EN | ID

Alang-alang

1939 :: Drama

Synopsis

(literal translation of title: Grass or Weeds)

Travelling through his coconut plantation, Suhiyat, the prodigal son of a wealthy man, runs into Suyati who is being harassed by Rainan. When he helps Surati, he also inflames the jealousy of Rasmina, the widow, who is attracted to him, even though she is courted by Karta. Heartbroken, she gets Rainan to abduct Surati. But she escapes inside the woods and manages to befriend the animals. These animals are the ones who save her when Rainan's men raid the woods to take her back. Finally Suhiyat rescues Suyati. Rasmina regrets her evil deeds and returns to her former husband, Karta.

Note

JIF compares  Moh. Mochtar and Hadidjah to the first romantic couple, Rd. Mochtar and Roekiah (see Terang Boelan aka Full Moon).

The popular songs in this film include: Stamboel Alang-alang, Matahari Terbit, Oh Djantoeng Hatikoe, Dengan Apa Saja Moesti Membalas.

The songs were sung by Miss Soeprapti from Tegal and Miss Brintik.

Influenced by the Tarzan films, this film was called the first "jungle film" in Indonesia. Moh Mochtar was referred to as “Tarzan van Java" (Tarzan of Java). Hadidjah was Mas Sardi's wife. She gave birth to Idris Sardi, a violin maestro who was also a prolific composer for music soundtracks in 1970s and 1980s.

The VHS copy of this title can be accessed from the collection of Sinematek Indonesia.

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