Although Anita Linda’s career peaked at Premiere Productions during the ‘50s, she was already a star in the ‘40s. Among her Premiere directors was Ramon Estella, a prestigious name along with Gerry de Leon, Bert Avellana, Eddie Romero and Manuel Conde.
Estella was also an acclaimed painter, with several one-man exhibits here and abroad.
Anita’s movies with Estella in the ‘40s were Perfidia Alias Sakim, Hiram Na Pangalan and Dugo ng Katipunan.
Her other Premiere movies in the ‘40s included Tiya Juana, Ngayon at Kailanman, Anghel sa Lupa, Kay Ganda ng Umaga and Sundalong Talahib.
In the ‘50s, Anita was Queen of Premiere. Her movies — all box-office hits — included Sisa, Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo, Punglo at Pag-ibig, Kapitan Bagwis, Bulaklak ng Nayon, Carlos Trece, Guwapo, 4 na Kasaysayang Ginto (Hatinggabi Episode), Ukelele Boy and Balaraw.
In later years, Anita was directed by Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Chito Roño, William Pascual, Elwood Perez, Joey Gosiengfiao and Boots Plata. — RKC