MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ESTER MAGALONA, FRED CORTES, DEANNA PRIETO, WITH GREGORIO TICMAN, PRECIOSO PALMA, AMELITA SOL, CECILIO JOAQUIN, FERNANDO ROYO, ARMANDO VILLA, VICENTE OCAMPO, FIDEL DE CASTRO, CRESENCIA (DIMPLES) ALIGADA (1941)/ UPDATED

"Ikaw Pala" (1941)

LVN Pictures
Release Date: November 21- 27 1941/ Dalisay Theater

Music F. Buencamino, Jr.
Story Jovita Martinez Memije

Director Lamberto V. Avellana
Cast Ester Magalona, Fred Cortes, Deanna Prieto, Gregorio Ticman, Precioso Palma, Amelita Sol, Cecilio Joaquin, Fernando Royo, Armando Villa, Vicente Ocampo, Fidel de Castro, Cresencia (Dimples) Aligada

"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: ARSENIA FRANCISCO, ANGEL ESMERALDA, YOLANDA MARQUEZ, WITH RAQUEL CARO, MARTINA JIMENEZ, BEN RACELIS, MARCELA GARCIA, LEO VIBAR, CITA DELIA, PERFECTA CARPIO, NENITA NAVARRO, CANUPLIN, SOTO AND BAYANI IN "KUNG KITA'Y KAPILING" (1941)/ UPDATED

"Kung Kita'y Kapiling" (1941)

AZ (Acuna/Zaldarriaga) Productions, Inc.
Release Date: October 10-16, 1941/ Dalisay Theater

Music Constancio De Guzman
Story Susana De Guzman

Director Tor Villano
Cast Arsenia Francisco, Angel Esmeralda, Yolanda Marquez, Raquel Caro, Martina Jimenez, Ben Racelis, Marcela Garcia, Leo Vibar, Cita Delia, Perfecta Carpio, Nenita Navarro, Canuplin, Soto and Bayani

"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, FERNANDO POE, SERAFIN GARCIA, MONA LISA, WITH LUPE VELASCO, JOSE TRONI, SONIA REYES, ROSARIO ONG, MANUEL ELORIAGAIN"ANG VIUDA ALEGRE" (1941)

"Ang Viuda Alegre" (1941)

X-otic Films Inc.
Release Date: July 31- August 7, 1941/ Times Theater

Music Franz Lehar
In Charge of Production Eduardo de Castro

Director Enrique H. Davila
Cast Lucita Goyena, Fernando Poe, Serafin Garcia, Mona Lisa, Lupe Velasco, Jose Troni, Sonia Reyes, Rosario Ong, Manuel Eloriaga, R. Centenera, Antonia Santos, S. Zaragosa, Juanito Lazaga

"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: CARMEN ROSALES, JOSE PADILLA, JR., WITH ROBERTO ROSALES, PACITA DEL RIO, GREGORIO FERNANDEZ, PRECIOSO PALMA, ENGRACIO IBARRA, ROSARIO LAM, LINDA ESTRELLA IN "PRINCESITA" (1941)/ UPDATED

"Princesita" (1941)

Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.
Release Date May 9-17, 1941/ Dalisay Theater
Director Gregorio Fernandez
Cast Carmen Rosales, Jose Padilla, Jr., Roberto Rosales, Pacita Del Rio, Gregorio Fernandez, Precioso Palma, Engracio Ibarra, Rosario Lam, Linda Estrella, Luis Pedrino, Vita Ortega, Nardo Vercudia, Lina Rosales

"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: MILA DEL SOL, LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, FRED CORTES, ESTER MAGALONA, WITH GREGORIO TICMAN, DEANNA PRIETO, JUAN RODRIGUEZ, RICARDO PASION IN "ROSA LINDA" (1941)/ UPDATED

"Rosa Linda" (1941)

LVN Pictures
Release Date: April 29- May 6, 1941/ Dalisay Theater
Story Engracio Valmonte

Music Francisco Buencamino Sr. and Jr.
Director Lamberto Avellana

Cast Mila Del Sol, Leopoldo Salcedo, Fred Cortes, Ester Magalona, Gregorio Ticman, Deanna Prieto, Juan Rodriguez, Ricardo Pasion

(Images, courtesy of Casa Grande)

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ELY RAMOS, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, PUGO & TOGO, WITH FLORENTINO BALLECER, EXEQUIEL SEGOVIA, PATRING CARVAJAL, ROSARIO LAM IN "BINIBINI NG PALENGKE" (1941)/ UPDATED

Romance, music and comedy cleverly join forces and make a hundred per cent go of it in the new Carlos Vander Tolosa production for Filippine Films, "Binibini N g Palengke," which starts its first-run exhibition at the Dalisay theatre today.

