The horror films of Gerardo de Leon

A horror film is a genre about terrifying creatures that prey or wreak havoc on human beings.

National Artist for Film Gerardo de Leon made a lot of films in different genres but his horror films are better known outside the country. These are: Terror Is a Man (1959) also known as Blood Creature; Kulay Dugo ang Gabi (1964) a.k.a. The Blood Drinkers and The Vampire People; Ibulong Mo sa Hangin (1966) a.k.a. Blood of the Vampires and Curse of the Vampires; Brides of Blood (1966) which was co-directed with National Artist Eddie Romero; and The Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1969) also co-directed with Romero.

Terror Is a Man was a co-production with American producer Kane W. Lynn and Eddie Romero and was shown in 26 New York theaters in July 1960. All of De Leon’s horror films had been very popular and had successful wide distribution in stand-alone cinemas and drive-in theaters and gained a cult following across the United States when it was released in video tape formats and then in DVDs which are readily available for everyone to see.

The centennial celebration of De Leon continues with the monthly screening of his two horror films — Kulay Dugo ang Gabi last March 15 and Terror Is a Man today at 4 p.m. at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Kulay Dugo ang Gabi, shot in color, stars Amalia Fuentes, Ronald Remy, Celia Rodriguez, Eddie Fernandez and Mary Walter. Miss Fuentes was the special guest with CCP’s Edward Cabagnot introducing the film.

Terror Is a Man stars Francis Lederer, Greta Thyssen, Richard Derr, Oscar Keesee, Lilia Duran and Peyton Keesee. Young critic Dodo Dayao will introduce the film.

Admission is free on a first-come, first served basis.  â€” RKC