The versatile Leila Morena

One of the popular actresses of the late ’40s and ’50s was Leila Morena, noted for her versatility. She was at home in drama, comedy, fantasy and even costume pictures.

Consider Leila’s filmography.

•Drama — Pandora, Kamay ni Satanas, Siete Dolores, Gamugamong Naging Lawin, Kidlat sa Silangan, Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod, Tigang na Lupa, Raul Roldan, Salome, Sagrado, Ang Lumang Simbahan.

•Comedy — Pedro, Pablo at Juan, Mag-asawa’y Di Biro, Ander Di Saya, Goldiger.

•Fantasy — Trubador, Si Og sa Maynila.

•Costume — Ifugao, Diego Silang.

The ads of Trubador, Kamay ni Satanas and with Rogelio dela Rosa in Lumang Bahay sa Gulod

In the ’70s, Leila starred in teledramas, including Bukas, Madilim Bukas, directed by Lino Brocka and co-starring Mary Walter. Written by Dandy Nadres, Bukas, Madilim Bukas tells the story of an obedient daughter who sacrificed her own happiness to take care of a sick and manipulative mother.

Brocka later made it part of the trilogy — Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa — with Lolita Rodriguez as the daughter and retained Walter as the mother.

Fernando Poe Sr. discovered Leila  and cast her in Palaboy ng Tadhana, using her real name, Consuelo Sayson. — RKC