THE SEVENTIES # 692: RAMON ZAMORA, LOTIS KEY, LEILA HERMOSA, PAQUITO DIAZ, TSING TONG TSAI IN CELSO AD. CASTILLO'S "RETURN OF THE DRAGON" (1974)

70s action star Ramon Zamora, the recognized Pinoy Bruce Lee, stars as a vengeful warrior in "Return of the Dragon." Zamora plays the role of Failon, whose tribe was massacred and his wife, Lotis Key raped and brutally killed. One by one, he hunts down the perpetrators, with the final battle scene at the desert. One of Zamora's best movies!

"Return of the Dragon" (1974)

FGO-RSJ Productions

Release Date May 17, 1974

Screenplay Mike Relon Makiling

Cinematography Luis Chiong

Production Manager Renato Villapando

Music Tito Sotto

Story and Direction Celso Ad. Castillo

Cast Ramon Zamora, Lotis Key, Leila Hermosa, Paquito Diaz, Tsing Tong Tsai/ Also Starring Roldan Aquino, Danny Rojo, Michael Murray, Ernie Ortega/ Co-starring Joaquin Fajardo, Ruben Ramos, Sancho Tesalona, Joe Cunanan, Steve Alcarado, Leon Pajaron, Jun Santos, Cris Buddha Cruz, Dagul Se, Joe Kelly, Johnny Ramirez, Danny Riel, Groovy Ver, Doming Reyes, Armando Mangaring, Rod Francisco/ Featuring Edna Diaz, Charina Alonzo, Perry Santos, Rhonna Mercado, Lilian Cruz/ Special role- Coney Nubla/ Special Participation- Ben Perez

Ramon Zamora aims and shoots...



ala-Bruce Lee



Ben Perez, the tribe chieftain and daughter, Lotis Key



Ramon Zamora and Lotis Key in a tender scene



Paquito Diaz and his men



Ramon Zamora and guru, Paquito Salcedo



Leila Hermosa and Ramon Zamora



Lotis Key, in a dual role and Ramon Zamora



The final scene at the desert



one of the gory, bloody scenes



The final confrontation



Tsing Tong Tsai



Ramon Zamora and Tsing Tong Tsai in the ultimate duel



Ramon Zamora in the death scene

THE PINOY "SAMURAI" CIRCA 1968-69

"Karate, Samurai at Pg-ibig" (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Rolando Gonzalez, Eddie Torrente, Manuel Camar, Gigi Emperial, Ernesto Almanza and Magna Gonzales/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

"Flame of the Samurai" (1969)- Stars Eddie Torrente, Rossana Marquez, Joaquin Fajardo, Steve Alcarado, Alex Flores, Leon Pajaron/ Introducing Chiqui Santos, Ernie Ortega, Eddie Gallegos/ Directed by Fernando Torrente

"Hari ng Samurai" (1969)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Eddie Garcia, Perla Bautista, Johnny Monteiro, Marissa Delgado, Victor Bravo, Arlene del Rio, Joe Sison/Special Participation of Jose Padilla, Jr., Rocco Montalban, Ruben Ramos, Joaquin Fajardo/ Directed by Leody M. Diaz

"Mga Kidlat Kung Lumaban (The Queens of the Samurai)"/ 1969- Stars Dante Varona, Rossana Ortiz, Marissa Delgado, Philip Gamboa, Lilian Ramos, Jesette Prospero, Johnny Monteiro, Rocco Montalban, Protacio Dee/ Directed by Hector Molina

"The Samurai Fighters" (1969)- Stars Jun Aristorenas, Robin Aristorenas, Max ALvarado, Nort Nepomuceno, Eddie Torrente, Randy Pimentel, Ben Bernal, Rudy Gamboa, ALdo Cruz and Tony Villar/ Directed by Junar

"Samurai Master" (1969)- Stars Jun Aristorenas, Imelda Ilanan, Robin Aristorenas, Lori Hunter, Gina Stuart, Jimmy Javier, Larry SIlva, Joaquin Fajardo, Aldo Cruz And Danny Rojo/ Directed by Junar

