MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA, PURITA STA. MARIA, ANTONINA HERNANDEZ, FLEUR DE LIS, ESTELA MARI, ROSA DEL MAR, GERARDO DE LEON, TITO AREVALO IN "DASALANG PERLAS" (1938)

Never before in all the history of local motion pictures has the love of a mother been more tenderly, more exquisitely portrayed as in this latest release of Parlatone. A mother's simple life, her privations and hardships, her sacrifice ---big and small--- all those have been most delicately set forth in this moving picture portrait of a mother. The things mother lets herself go without for the children's merest whims, the pain and heartache she bears for their future and happiness, all the worry and care she goes into for love of them, nothing has been omitted. The title itself is replete with meaning. “Dasalang Perlas"---beads of pearl--- each pearl a drop of tear from mother s eyes, each tear a pain pricking at her heart. All the pathos, all the tenderness and suffering a woman's is capable of have been poured into this moving picture of life and a mother.

Angel Esmeralda heads and all star cast. The delightful ignoramus of "Binatang Bukid" becomes a serious youth, filled with compelling earnestness and a burning desire to succeed on his own. He leaves home, love, life with people he knew and loved, and goes a-roving, penetrating into stranger soils, living with strange people. Angel's fans will find a delightfully new Angel. And as always, his magnificent naturalness throws a cast of greatness over his role. Fans will want to see him not one but twice in "Dasalang Perlas."

This picture shall be remembered by all moviedom for a great actress. She is Antonina Hernandez, the girl who plays the role of mother. She is really just a girl, but perfect make-up, exquisite acting make her portrayal a picture in itself, a veritable jewel. Because of her, "Dasalang Perlas" shall be unforgettable.

Purita Sta. Maria. Estela Mari, Fleur de Lis, Rosa del Mar--- BEAUTY, a whole garden full of it, is present in "Dasalang Perlas" making the picture a treat for the emotions and a feast for the eyes. Gerardo de Leon and Tito Arevalo add strength and power to the picture by their splendid portrayal of sons. These young men have talent above the ordinary, they can more than speak, they can act. "Dasalang Perlas" give them roles worthy at last of their great talents.

(The Tribune, September 25, 1938)

"Dasalang Perlas+

    Parlatone Hispano- Filipino, Inc.

Release Date September 25,1938/ Fox Theater

Direction Mar I. Esmeralda

Cast Angel Esmeralda, Purita Sta. Maria, Antonina Hernandez, Fleur de Lis, Estela Mari, Rosa del Mar, Gerardo de Leon, Tito Arevalo

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: CARLOS PADILLA, ROSITA RIVERA, ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, MARIA CLARA RUIZ, FLEUR DE LIS, GERARDO DE LEON, GREGORIO TICMAN, ARMANDO CRIS IN "BUKANG LIWAYWAY" (1938)

"A movie that takes you into the very heart of movie life..." says the ad in this 1938 musical comedy, "Bukang Liwayway." It tells of "two young people who met in the woods of Antipolo, fell in love, and parted only to meet again after more than a year. One had become a director, the other the wife of a producer. The tragic part is that they were still in love with each other. Their love almost ended in tragedy."

The movie was released and shown at Fox Theater, September 8, 1938.

"Bukang Liwayway" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date September 9, 1938/ Fox Theater

Story Consuelo Ruiz

Music Josefino Cenizal

Direction Carlos Padilla

Cast Carlos Padilla, Rosita Rivera, Rogelio de la Rosa, Maria Clara Ruiz, Fleur de Lis, Gerardo de Leon, Gregorio Ticman, Armando Cris

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: JOSE PADILLA, JR., MARIA CLARA RUIZ IN "CELIA AT BALAGTAS" (1938)

"Celia at Balagtas'' which open at the Grand Theatre today will certainly be a surprise treat to every Filipino, young and old. It will show one of their most precious idol of Philippine history, Francisco (Balagtas) Baltazar, and unfold before their eyes an episode of his sad but never the adventurous life— in a remarkable film that will leave no eyes dry, with its memories unconsciously lingering longer in the heart than even the fans wish them to.

