People recall Sampaguita and LVN Pictures, but not Manila Talkatone Studios. It was established in 1932 by George Musser and its first film “Ang Aswang” starring, not surprisingly, a young Mary Walter, was considered when it came out a year later, as the first talking picture in Philippine cinema. Musser’s house in Pandacan, known as the Musser/Telmo house, became the studio, where many of their films where shot. The original house still stands today and should be declared a national cultural treasure because of its importance in the development of cinema in the Philippines.
From left: George Musse, Vicente Bonus, Gilda Gales, Eduardo de Castro, and a scriptwirter shooting a scene for “Andres Bonifacio”. Photo courtesy of Lito Bonus