"The Magic Samurai" (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzales, Johnny Monteiro, Dencio Padilla, Joaquin Fajardo, Rocco Montalban, Rudy Dominguez, Greg lansang, Jun Santos, Lope Policarpio, Ernie Ortega/ Directed by Leody M. Diaz

PINOY "KARATE KID" (1967)

"Karate Kid" made its debut run in Hollywood in 1984 with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita and a remake in 2010 with Jaden Smith and Jacky Chan. Did you know that a Pinoy movie with the same title was made and released in 1967? It starred Tony Ferrer, 60s action star, known for his Agent X-44 roles.

"Karate Kid" (1967)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Vilma Valera, Diana Dean, Marissa Delgado, Alicia Alonzo/with Victor Bravo, Rocco Montalban, Joaquin Fajardo, Leon Pajaron, Bernard Belleza, Steve Alcarado and Danny Rojo/ Directed by Abraham Cruz

PINOY MOVIE TITLES # 6: "HARI NG KARATE" (1966) AND "REYNA NG KARATE" (1967)

"Hari ng Karate" (1966)- Stars Roberto Gonzales, Josephine Estrada, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Merle Fernandez, Martin Marfil, Lyn D'Arce, Eddie Torrente, Val Magno, Tony Villar and Andy Garchitorena/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

"Reyna ng Karate" (1967)- Stars Magna Gonzales, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Miss Karina Zawalsky, Mr. Jerry Skiver, Ariston Bautista, Leonardo Casero, Bert Martinez, Sancho Tesalona and Boy Chico/ Special Guests- Lucita Soriano, Marissa Delgado, Lyn D'Arce/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

"LADY UNTOUCHABLE" (1968)

Magna Gonzales was groomed as karate queen when she starred as a masked crime buster in this forgettable 1968 action flick, "Lady Untouchable." Any relation to karate king Roberto Gonzales?

"Lady Untouchable" (1968)- Stars Magna Gonzalez, Jing Abalos, Tony Villar, Jose Garcia, Rocco Montalban, Ernie White and Danny Rojo/ with Ronaldo Valdez in a special role/ Guest star- Norma Blancaflor/ Directed by Bert Balilla, Jr. & Anthony Ocampo

"MEN OF ACTION MEET WOMEN OF DRAKULA" (1969)

"Acrobat masters death duel with super natural power of vampires and draculas!" says the blurb in this 1969 movie, "Men of Action Meet Women of Drakula." This would be one hell of a movie, one of Dante Varona's early flicks showcasing his incredible daredevil stunts.

"Men of Action Meet Women of Drakula" (1969)- Stars Dante Varona, Eddie Torrente, Ruben Obligacion, Norman Henson, Ernesto Beren and Angelito Marquez/ with Martin Marfil, Liza Belmonte, Marco Antonio & Nemia Velasco/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

ROBERTO GONZALEZ, BOTH AS A "NINJA" AND A "SAMURAI" WARRIOR

60s action star Roberto Gonzales, dubbed as local filmdom's "Karate King," portrayed both as a ninja and samurai warrior in two separate movies he made in 1969, "The Magic Samurai" and "Hari ng Ninja."

"The Magic Samurai" (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Johnny Monteiro, Dencio Padilla, Joaquin Fajardo, Rocco Montalban, Rudy Dominguez, Greg lansang, Jun Santos, Lope Policarpio, Ernie Ortega/ with Jessette, Angela Montes/ Directed by Leody M. Diaz

"Hari ng Ninja" (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Rosanna Ortiz, Rolando Gonzalez/ with Katsu Harada, Kurosawa Koryo, Kimura Osaka, Okawa Tora, Sato Maru/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

PINOY BOXING CHAMPS IN "FIGHTING FIST" (1971)

Filipino boxing champions, Pedro Adique, Roberto Cruz, Little Cezar, James Johnson and Olympian silver medalist Anthony Villanueva made their screen appearances with action star Roberto Gonzales in "Fighting Fist."