 Balagtas' fame as a poet is already a thing of history. But how he unconsciously earned that undying name, reaching its zenith in "Florante at Laura" is still a thing as new as tomorrow's headline: The tender love he had for Celia, the creeping doubt that afterwards consumed his heart about her true love and faith on him during his hectic lighting years, and finally, the cruel fate of losing her forever — all these are a revelation, which through Excelsior's supreme effort, will all be brought vividly before your eyes and make you living witnesses to the cruel moments lived by our beloved Prince of Poets.

(The Tribune, September 1, 1938)

"Celia at Balagtas" (1938)

Excelsior Pictures, Inc.

Release Date September 1, 1938

Story Teodoro Virrey

Direction Gregorio Fernandez

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Maria Clara Ruiz

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ANGEL ESMERALDA (IN A DUAL ROLE), PURITA STA. MARIA, ESTELA MARI, GREGORIO TICMAN, GERARDO DE LEON IN "BINATANG BUKID" (1938)

The news that will thrill thousands of local movie fans all over the islands is the release of “Binatang Bukid,” Parlatone's musical super production, which had its gala opening last night at the newly remodeled Fox Theatre. The picture marks Angel Esmeralda's newest and latest. Once again, Angel proves that he is the idol of local moviedom. On no occasion was a theatre so stormed by movie fans as was the Fox Theatre last night. People actually fought their way in. And the crowd in the lobby never thinned, waiting for even a glimpse of the star and the entire principal cast who made a thrilling personal appearance after the show.

Fans will remember the romance of "Nasaan Ka Irog," the drama of "Ang Pagbabalik," the beauty of "Milagro ng Nazareno," the comedy of "Ruben." All these,  and more, they will find embodied tenfold in Mar. I. Esmeralda's picturization of the greatest of his zarzuelas, “Binatang Bukid.” For the first time in his career Angel Esmeralda plays a dual role, that of a country boy and that of a city heir. As the former he finds himself mistaken for the latter, from which error arise all sorts of complications and no end of fun. To make matters worse, the gardener, the maid, and the cook of "Ruben" enlist themselves as his guardians in the city. The results are nothing short of hilarious. Together, they make the picture a laugh riot from beginning to end.

All Angel's fans will agree that their idol practically steals the show in spite of superlative competition from a brilliant cast. In his previous roles, that in "Ang Pagbabalik" in particular, he showed what he can do with drama. That comedy, too, was well within his reach he showed in "Ruben." In “Binatang Bukid,” he proves that he is master at both. The picture is principally a comedy. However, there is one instance — a scene which flashes off almost in the wink of an eye- where the boy portrays drama in all its depth and power. The very air is tense for one long minute...In an exactly opposite characterization ,as the country lad ignorant of all city ways, half lost in the midst of city intricacies, he is just as utterly, deliciously perfect. It is in this latter role that he practically steals the picture. For never has Angel been more natural, never more appealing, never greater than as the naive — not stupid, just delightfully ignorant — binatang bukid. Most emphatically, with this picture, he proves that all the adulation showered on him by young and old, by men and women from all walks of life, is not undeserved.

Two of Parlatone's loveliest play opposite him in the picture, the gorgeous Purita Sta. Maria, who grows more and more beautiful in each close-up, it seems, and a lovely newcomer, Estela Mari of whom there will be many inquiries after this picture. They play the "dalagang bayan" and the "dalagang bukid," respectively, and just as Puring is daring, rich — in looks as well as in manner, spoiled, and very enchanting, so is Estela sweet, unspoiled, shy, and very lovable. Gregorio Ticman and Gerardo de Leon present a splendid pair of fathers. 

(The Tribune, August 28, 1938)

"Binatang Bukid" (1938)

A Parlatone Super Production

Release Date August 27, 1938/ Fox Theater

Written and Directed by Mar I. Esmeralda

Cast Angel Esmeralda, Purita Sta. Maria, Estela Mari, Gregorio Ticman, Gerardo de Leon

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSA DEL ROSARIO, LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ANTONIA SANTOS, DOMINGO PRINCIPE, FLORENTINO BALLECER, ANGELTA (RHUMBA) REY, GUILLERMO E. CARLS IN "KALAPATING PUTI" (1938)

From one of the greatest vernacular novels published in the Philippines today, Filippine Films has made a memorable picture, "Kalapating Puti" with the country's foremost star in the leading role, Rosa del Rosario. It is the next attraction at the Grand Theater.

