Original film title in Malay: Patah Hati
Literal English translation of film title: Broken Heart

Directed by K. M. Basker
Written by K. M. Basker
Language: Malay
Starring: P. Ramlee, Neng Yatimah, Musalmah
Produced by Malay Film Productions (Shaw Bros.)

Film Locations:
Meyer Flats and Crescent Flats
Kallang Airport
Rex Cinema (Mackenzie Road)
Alkaff Gardens and Lake (off Upper Serangoon Road)

 

TRANSITING IN SINGAPORE after his studies in London, Kassim (P. Ramlee) is quickly thrust into a betrothal with his benefactor’s daughter, Salmah. However, Kassim has already met and fallen in love with someone who shares his interest in Persian poetry. She is Rahimah (Neng Yatimah), a flower salesgirl in Singapore. They go on dates to the nursery, and spend time together (dancing) in a paradise-like garden (Alkaff Gardens). Even after Kassim returns to Kuala Lumpur to work in his benefactor’s rubber plantation, he never forsakes Rahimah and has a rendezvous with her in Singapore when the opportunity arises. Together again, they watch movies at the Rex Theatre, and – pretty audacious for this to be portrayed on film in that era – engage in pre-marital sex. They vow to get married the day after.

Unfortunately, Kassim’s father, who prefers Salmah the “rich and cultured girl” to the lowly Rahimah, manages to convince Rahimah to leave his son. With Rahimah “in exile” from their relationship, Kassim fulfils his benefactor’s death wish and marries Salmah. As fate would have it, Kassim is destined to reunite with his beloved Rahimah again after in their twilight years…

 

Further Reading:
Amir Muhammad, 120 Malay Movies (pp. 63-65). Petaling Jaya: Matahari Books, 2010.

Film Images:
© 1952 Malay Film Productions
© NNB

Digital Map Source:
Great Britain. Royal Air Force, Singapore photomap, National Library of Australia, MAP G8041.A4 s6 1950. [http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-vn502375]

Photographs:
© 2013, 2014 Toh Hun Ping