2003 / 2

From: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
To: Fans of P Ramlee
Sent: 9 August, 2003
Subject: Anak-ku Sazali

Shame on me as a P.Ramlee fan not remembering much about some of the scenes in his movies but was there a ballroom dancing scene in the movie 'Anak-ku Sazali'? Was it the scene when the father played the piano with the son looking on while Hashimah Yon sang "Istana Impian"?

There is one more thing that I have just remembered. During the early 60's, there was a funfair in Penang hosted by UMNO. At that time, the movie 'Ibu Mertua Ku' had successfully hit the theatres. P.Ramlee and his entourage were there for a musical presentation. He drove to Penang all the way from Singapore with the sleek Dodge Pioneer, the car that was used by Sabariah and her mother. The car was parked outside the funfair site in Lorong Kulit, Penang. When Ramlee went on stage, he sent laughter in the audience when he said "Saya sepatutnya sampai lebih awal lagi tetapi saya terpaksa bergaduh dengan mak Sabariah, 'ibu mertua aku' kerana nak pinjam kereta dia. Kalau nak tengok kereta tu, pergi lah di luar". The car was a beauty during that time, white in colour with a dark blue top. The presence of the car drew a massive crowd among visitors at the fair. I was then a child and was interested to look at the car to my satisfaction. My grandmother and my uncles with whom I went to the fair told me that they wanted to go back and that if I insisted on not following as I was so obsessed with the car's beauty, I am to ask Ramlee to send me back! The interior was spacious as all American cars then were. The price then which I heared was $15,000.00 (when Malaysia and Singapore currencies were not far off) which was considered high at that time. That was the time when he was earning very heftily from Shaws (some $20K to $30K per movie that he made.) These figures dwindled after he moved to KL and at the time of his death, he was driving a small Nissan. Allah is great. He took the man back as an undefeated champion, not bedriddened with illnesses that befell some of the actors and actresses who were his contemporaries.

Rgds
Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Tom Bradbury
Sent: 8 August, 2003
Subject: Anak-ku Sazali

Hi Tom,
Glad to know that you have received P Ramlee's 'Anak-ku Sazali' VCD I sent you.

I carbon copy this reply to Fans of P Ramlee who would be interested to know that your mother, Joyce Cooke (now in Australia), acted as a dancing partner in one of the ballroom scenes with the music band. Perhaps you could share with this list members about her experience with P Ramlee on the movie set. How did she get the role in 'Anak-ku Sazali' (1956)? How old was she then and now? I will certainly look up for a Caucasian dancer next time I watch the film.

Awaiting your reply.

Tom Bradbury of Sydney, Australia wrote:

>Hi Zaedi
>I just wanted to let you know I received my order last Saturday, and I am most pleased with it.
>
>The movie 'Anak-ku Sazali' brought back many happy memories for my mother, who played a very minor part in the film.
>
>Many thanks for your attention, and all the best for the future
>
>Kind regards
>
>Tom Bradbury

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From: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
To: Fans of P Ramlee
Sent: 7 August, 2003
Subject: Malam Ku Bermimpi

Tuan Hj. Zainal Abidin was my grand uncle (my grandmother's elder brother). A few of my other uncles were very close to P. Ramlee (badminton buddies) during the 40's but they have all died. One of them was A. Wahab Yusoff, a T.V. comedian during the 60's (if you remember Mydin and Ah Chong. Wahab was Mydin while Ah Chong was played by Allahyarham Ibrahim Din). Dato Zainal Aziz is among the few who are still around. I am quite surprised that you said you seldom go to KL. I thought all the while you are operating from there. Although I am from Penang, I seldom go there now because of my work here in Sungai Petani. If I go sometime, I will try to get the brochure from P.Ramlee's house.