Leopoldo Salcedo, virile and talented leading man of "Ligaw na Bituin," plays again opposite Miss del Rosario in a role which calls for a different technique of acting and incidentally proves that he is the finished and versatile of the local movie actors. Contributing excellent support are Antonia Santas, Florentino Ballecer, Angelita (Rhumba) Rey, Domingo Principe, Paula Maurat and Guillermo E. Carls. 

The story revolves around the sufferings an ex-vaudeville artist wife experiences when her in-laws gang up against her and brands her with a vile name which she does not deserve. Forsaken by her husband, she goes back to the vaudeville crowd she used to know and, with the secret of her coming motherhood locked in her bosom, tries to forget. A stirring climax brings this story to a satisfactory close.

Guillermo J. Icasiano, who makes his debut as a director after writing scenarios for the last seven years directed "Kalapating Puti."  (The Tribune, August 13, 1938)

"Kalapating Puti" (1938)

Filippine Films

Release Date August 20, 1938

Story Susana de Guzman and Rosalia Aguinaldo

Direction Guillermo J. Icasiano

Cast Rosa del Rosario, Leopoldo Salcedo, Antonia Santos, Domingo Principe, Angelta (Rhumba) Rey, Guillermo E. Carls

(Image, courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSARIO MORENO, RUDY CONCEPCION, WITH TITA DURAN, ANDRES CENTENERA, NATI RUBI, MIGUEL ANZURES, SOLEDAD AQUINO IN "ALIPIN NG PALAD" (1938)

"Here's the most gripping story of a woman whose life rested between the cruel fangs of fate, blasting with agonizing misery and torturing tragedy!," says the ad in this 1938 romantic drama, "Alipin ng Palad."

Hailed as “the greatest dramatic hit of the year,” the film featured an impressive cast led by Rosario Moreno, Rudy Concepcion, and Tita Duran, with Andres Centenera, Nati Rubi, Miguel Anzures, Soledad Aquino, Carmen Martinez, Gloria Imperial, Tomasa Alvarez, and Enrique Espinoza, under the direction of Octavio Silos.

It was shown at Grand Theater, August 11, 1938.

"Alipin ng Palad" (1938)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date August 11, 1938/ Grand Theater

Written and Directed by Octavio Silos

Cast Rosario Moreno, Rudy Concepcion/ with Tita Duran, Andres Centenera, Nati Rubi, Miguel Anzures, Soledad Aquino, Carmen Martinez, Gloria Imperial, Tomasa Alvarez, Enrique Espinoza

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, MARIA CLARA RUIZ, ROSITA RIVERA, FLEUR DE LIS, ARMANDO CRIS, GERARDO DE LEON, GREGORIO TICMAN, BEN RUBIO IN "MGA SUGAT NG PUSO" (1938)

"A story of two hearts who gave each other pain because of a love so deep it had to be misunderstood!" says the ad in this 1938 romantic drama, "Mga Sugat ng Puso."

The movie, directed by Carlos Padilla, starred Rogelio de la Rosa, Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Fleur de Lis, Armando Cris, Gerardo de Leon, Ben Rubio.

"Mga Sugat ng Puso" (1938)

A Parlatone Production

Release Date July 29, 1938/ Grand Theater

Directon Carlos Padilla

Cast Rogelio de la Rosa, Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Fleur de Lis, Armando Cris, Gerardo de Leon, Ben Rubio

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ARMANDO VILLA, ROSA MARIA, NITA FARIAS, MARIO DE CORDOVA, MARI DEL SOL, E. CARVAJAL, J. GONZALEZ IN "SECRETO DE CONFESION" (1938)

Almost against his will and contrary to his own judgment, Mario de Córdova—none other than former Governor José Padilla—finally agreed to portray Salvador, the lover of Isabelita (Rosita Garriz), in "Secreto de Confesión," Parlatone’s latest super-production now completed and soon to be released to an eager public this July.

Convincing Mr. Padilla to take the role was no easy task. It took months of persuasion before he finally accepted the lead opposite Miss Garriz. Mr. Padilla had never envisioned himself as a film actor. Yet, artistic talent clearly runs in the Padilla family—Carlos, Pempe, and María Clara Ruiz Padilla being shining examples. His love for the arts dates back to his San Juan de Letran days, when he was acclaimed as the school’s finest actor. Despite a demanding political career, he remained the most discerning and exacting critic of his talented siblings.Still, he had no intention of appearing on screen—until one compelling reason swayed him: "Secreto de Confesión" would be the very first Spanish-language film produced in the Philippines. The project was historic, destined to mark a new era in local cinema.