"Fighting Fist" (1971)- Stars Roberto Gonzales, Max Alvarado, Georgina Fairy, Aruray, Matimtiman Cruz/ with Pedro Adigue, Roberto Cruz, Little Cezar, James Johnson and Anthony Villanueva/ Directed by Tony Cayado

ROBERTO GONZALEZ AND BERNARD BELLEZA IN "KIDLAT SA KARATE" (1968) AND MORE...

Two popular but underrated action stars of the 60s, Roberto Gonzalez and Bernard Belleza starred together in a number of movies, among them Kidlat sa Karate (1968), Pambihirang Tatlo (1969) and Ang Matitinik (1970), before the latter was gunned down in 1970 .

More on Roberto Gonzales and Bernard Belleza

"Kidlat sa Karate" (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Bernard Belleza, Imelda Ilanan, Johnny Delgado, Alvaro Muhlach, Alicja Basili, Lyn D' Arce and Rolando Gonzalez/ Directed by Ben Feleo



"Pambihirang Tatlo" (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Eddie Fernandez, Bernard Belleza and Divina Valencia/ with Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia, Lito Garcia, Bobby Santiago, Larry Silva, Liza Belmonte/ Directed by Felix Villar



"Ang Matitinik" (1970)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Bernard Belleza, Paquito Diaz, Dante Varona, Lito Garcia/ with Jessica, Van de Leon, Victor Bravo, Eva Marie, Bobby Santiago and Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Pablo Santiago

PINOY MOVIE SPOOFS # 31: "WE ONLY LIVE WA-IS" (1968)

"We Only Live Wa-is" (1968)- Stars Bernard Belleza, Anna Gonzales, Carina Afable, Gina Laforteza, Rico Roman/ with Tugak, Pugak, Pabo, Toto, Pepot, Ponga, Tintoy, Joseph Polk, Manok and Cachupoy & Jerry Pons/ Directed by Luis San Juan


"You Only Live Twice" (1967)

"KARATE KING" ROBERTO GONZALEZ DIES, 66

Hari ng Karate (1966)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Josephine Estrada, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Merle Fernandez, Martin Marfil, Eddie Torente/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Roberto Gonzalez, Karate King of Philippine Movies and one of the finest action stars of the 60s, passed away last February 5. He was 66. Gonzalez' body lies in state at his friend’s house in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

“Maliit kasi ang pasilyo papunta sa bahay namin kaya nagprisinta ‘yong kaibigan niya na dito na siya iburol,” partner Rose said. Gonzales had sired two children with his former househelp Rose- Rhoda, third year, and Bobby, first year high school. “Eighteen lang ako no’n nang pumunta sa kanilang bahay sa Project 6. Ako ang nagtatrabaho sa kanyang bahay. May pera pa siya no’n. Hanggang sa nawalan na siya ng girlfriend. Ako ang naiwan. Ako ang nag-alaga sa kanya hanggang ngayon,” confessed the now 40-year old common-law wife.

The former debonair karate expert, who introduced self-defense in the local movies in the tradition of Bruce Lee, had seven other kids with three women. He had three children with former leading lady Rina Imperial, who is now based in the United States, and two each with non-showbiz women.

“Nag-reunion nga ‘yong mga anak niya sa burol no’ng isang gabi,” chuckled Rose.

HE DIED POOR

He used to be Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada’s rival at the tills during the late 60s and early 70s. There was even a time that Gonzalez had surpassed the combined box-office receipts of both Poe and Estrada’s movies.He was famous and rich but, somewhere along the way, he lost his popularity and his millions. Gonzalez died poor.

Years before he succumbed to second heart attack last week, friends said he was like a beggar asking for alms from his colleagues in the film community. “Nakakaawa talaga si Betong,” said comedian Amay Bisaya, referring to Gonzalez pet name. There were no more movie offers except for occasional screen appearances. But the talent fees were still not enough to feed his family.“Pero ang ipinanghihingi niya ng pera araw-araw sa kanyang mga kaibigan ay para sa kanyang dalawang anak na estudyante,” said dubber, actress and line producer Olive Madridejos.