I remember something funny. When P.Ramlee was a student in Penang Free School, he had an ardent interest in music and aspired to be an actor and singer. As such, he used to sing and act and was amusing everyone. One person who was not amused was Allahyarham Capt. Mohd. Nor who was one of his teachers. He was a strict disciplinarian and was more British in personality. According to an old timer, when P.Ramlee told him (Capt. Nor) that his ambition was to be an actor, the Captain said that if Ramlee's dream came true, he would eat his shoe! In 1956, after directing 'Penarek Becha', he came to Penang to visit his friends offering them complimentary passes to that movie. He kept one, which according to his friends was meant to be given to Capt. Nor. Together with a friend, he went to Capt. Nor's house and was met by the latter's stern face. He handed the complimentary pass and the old man refused to accept (perhaps out of ego). The man's dignity melted when Ramlee said, "Sir, I am not asking you to eat your shoe but please accept the pass to the movie to see how your ex-student had fared". He turned his back and that was the last he saw Ramlee's face! The man lived up to the ripe age of about 90. After his retirement, he continued rendering his service in social activities and was bestowed with a Dato'ship shortly before he died. If this story should come up, I hope Capt. Nor's name is covered because his grandchildren are very successful and we do not want to tarnish their grandfather's name. I just do not know if we can meet any other old timers with more interesting stories about the great man.

Rgds
Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
Sent: 7 August, 2003
Subject: Malam Ku Bermimpi

Hi Shaik Asgar,
Your late grandfather Tuan Hj. Zainal Abidin was P Ramlee's teacher at Penang Free School !?

Those in this group who're doing a project on P Ramlee for their thesis might be interested to interview your uncle. Unfortunately, I don't go to KL so regularly except when necessary.

BTW, if you or anybody you know in Penang (or anybody in this list) visit P Ramlee's memorial there, I would be glad to get a brochure so that I can add on the Cyber Museum. Can send it by mail to me.

Shaik Asgar wrote in Fans of P Ramlee:

>There is a gentleman in Penang, (my uncle) Dato' Hj. Zainal Aziz bin Zainal Abidin (The younger brother of Allahyarham Dato' Zainal Alam of RTM Penang) who happens to know Allahyarham Tan Sri personally. I do not know his phone number but he resides (if I am not wrong) at 137 Jalan Air Itam Penang. His father Tuan Hj. Zainal Abidin was a teacher at the Penang Free School and had taught Allahyarham P.Ramlee before. This man may be able to give you some info about P. Ramlee's younger days. He goes to KL quite often as he is in business with his son. He is a very jovial person and at 73, still active in social activities and is frequently invited to act as Master Of Ceremonies at social gatherings, weddings etc. You will never be bored with him. Please check him out.
>
>Rgds
>Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Jueiera
Sent: 30 July, 2003
Subject: Malam Ku Bermimpi

Hi Jueiera,
Here's the lyrics you requested:

Malam Ku Bermimpi
F: malam ku bermimpi
hai dengan satu bintang
berkata-kata ku di jendela
ku lihat kanda tersenyum memandang
asmara bergelora
meresap ke dada

M: malam ku terlihat
oh sekuntumlah bunga
baunya harum menarik hati
tak sanggup menahan rasa asmara
meresap mendalam
mengusik di jiwa

F: sayang jauh di balik awan
wajahmu tetap berseri-seri
laksana bulan sedang mengambang
menawan dan menggoncang dalam kalbu

M/F: oh angin meniup
bawa daku ke sana
hasratku ingin bersama-sama
tak tahan rasa hati menderita
gelora asmara
gelalu menggoda

Jueiera wrote:

>Dapat kan senikata lagu 'Malam Ku Bermimpi'

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Alec Chin
Sent: 30 July, 2003
Subject: film poster artist

Hi Alec,
I take note >the first Malay Movie (local made) should be 'Laila Majnun' produced by Christy Chemical Co. Ltd and directed by B S Rajhans in Singapore 1932. The actors are mostly from Bangsawan troupe (majority Indonesian from Riau Region).>

Maybe I was biased towards Shaw Brothers in my early assessment :)

Alec Chin wrote in Fans of P Ramlee:

>Hi Zaedi,
>A good piece of writing, I fully agree with your viewpoint abt the true Malaysian movie.
>
>P.Ramlee tried hard to inject lots of social critics in his films, especially on racial harmony and culture, which one can only find in this part of the world. L Krishnan, a legendary movie maker in the early 60s, also did a fantastic job in projecting multi-cultural plots in the early Malay films. Although he was trained in Indian-Tamil Movie industry, L Krishnan tried to modify the content to suit the local audience, that's why in his movies, the dancing and singing parts are rare compared to other Malay movies produced by Indian imported directors, which was quite popular at that time.
>
>Sometimes we shouldn't categorise "Malaysian Movie" based only on the actors, how about the crews behind the scenes, there were tons of good cameraman, soundman, props maker (Tong Chai in Shaw's Studio) which are Chinese and Indians. They should be considered in defining the real/true Malaysian film.
>
>On another aspects, Shaw Brothers seen the potential of Malay Movies in this region (Malaya, Brunei and Indonesia and even Southern Philippines) during the 40s. They tried hard to please the Malay audience by focus too much on subject matters that attract Malay audience. Furthermore, in term of socio-economic factors, Malay folks are pretty attracted by and knowledgeable in movies (Indonesian, Tamil and local) compared to other race at that era, especially during the harvesting period, where they have more money to spend. That's why normally Shaw's and Cathay Keris launched their movie during this period. Maybe Shaws had "overdone" it at that time till u couldn't find any true Malaysian / Malaya movie.
>
>Another points to ponder is : the first Malay Movie (local made) should be 'Laila Majnun' produced by Christy Chemical Co. Ltd and directed by B S Rajhans in Singapore 1932. The actors are mostly from Bangsawan troupe (majority Indonesian from Riau Region).
>
>Above are just my personal viewpoint, please comment.
>
>alec

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
Sent: 29 July, 2003
Subject: film poster artist

Hi Shaik Asgar,
I saw Kwek Chip Jian on Singapore TV documentaries about Jalan Ampas. He's still a sound man. Very enthusiastic sharing his experience about P Ramlee and the old days. Secondly, I don't have Aziz Sattar's contact, though am looking for one. BTW is he already a Datuk?

I got your point. It's called CENSORSHIP. Always the worst thing for any filmmakers, from the time of P Ramlee until now. Thanks for your very provoking comments.

Shaik Asgar wrote in Fans of P Ramlee:

>Kwek Chip Jian would be extremely old by now to remember anything. If you have the contact address of Seniman Aziz Sattar, he might be of help being among the few of the Jalan Ampas studio fraternity.
>
>I was just thinking the other day. There are and were several famous TV comedies. What made or makes them what they could be. For example "Mr. Bean" or "Mind Your Language". There have been several Malaysian versions of those but they could not survive. You may notice that those shows ( or movies ) were made along independent thinking lines. Mr. Bean or Mind Your Language are British. They hit out at any walks of life, even members of the royal family. That is what people prefer. The shows or movies are presented to people without fear or favour. Even some Hindi movies hit out at politicians, especially those who are corrupt. Malaysian movies cannot do that. I remember watching "YB Alaf Baru." It is about an honest politician. Are they that honest? Gerak Khas is another one. Are the Malaysian police that dedicated or efficient? We, members of the public would like to see the bare facts, not examples of how this or that ought to be. We can look for examples after seeing the bare facts. Allahyarham P.Ramlee presents bare facts to his audience. 'Antara Dua Darjat' was a severe blow to the royalty class. 'Musang Berjanggut' shows how corrupt the King's men are. 'Tiga Abdul' shows what corruption can do and how greed commands a person. Not long ago, someone from the BPR was invited to present a talk on corruption at the Penang Port. He cited examples from the latter two movies and his talk was interesting. Even 'Laxmana Do Re Mi' shows how naive Sultans can be though blanketed with ego. And the list goes on. If the major question "why Malay movies cannot make it these days" is asked, the answer is simple. The people want to see the bare facts and they are not getting what they want in the movies. Malay movies are dull these days because they carry the government propaganda. Instead of watching the movies, you can read the newspapers where you can get as much propaganda as you want. I hope this matter can be highlighted to those in the show business.
>
>They think of getting decorations from the government (Datokships etc) therefore they cannot hurt the government. P.Ramlee was bestowed an A.M.N. after he hurt everyone who deserves to be hurt! They should give it a thought.
>
>Rgds
>Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Alec Chin
Sent: 16 July, 2003
Subject: film poster artist

Hi Alec,
Thanks for your enquiry.

I went through my P Ramlee resource books but can't find any credits for film poster artist. There were credits for 'pelukis' e.g. Mohamad Haniff (Jalan Ampas), Esa Ahmad (Merdeka Studio), for background settings. I remember watching Singapore TV about a company who did hand painting for cinema posters. If you could get hold of Jalan Ampas's studio production manager, one Kwek Chip Jian who still in Singapore, he might able to help you. Sorry, I don't have his contact.