Mr. Padilla served as governor of Bulacan for eight years, earning unmatched popularity throughout the province. Blessed with youthful vigor, charm, and striking good looks, the former governor continues to enjoy a distinguished reputation—especially among the ladies.Bottom of Form

"Secreto de Confesion" (1938)

A Parlatone Super Production

Release Date July 26, 1938/ Metropolitan Theater

Music Julio Esteban Anguita

Direction Don Danon

Cast Armando Villa, Rosa Maria, Nita Farias, Mario de Cordova, Mari del Sol, E. Carvajal, J. Gonzalez

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: NELA ALVAREZ IN "DAHIL SA PAG-IBIG" (1938)

"She loved as much as any woman ever loved. She suffered more than anyone has suffered yet! Fraught with the tenderness of a woman's love and devotion!" says the ad in this 1938 drama, "Dahil sa Pag-ibig."

Nela Alvarez plays a sympathetic role as she delights her admirers with her fine voice as she sings for the first time on the screen.

"Dahil sa Pag-ibig" (1938)

Luzon Motion Pictures

Release Date July 17, 1938/ Fox Theater

Cast Nela Alvarez

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROSA AGUIRRE, RUDY CONCEPCION, TEDDY BENAVIDES, LIGAYA FLORES, MIGUEL ANZURES IN "HIMAGSIKAN NG MGA PUSO" (1938)

"His mother's misfortune crumpled his love into fragments of bitter shame threatening the only happiness he struggled to fight and live for!," says the ad in this 1938 electryfying musical drama, "Himagsikan ng mga Puso."

Based from the novel, "Talang Bodavil" by Julian C. Balmaceda, the movie was direded by Manuel Silos and starred Rosa Aguirre, Rudy Concepcion, Teddy Benavides, Ligaya Flores, Miguel Anzures, Horacio Morelos, Tomasa Alvarez, Luis Salvador and the Romancers.

"Himagsikan ng mga Puso" (1938)

Sampaguita Pictures

Release Date July 12, 1938/ Grand Theater

Story Julian C. Balmaceda

Direction Manuel Silos

Cast Rosa Aguirre, Rudy Concepcion, Teddy Benavides, Ligaya Flores, Miguel Anzures, Horacio Morelos, Tomasa Alvarez, Luis Salvador and the Romancers

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ALMA BELLA, RICARDO DE SOTTO, SALVADOR ZARAGOZA, CORAZON NOBLE, TOR VILLANO, PEDRO FAUSTINO IN "DUGONG HINUGASAN" (1938)

A realistic picturization of human strife, "Dugong Hinugasan" throbs to the rapid pulsation of blood, grips with the naked claws of life, is at once beautiful and ugly, tender and cruel. It is overflowing with the red stuff of life. In order to bring forth all the dramatic elements in the original Teodoro Virrey novel, Filippine Films studded the production with true and tested stars, foremost among them being Alma Bella, Tor Villano. Salvador Zaragoza and Pedro Faustino. Miss Bella, everybody knows, is next only in dramatic capacity to Rosa del Rosario, and easily superior to all other actresses in the local film firmament. 

Tor Villano, the youngest director in the Philippines who gave you "Ilaw ng Langit" and "Ligaw m Bituin." took time out from his directorial duties and gave it to the moulding and shaping of a character that is destined to be the most talked about even after many years will have passed---that of Enchong, scarred face, righteous, cruel and brave gang leader. Salvador Zaragoza, as Diego the good-for-nothing husband of Miss Bella, adds another leaf to his laurel of remarkable screen characterizations.

The story presents a boy who is stolen from his parents during the cradle days, grows up in the midst of plenty and decency, becomes a judge and then meets his father when the latter, who has been living a life of crime all the time, is tried before him and sentenced to die. 