Featuring Ely Ramos and Norma Blancaflor in their biggest co-starring triumph, this excellent movie opus is everything sure to give the cine public here, there and everywhere a full load of wholesome entertainment. What with its powerful dramatic set-to, its goodly sprinkling of comedy with Togo and Pugo, side-busting laugh-team, dishing out fun as you like it and finally its fine song flavoring — all these plus its smooth dialogue, steady continuity, expert camerawork and careful editing, put "Binibini Ng Palengke" in a class all its own. Surely, a high one at that. 

Ely Ramos impressively plays the role of a rich man's son who goes gaga about an attractive small-town market vendor. Norma Blancaflor, doing the part of the eye-filling market beauty, is amusingly realistic. Interesting is the word for the main complication in the plot wherein Ely Ramos, set to love but not to lose, disguises himself as a lowly farmer's son and makes love to Norma. It's quite the way of country ladies to prefer suitors of their own kind and co-authors C. V. Tolosa and Narciso Asistio did "punish" Ely Ramos who all his life never had a taste of farm life but who nevertheless honest-to-goodness complied with all the callings of his role.

If you're not hep to romance and drama and music, well, you can't miss Togo and Pugo, comedy maniacs who've brought many a house down with their laugh sounders. They're cast as Ely Ramos' loose-brained stooges — a couple of idiots all right — who do a lot of monkey business at your funny bone's expense. Laugh all you may but don't let it be from ear to ear.  

“Binibini Ng Palengke" is a remarkable celluloid stuff, and ithen all is seen and heard, surely you'd want to pat on the back Carlos Vander Tolosa, Ely Ramos, Norma Blancaflor, Togo and Pugo and the rest in the cast or if you're not the complimenting kind, you'll keep your seat for a second sitting or a third. Whatever you choose to do, don't say we didn't tip you.

(The Tribune, April 19, 1941)

"Binibini ng Palengke" (1941)

Filippine Films
Release Date April 19-28, 1941/ Dalisay Theater
Director Carlos Vander Tolosa
Music Ariston Avelino
Story Carlos Vander Tolosa and Narciso Asistio
Cast Ely Ramos, Norma Blancaflor, Pugo & Togo, Florentino Ballecer, Exequiel Segovia, Patring Carvajal, Rosario Lam

"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: SERAFIN GARCIA, VIOLETA HERMOSA, WITH MARIA MIRANDA, MARTINA JIMENES, ROSARIO CORTEZ, ALFREDO JAVIER IN "SINGSING NA PANGKASAL" (1941)/ UPDATED

“Singsing na Pangkasal,” the acclaimed Tagalog novel by Lazaro Francisco, has been adapted into a major motion picture by pioneer filmmaker Jose Nepomuceno for Acuña-Zaldarriaga Productions. The film faithfully brings to life the novel’s beloved characters through an all-star cast led by Serafin Garcia, Violeta Hermosa, and Maria Miranda.

The story centers on a dramatic love triangle: two women deeply in love with the same man—one with gentle devotion and the other with fiery passion. Their conflicting affections divide the man and form the emotional core of the film.

Highly regarded since its publication in Liwayway, the novel won a special prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest and attracted strong interest from film producers. The movie features vigorous drama, romance, action, and beautiful musical numbers composed by Julio Esteban Anguita and arranged by B. Custodio, all produced under Nepomuceno’s technical direction.

The movie was released and shown at Dalisay Theater, March 7, 1941.