Although interment has been scheduled on Sunday, Gonzalez family has yet to look for additional money for funeral expenses. Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid, who are also actors, have already sent flowers. His family said hopefully financial donations would follow. “Pag nagkakasakit noon si Betong, sina Bong at Lito ang nagbibigay sa akin,” said Rose.

By Boy Villasanta, ABS-CBN News

More on Roberto Gonzalez

Magnificent Brothers (1966)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Rolando Gonzalez, Carlos Padilla, Jr., Merle Fernandez, Martin Marfil, Marilou Ver, Eddie Torrente and Anna Ledesma/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Digmaan sa karate (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez and Liberty Ilagan/Cast of top foreign and local martial arts experts / Directed by Solano Gaudite

Bertong Karate (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Liberty Ilagan, Rolando Gonzalez, Eddie Torrente/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Berdugo ng mga Hari (1967)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Merle Fernandez, Eddie Torente/ Directed by Leo Sun

Bulag na Matador (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Alicia Alonzo, Roderick Paulate and Verna Gaston/ Directed by Solano Gaudite

Hari ng Slums (1968)- Stars Roberto Gonzalez, Elvie Gonzales, Stella Suarez, Edie Torrente, Tony Villar and Rolando Gonzalez/ Directed by SolanoGaudite

RAMON ZAMORA AS "THE DRAGON"- THE ORIGINAL PINOY BRUCE LEE

No one can approximate the legendary Bruce Lee in terms of looks and fighting style other than our very own Pinoy Bruce Lee clone, Ramon 'The Dragon' Zamora.

Yari Naaaa!... (1971)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Balot, Tange and Jessica/ Directed by Ading Fernando

Ramon Zamora started his entertainment career in 1953 as a stuntman and dancer for LVN Pictures. He was given his biggest break in the highly popular TV comedy gag show Super Laff-Inn in the late 60s and early 70s. Zamora's most popular stock character in the show was a military-clad figure that bore an unmistakable physical resemblance to Hitler, who spoke in bastardized German and spouted catchphrases such as "Isprakenheit"

He starred as the durable komiks character Pedro Penduko in the 1973 Celso Ad Castillo fantasy film Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko. The resulting success of this film boosted Zamora’s popularity, and he soon became one of the top box-office draws in Philippine cinema in the 1970s

Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko (1973)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Jeanne Young, Lotis Key, Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Jingle/ Directed by Celso Ad Castillo

Bagsik at Kamandag ni Pedro Penduko (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Lotis Key, Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Paquito Diaz/ Directed by Jose Wenceslao

Zamora was especially popular for a string of locally-produced martial arts films that emerged following the international success of Bruce Lee. Patterning his film persona around a Bruce Lee-type with a comedic twist, Zamora starred in such films as Pig Boss (1973), The King Plaster (1973) Shadow of the Dragon (1973), , Game of Death (1974) and Return of the Dragon (1974).

Source: wikipedia
More on Ramon Zamora

The Pig Boss (1972)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Vina Morena, Jane Laurel, Amanda Suarez/ Directed by Luis San Juan

The King Plaster (1972)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Jane Laurel, Menchie Palma, Tange and Mandy Bustamante/ Directed by Luis San Juan

Shadow of the Dragon (1973)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Jeanne Young, Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Micahel Murray and Ike Fernando/ Directed by Jun Gallardo

Dragon Fire (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Gina Pareno, Marissa Delgado, Dencio Padilla, Subas Herrero and Tsing Tong Tsai/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

The Dragon Force Connection (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Evangeline Pascual, Charlie Davao, Edna Luna/ Directed by Nilo Saez

The Game of Death (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Evangeline Pascual, Eddie Garcia, Panchito, Roldan Aquino/ Directed by Jun Gallardo

Return of the Dragon (1974)- Stars Ramon Zamora, Lotis Key, Leila Hermosa, Paquito Diaz, Tsing Tong Tsai/ Directed by Celso Ad Castillo