Three versions of ‘The Avenger’

The Rogelio de la Rosa starrer, Sword of The Avenger (1948), has three versions.

The Hollywood version changed the name of Rogelio de la Rosa to Ramon Delgado — for one reason or the other. Perhaps, the producers felt that Ramon Delgado was more cinematic. Leading lady was Sigrid Gurie, with American actors in the supporting cast.

The two other versions were shown locally.

The Tagalog version was titled Ang Vengador, using the name Rogelio de la Rosa (but of course, he being King of Local Cinema), opposite Pacita Francisco, with Filipino co-actors.

The third version shown locally was in English, but this time the billing is Rogelio de la Rosa, with Sigrid Gurie and American actors in the cast. It was really the same as the Hollywood version, except that the Ramon Delgado screen name was dropped.

Not really new in Hollywood. In the Hook, Pancho Magalona was billed Enrique Magalona, his real name. Supposedly, Pancho might remind the US audience of a Mexican outlaw Pancho Villa. But then in Mexico, Pancho Villa is regarded as a hero.

The Avenger was shot in Hollywood. — RKC