Tagalog Movie

Directed by Lamberto V. Avellana
Story & Screenplay by Rolf Bayer

Carding (Jose Padilla Jr) almost kills the landlord
who steals his family's land

Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay was the third film of its kind that LVN Pictures produced to aid the government's propaganda effort against the spread of communism in the country. The first was Kontrabando, produced in 1950, the second was Korea, made in 1952 which dealt with Filipino soldiers sent to Korea as part of the first ever 'coalition of the very willing' - to help fight what was basically America's war. The film was written by a young reporter named Benigno Aquino Jr, and directed by Lamb erto V. Avellana. Sadly, no print or negative of Korea film exists today, only photographs.

In 1953, with extensive help from the CIA, soon-to-become President Ramon Magsaysay and the USIS (United States Information Service) launched a nationwide campaign to convince the rebels to lay down their arms and promised those who surrendered not only financial assistance but their own parcel of land, specifically in Kapatagan, Lanao. Thus was Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay made.

The 'Red' plotters - including an American communist
inspired by the real-life William Pomeroy (Rolf Bayer, Ezar Visenio, and Joseph de Cordova)

But the film itself, as directed by Lamberto V. Avellana, transcended propaganda. In fact, it remains a powerful drama with unforgettable performances by most of the film's actors - specifically, Jose (Pempe) Padilla Jr, who plays Carding, the anti-Japanese guerrilla turned Huk when his family's land is taken over by the greedy landlord; Joseph de Cordova as Maxie, the communist recruiter who assures Carding that only a communist can be a true Filipino; Carding's wife Trining (Celia Flor), and finally Leroy Salvador, who plays Jesus, Carding's brother-in-law who shoots Carding in the arm, foiling his attempt to escape the military.

A traitor to the cause is executed by fellow Huks

Leroy Salvador as Jesus pleads for forgiveness
when Carding is arrested.

In the newly formed and still quite credible FAMAS awards for the best of 1953, Jose Padilla Jr was chosen Best Actor, Leroy Salvador, Best Supporting Actor, and Lamberto V. Avellana, Best Director.

A land of their own…

A new life for a former Huk

NOTES: VHS versions come in plain box.
Copying is done entirely by LVN Pictures.
This vintage video is not a restored version.

• Jose Padilla Jr
• Celia Flor
• Ven Medina
• Rosa Aguirre
• Joseph De Cordova
• Leroy Salvador

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