"Singsing na Pangkasal" (1941)

AZ (Acuna/Zaldarriaga) Productions
Release Date March 7- 13/ Dalisay Theater

Story Lazaro Francisco

Music Julio Anguita
Director Jose Nepomuceno

Cast Serafin Garcia, Violeta Hermosa, with Maria Miranda, Martina Jimenes, Rosario Cortez, Alfredo Javier

(Image, courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

(Movie flyer- from the collection of Dharyl Jim Jalos/ GMA Cavite)

"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: MILA DEL SOL, LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, INTRODUCING FRED CORTES, WITH CECILIO JOAQUIN, VICTOR 'BANAHAW" SEVILLA IN "NAGIISANG SANGLA" (1940)/ UPDATED

"Nag-iisang Sangla," which opens today at the Grand Theatre, has been styled the dramatic triumph of the LVN Pictures, Inc. It is in fact, more than that. It is a crowning triumph of the local movie industry. "Nag-iisang Sangla" is as distinctive, different a picture as only the use of the top-notch talents in the local movie industry and the vast resources of the LVN Pictures, Inc. could make it. When the production plans for the movie were yet under the measuring rods of the LVN executives, just one paramount concern burned: It must surpass whatever achievement had been attained. The results, it is the one picture that rises clear through the stereotype, the mawkish, the ordinary.

 A celebrated Tagalog literary masterpiece, Nag-iisang Sangla," as a story, is as fresh and alive as the next living person. It is a story which might have been yours, mine, or anybody's. It is about a man who demanded more than love and two women who gave more than life. It is the story of every man; of every woman.

 Into this one picture is poured the talents of several of the biggest names in the local show business, which fact fastens its nomination to distinctiveness. Among these are: Tor Villano, the veteran of many a film success who directed it, and Cecilio Joaquin, no mean director and actor himself, who heads an imposing cast that includes Fred Cortes the screen find of the year, Victor (Banahaw) Sevilla, and the highly popular radio personalities, Dely Atayatayan and her friend or stooge, the full-throated Andoy Balunbalunan, cowboy-fiscal-professor (plenipotentiary).

 And clinching that distinctiveness is the love-team of Mila del Sol and Leopoldo Salcedo. It is not simply in the team, to be sure, although it accounts more than just partly for the worth of

the whole. It is in the rendition by the two of one of the finest piece of acting across any screen. As the disillusioned man who forgets himself, everyone and everything else, Lecpoldo Salcedo has gained a height of acting excellence which he may, or may not again catch up to. Great is just the word that can describe him in "Nag-iisang Sangla."

 Mila del Sol, for her part, has set a new peak in the upward trend of her versatility as an actress. In her dual role as the faithful country woman and as the night club singer, is a great performance which most probably can't be equaled in local filmdom for a long, long time. In this dual role, Mila del Sol's personality is quite easy to discern on purpose, thanks to her radiating youthful fullness and the inadequacy of local character make-up, but in her interchanging from one person to another throughout the picture is an entrancing subtlety that draws you to the characters portrayed and makes you forget it is Mila del Sol. A great actress, this young woman, in the great picture, "Nag-iisang Sangla."

(The Tribune, November 12, 1940)

 

"Nagiisang Sangla" (1940)

LVN Pictures
Release Date: November 14-20, 1940/ Grand Theater

Story Catalino V. Flores

Music Francisco Buencamino, Jr.
Director Tor Villano
Cast Mila Del Sol, Leopoldo Salcedo and Introducing Fred Cortes, with Cecilio Joaquin, Victir 'Banahaw' Sevilla, Andoy Balungbalunan, Dely AtayAtayan, Jerry and his Romancers

"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: LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, MILA DEL SOL, DINA VALLE , DOMINGO PRINCIPE, WITH PRECIOSO PALMA, PACITA DEL RIO, MANUEL ELORIAGA, AMELITA SOL, ALBERTO LAZARO, FELIX TORRES IN "MAGINOONG TAKAS" (1940)/ UPDATED

"Maginoong Takas" (1940)

LVN Pictures
Release Date: October 17-23, 1940/ Grand Theater
Director Manuel Conde
Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Mila Del Sol, Dina Valle, Domingo Principe, Pacita Del Rio, Precioso Palma, Amelita Del Sol, Manuel Eloriaga, Alberto Lazaro, Juan Rodriguez, Felix Torres 

"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: AMPARO KARAGDAG, LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, TESSIE SANTOS, LINA ALVA,MANUEL BARBEYTO, AMELITA SOL, ROMAN REYES, RAFAEL PADILLA IN "CARIÑOSA" (1940)/ UPDATED

"Cariñosa" (1940)

Sanggumay Pictures
Release Date: October 7- 14, 1940/ Fox Theater

Music Constancio de Guzman
Director Carlos Padilla

Cast Amparo Karagdag, Leopoldo Salcedo, Tessie Santos, Lina Alva, Manuel Barbeyto, Amelita Sol, Roman Reyes, Rafael Padilla

(Images, from the collection of Dharyl Jim Jalos/ GMA Cavite)

"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: 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."

