corazon Noble, Rogelio de la Rosa, Rosa Aguirre, Naty Rubi, Justina David, Billy Vizcarra, Carmen Martinez, Salvador Tinsay, Francisco Monroy

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: GLORIA IMPERIAL, BEN RUBIO, WITH ANTONIA SANTOS, CONCHITA TUDELA, RAUL DE ARAM, PEDRO FAUSTINO, ESTRELLA LUNA, PEDRO ADAO, JR. IN "HINDI KO AKALAIN" (1939)

Continuously playing to a full house, “Hindi Ko Akalain” now on its fourth day at the Fox promises to establish a new box-office record.

Millions will compare it with “Dolores” and find it even greater. The story taken out of life itself is filled with deep human understanding. A warm, vibrant love fired with the desires and conflicts of all youth--- a love that Ben could not forget--- a love that Gloria hoped to dedicate to God--- a love that survived all the unbelievable malicious and stinging gossips that aimed to wreck their young lives. He loved, and the rest was immaterial. The world might look askance for all he cared.

Capping her triumph in “Dolores,” Gloria Imperial heads the big cast in this picture, where she handles her role with a sure touch and an extremely appealing charm. Never has she been photographed to greater advantage than in the beautiful “ternos” and “balintawaks” she wore throughout this picture.

As Ben Rubio’s most ambitious starring performance, it is a safe bet that this young and handsome man will soon be causing much excitement among the ladies. More dashing, more winning than ever, he was perfect from beginning to end.

“

Hindi Ko Akalain” is a picture that does not make pretenses about elaborate settings and extravagant production expenses. But it is precisely this alluring simplicity of everything about it that will always make the film a success whether in a big city or in the smallest town. It is the kind of a picture that people tell their families about over and over again.

(The Tribune, May 21, 1939)

"Hindi Ko Akalain" (1939)

A Parlatone Production

Release Date May 18, 1939/ Fox Theater

Story Armando Villa

Direction Consuelo and Salvador Osorio

Cast Gloria Imperial, Ben Rubio, with Antonia Santos, Conchita Tudela, Raul de Aram, Pedro Faustino, Estrella Luna, Pedro Adao, Jr. and others

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: CARMEN ROSALES, JOSE PADILLA, JR., WITH PACITA DEL RIO, MANUEL BARBEYTO, BANAHAW, PUGO & TOGO, FLORENTINO BALLECER, GREGORIO TICMAN, NARDING ANZURES, ESTER TABUENA IN "ARIMUNDING- MUNDING" (1939)

Rising star Carmen Rosales starred in her first starring role opposite Jose Padilla, Jr. in Excelsior Pictures' "Arimunding-Munding." 

The movie, directed by Tor Villano, also featured Pacita del Rio, Manuel Barbeyto,Banahaw, Pugo & Togo, Florentino Ballecer, Gregorio Ticman, Narding Anzures and Ester Tabuena, 

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, April 12, 1939.

"Arimunding-Munding" (1939)

Excelsior Pictures

Release Date April 12, 1939/ Grand Theater

Direction Tor Villano

Cast Carmen Rosales, Jose Padilla, Jr,, with Pacita del Rio, Manuel Barbeyto,Banahaw, Pugo & Togo, Florentino Ballecer, Gregorio Ticman, Narding Anzures, Ester Tabuena