Original film title in Malay: Kembar
English title: Twin Sisters

Directed by S. Ramanathan
Written by S. Ramanathan (story)
Language: Malay
Starring: Mariam, M. Amin
Produced by Malay Film Productions (Shaw Bros.)
Year of release: 1950

Film Locations:
Downtown Singapore – Procession of illuminated floats to celebrate wedding of Princess Elizabeth (20 Nov 1947)
Coastal kampungs on Lazarus Island (Pulau Sakijang Pelapah)
Bukit Timah Turf Club
‘Great World ‘or ‘New World’ Amusement Park

KEMBAR is about two identical twin sisters who are separated at a young age. One of the twins, Asmah (Mariam), gets lost during a family outing to a night carnival. An old fisherman finds Asmah and adopts her. The other twin, Asiah (also Mariam, in a double role), grows up to be a famed dance hostess. Asmah, on the other hand, lives in the fishing village with her foster father. A chance encounter (love at first sight) in waters off the village leads Asmah to fall in love with Bashir, a wealthy young man from the city. However, they lose touch when Asmah relocates elsewhere to work as a servant. Bashir tries to seek Asmah out, but gets acquainted with the other twin Asiah instead. A case of mistaken identity that eventually leads to tragedy.

Further Reading:
1. ‘New Malay Films’. The Straits Times, 6 August 1950, p. 14.
2. ‘Cinema news by J.C. Behague’. The Straits Times, 18 August 1950, p. 9.
3. Film reviews by ‘Victor Staines’. The Straits Times, 20 August 1950, p. 14.
4. Review of ‘Kembar’. The Straits Times, 30 August 1950, p. 9.
5. ‘Singapore Celebration Programme. Royal Wedding Day.’ The Straits Times, 20 November 1947, p. 5.
6. ‘Singapore Celebrations. Three-mile-long lantern parade.’ The Straits Times, 21 November 1947, p. 8.
7. ‘”Extra” Injured During Shooting of New Film’. The Straits Times, 24 June 1950, p. 7.

Film Images:
© 1950 Malay Film Productions
© 2003 Music Valley

Photographs:
© 2013 Toh Hun Ping