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: FERNANDO POE, LUCITA GOYENA, BEN RUBIO, MONA LISA IN "DILIM AT LIWANAG" (1940)/ UPDATED

"Dilim at Liwanag" (1940)

Atic Inc and X-otic Production
Release Date: March 19-27, 1940/ Grand Theater
Director Eduardo de Castro
Cast Lucita Goyena, Fernando Poe, Ben Rubio, Mona Lisa,

"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: CORAZON NOBLE, OCTAVIO ROMERO, BERT LE ROY, WITH ROSA AGUIRRE, JAIME CASTELLVI, GLORIA DEL MUNDO, JUSTINA DAVID IN "MAGBALIK KA HIRANG" (1940)

"Rich with humanity...bold with sincerity... this heart-warming drama told to the melody, of Nicanor Abelardo's "Magbalk Ka Hirang"... of a lovely fishing village girl and a man loving each other by the muffled, thunderous beating of their hearts..." says the ad in this 1940 musical drama, "Magbalik Ka Hirang."

The story centers on Perla (played by Corazon Noble), a charming young woman from a quiet fishing village who captures the hearts of two close friends, Renato and Berto (portrayed by Octavio Romero and Bert Le Roy, respectively). Renato is gentle and reserved, while Berto is bold and outspoken. Renato loves Perla in silence, content to admire her from afar, whereas Berto tries to win her affection through daring and sometimes bothersome persistence.

Perla, however, secretly loves Renato, who lacks the courage to confess his feelings. Their hearts beat as one, yet neither dares to speak of their love. Trouble arises when a wealthy owner of a fishing cannery from Manila enters their simple world. Renato drifts away, but the enduring bond of true love—tested by distance and time—eventually leads him back to Perla once more.

The movie , directed by  Lorenzo Perez Tuells, also starred Rosa Aguirre, Jaime Castellvi, Gloria del Mundo and  Justina David.

It was released and shown at Grand Theater, March 14, 1940.

"Magbalik Ka Hirang" (1940)

Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.
Release Date: March 14-18, 1940/ Grand Theater
Director Lorenzo Perez Tuells
Cast Corazon Noble, Octavio Romero, Bert Le Roy, Rosa Aguirre, Jaime Castellvi, Gloria del Mundo, Justina David

"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: CORAZON NOBLE, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, WITH TITA DURAN, NARDING ANZURES, LOTA DELGADO, BERT LEROY, MIGUEL ANZURES, ROSA AGUIRRE, PRECIOSO PALMA IN "ANG MAGSASAMPAGUITA" (1939)/ UPDATED

"The gripping tale of a woman who lives to find a world of wickedness and sufferings until fate brings her together with a man whose love for her cannot be measured in terms of gold...!" says the ad in this 1939 super musical drama, "Ang Magsasampaguita."

The movie, directed by Gregorio Fernandez, starred Corazon Noble, Rogelio dela Rosa, Tita Duran, Narding Anzures, Lota Delgado, Bert Le Roy, Miguel Anzures, Rosa Aguirre, Precioso Palma, Carmen Martinez, Jose Luna, Juanita Angeles, Jerry Brandy and  Dina Valle.

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

"Ang Magsasampaguita" (1939)

Sampaguita Pictures
Release Date: November 22- 29, 1939/ Grand Theater
Director Gregorio Fernandez
Cast Corazon Noble, Rogelio dela Rosa, Tita Duran, Narding Anzures, Lota Delgado, Bert Le Roy, Miguel Anzures, Rosa Aguirre, Precioso Palma, Carmen Martinez, Jose Luna, Juanita Angeles, Jerry Brandy, Dina Valle

"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."