"Ay! Kalisud," hailed as the grandest musical film ever produced in the Philippines and long the subject of public excitement for its lavish scale, premieres tomorrow at both the Fox and Savoy theatres.
The picture stars beloved songstress Fely Vallejo, whose voice has captivated millions of radio listeners, and celebrated Filipino violinist Jose R. Inigo, who has performed for audiences in Vienna and Paris. Together they portray lovers in a touching story inspired by the popular Visayan song of the same name.
Renowned for its opulence, the film features the largest sets ever built in the country, including the striking “Ladder of Freedom,” a symbolic representation of the nation’s struggle for liberty—from the Katipunan revolt of 1896 to the promised independence of 1946 under the Tydings-McDuffie Act.
Adding sparkle are performances from leading nightclub, stage, and radio personalities such as Atang de la Rama, Amanding Montes, Bonita, and Jerry and His Romancers. Musical highlights include the theme song rendered in blues style, comic numbers like “SSB Blues” and “Torotot Waltz”, and a massive revue where a 700-voice chorus dances regional numbers symbolizing the traditions of the Philippines.
The cast also features Pacita del Rio of Via Crucis fame and noted screen villain Miguel Anzures. Music is provided by a 100-piece symphony orchestra under maestro Juan Silos, Sr., blending Filipino folk tunes with classical arias.
Brilliantly staged, rich with music, humor, and romance, Ay! Kalisud stands as a landmark achievement—rightly acclaimed as the finest musical film ever created in the East.
(The Tribune, April 6, 1938)
"Ay! Kalisud" (1938)
Filippine Films
Release Date April 7, 1938/ Fox and Savoy Theaters
Direction Manuel Silos
Cast Fely Vallejo, Jose R. Inigo, Amanding Montes, Atang de la Rama, Bonita, Jerry and his Romancers, Filippine Films Symphony Orchestra/ with Miguel Anzures, Pacita del Rio
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1 comment:
Philippine pre-war films are very fascinating, but I noticed that you don't have any material from the 1920s yet. Hope you find and post them as well, since that's a decade-long gap of movie history that's yet to be filled.
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