MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: DARMO DON FRAZER ACOSTA, LUCITA GOYENA IN " PUGAD NG AGILA" (1938)

Shot amid the rugged beauty of Mt. Ipo and the Sierra Madre ranges, "Pugad ng Aguila", opening today at the Grand Theatre, is expected to be one of the year’s most visually striking films. The movie features Darmo Von Frazer Acosta, Hollywood’s leading Filipino actor, specially brought in by Parlatone to portray Alberto Santos. Starring opposite him is Lucita Goyena, better known as Teniente Rosario, personally chosen by Acosta to play Carmen.

 The story centers on Alberto Santos (Don Frazer Acosta), who is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit. To escape punishment, he must either flee to the mountains as an outlaw or expose the true culprit—his own uncle, his mother’s brother. The victim of the crime was the uncle of Carmen (Lucita Goyena), who, believing Alberto guilty, forbids him from ever seeing her again. Heartbroken by her mistrust, Alberto captures the only witness who can clear his name. He then seizes Carmen and, in front of her family, forces her to hear the truth.

 Carmen later discovers that Alberto, known to many as “Aguila,” is far from a mere bandit. He is a champion of the poor, taking from the wealthy who exploit their workers to aid the oppressed. Eventually, the Philippine Constabulary discovers Aguila’s hideout. At Carmen’s urging, Alberto surrenders, and true to her word, she persuades her father to secure his pardon. The film concludes with their wedding celebration, held amidst the rugged cliffs and wild beauty of Aguila’s mountain refuge. (The Tribune, April 29, 1938)

"Pugad ng Agila" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date April 29, 1939/ Grand Theater

Story Antonio G. Sempio

Direction Vicente Salumbides

Cast Darmo Von Frazer Acosta, Lucita Goyena