(The Tribune, June 30, 1938)

"Dugong Hinugasan" (1938)

Filippine Films

Release Date July 7, 1938/ Fox Theater

Story Teodoro Virrey

Direction Cecilio R. Joaquin

Cast Alma Bella, Ricardo de Sotto, Salvador Zaragoza, Corazon Noble, Tor Villano, Pedro Faustino

 

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, MARIA CLARA RUIZ, ROSITA RIVERA, FLEUR DE LIS, ARMANDO CRIS, GERARDO DE LEON, GREGORIO TICMAN, BEN RUBIO IN "BAGO LUMUBOG ANG ARAW" (1938)

“Bago Lumubog ang Araw,” produced by Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc., premiered at the Grand Theater on June 28, 1938. Directed by Carlos Padilla from a story by Lazaro Francisco, the film portrays the lives of students both at home and on campus, starring Rogelio de la Rosa, Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Fleur de Lis, Armando Cris, Gerardo de Leon, and Ben Rubio.

"Bago Lumubog ang Araw" (1938)

Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Inc.

Release Date June 28, 1938

Directon Carlos Padilla

Cast Rogelio de la Rosa, Maria Clara Ruiz, Rosita Rivera, Fleur de Lis, Armando Cris, Gerardo de Leon, Ben Rubio

MORE ON PRE-WAR TAGALOG MOVIES: JOSE PADILLA, JR., LILIA VIZCONDE, ANDRES GUEVARA, PARIA ROSAL, SALVADOR ZARAGOZA, MIGUEL ANZURES, JUANITA ANGELES, GUILLERMO E. CARLS, BEN DE LUNA IN "ANG KAMAY NA BAKAL" (1938)/ UPDATED

The newly organized division of Investigation of the Department of Justice is seen in action in the Filippine Films super-thriller, "Kamay na Bakal," as they go after the strangest quarry they have ever known, The Invisible Man. They have only slim clues to work on. They are endlessly baffled by the question: "Who is the avenging Invisible Man whose presence can only be told by a visible Iron Arms?"

Starring in this weird mystery romance are Lilia Vizconde, pretty Filippine Films star discovery, andJose Padilla, Jr. in the second starring spot are Patria Rosal. Whom you last saw in "Lihim ng Ina," and Andres Guevarra, a dynamic new screen personality.

Fired with action, spine-chilling and well-balanced by a tender love 'story, "Kamay na Bakal," starring Jose Padilla, Jr. and Lilia Vizconde, is the next attraction at the Fox. Produced by Filippine Films, pioneer picture company who gave you the year's musical masterpiece,"Ay! Kalisud," the first world-wide release picture, 'Zamboanga,'' and the dramatic smash -hit, "Ligaw na Bituin," this weird mystery thriller was based upon Dr. Fausto Galauran’s celebrated novel, published in all the Ramon Roces Publications. The story is about an unjustly persecuted doctor who finds the secret of invisibility and uses his knowledge for revenge. He has his vengeance, but he also loses several things, among them being his heart.

(The Tribune, June 6, 1938)

"Ang Kamay na Bakal" (1938)

Filippine Films Production 

Release Date June 6- 13, 1938/ Fox

Direction Ernesto C. Lopez 

Cast Jose Padilla, Jr., Lilia Vizconde, Andres Guevara, Patria Rosal, Salvador Zaragoza, Miguel Anzures, Juanita Angeles, Guillermo E. Carls, Ben de Luna 

(Image courtesy of Pinoy Kollektor)

"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: ELSA ORIA, RUDY CONCEPCION, TEDDY BENAVIDES, NATI RUBI, SOLDEDAD AQUINO, JOSE GONZALES IN "PAROPARONG BUKID" (1938)/UPDATED

"She consented to marry the man she hated to save the man she loved! This is the most bewildering love-tale the 'singing sweetheart' has ever had--- dazzling with heart-throbbing emotions and stirring suspense" says the ad in this 1938 movie, "Paroparong Bukid." 

The movie, directed by Octavio Silos, starred Elsa Oria, Rudy Concepcion, Teddy Benavides, Nati Rubi, Soledad Aquino, Jose Gonzales. 

"Paroparong Bukid" (1938)

Sampaguita Pictures Inc.

Release Date: May 31- June 12, 1938/ Grand Theater

Director Octavio Silos
Cast Elsa Oria, Rudy Concepcion, Teddy Banavides, Nati Rubi, Soledad Aquino, Jose Gonzales

"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."