Alec wrote:

>To whom it may concern,
>Good day. I'm pursuing my master thesis in P.Ramlee Movie Poster 50s to 70s.
>Would like to look for the poster artist during that time (Shaw Brothers Malay Films Productions based in Jalan Ampas, Singapore). If u know anyone of them, do drop me a line.
>
>By the way, your site is great and informative. Keep it up.
>
>Thanks & regards,
>alec chin

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
Sent: 28 June, 2003
Subject: Why was P Ramlee fat?

Hi Shaik Asgar,
I agree with you, >He was too sincere, honest and decent...>. *Too honest* that he died a poor man despite what he achieved in the early days.

Shaik Asgar wrote in Fans of P Ramlee:

>I fully agree with you. I have also read that he had to appear in court a few times over business disputes which made him the scapegoat. There was also another news that when 'Air Mata Di Kuala Lumpur''s production was on the drawing board, the man was told that he would not be directing the movie but instead be assigned to compose its songs. This was because he had been considered by the producers as one whose ideas have depleted. The directing job was to be given to Jins Shamsudin. Since then, his spirits and morale were low. The movie was not produced and Jins Shamsudin was nowhere near it. It was also unfortunate that show biz then was not like what it is today. Yusof Haslam, Aziz M Osman and Erma Fatima to name a few are a contented lot as they are backed by corporations with sound financial backing. If there were charismatic corporations then, P.Ramlee would have made it. Even a company called Rumpun Melayu Film with him, H M Shah and Jin Shamsuddin as directors did not help either of them rise in the business. H M Shah did not need that business to be where he was. Above all, P.Ramlee was not cut up to be a corporate man. He was too sincere, honest and decent to be in the rat race and finally ended up with his back stabbed. His career even could not help to bring any of his children to the limelight. I also fully agree with you that he died sad and heart-broken.
>
>Hope to catch up with you and syabas for the wonderful work you are doing.
>
>Rgds
>Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim

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From: Zaedi Zolkafli
To: Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim
Sent: 26 June, 2003
Subject: Why was P Ramlee fat?

Hi Shaik Asgar,
Another famous actor comedian who started being 'skinny' and grew fat by the time he died was Charlie Chaplin. Of course, there were many others.

P Ramlee actually went on a strict diet for his role in 'Sesudah Suboh' (1967). By the time he did his last film 'Laxmana Do Re Mi' (1972) he literally was out of shape. Since then he wasn't that productive, spent / wasted much time with bad company on mahjong table. He made only one movie in 1972 and none in 1973 (died same year in May). His film career at Merdeka Studio was already on the downside, partly due to bad creative environment. But P Ramlee was a visionary, he had readied himself as a film producer, even setting up Pawagam P Ramlee (formerly Queen Cinema) at Medan Tunku in Kuala Lumpur. Sadly, his film venture and acting career didn't last longer. There were bad business partnership and back stabbing. Few weeks before his death, while attending a film festival in Singapore he complained to his close associates about weight problem and his difficulty to walk. He died a very unhappy man as reflected in his last studio song 'Air Mata Di Kuala Lumpur'. Obviously, of an unfulfilled dream to build up a vibrant film industry in Malaysia.

Will let you know if I come across information about his height and weight.

Shaik Asgar wrote in Fans of P Ramlee:

>I have an unusual question. In show biz, everyone involved are usually so busy to the extent that they miss their meals or maintain an improper diet. When actors/actresses are busy (artistes included), they tend to lose weight. Even Siti Norhaliza admits that. I am surprised that P. Ramlee was so fat and his obesity was so obvious in 'Laxmana Do Re Mi'. The shirt that he wore (when they had to vacate the tree house) was so tight. I have seen him wearing that shirt some years before he died but he appeared O.K. I am just wondering what made him so fat, although his obesity did not make him look clumsy like some fat people appear to be. His face was also so comical and you would laugh just looking at him even though he acted in non-comedies. I wonder if you know how tall was he and how much did he weigh? After all, vital statistics of actors and actresses are not that uncommon for fans to know.
>
>Rgds
>Shaik Asgar b. Shaik Ibrahim