Pah Wongso Pendekar Boediman

Pah Wongso Pendekar Boediman

Pah Wongso Pendekar Boediman is a 1941 detective film from the Dutch East Indies. The first production by Star Film, it was produced by Jo Eng Sek and features camerawork by Cho’ Chin Hsin. It follows the social worker Pah Wong so as he investigates a murder to clear his protégé’s name.

About Pah Wongso Pendekar Boediman in brief

Summary Pah Wongso Pendekar BoedimanPah Wongso Pendekar Boediman is a 1941 detective film from the Dutch East Indies. The first production by Star Film, it was produced by Jo Eng Sek and features camerawork by Cho’ Chin Hsin. It follows the social worker Pah Wong so as he investigates a murder to clear his protégé’s name. The film was made to capitalize on the popularity of Hollywood characters such as Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto in the Indies. Released in April 1941 to popular acclaim, it had a mixed critical reception. A sequel to this film was released later in 1941 but is possibly lost. It was advertised as a film of intrigue, life and death by Malaya, Singapore and British Malaya.

When the film reached Singapore in July 1941 it was touted as a “thilling detective story .. full of thrills and excitement from beginning to end”. The Indonesian film historian Misbachusaan Birusaan records that the film was rated for audiences over the age of 17. It premiered at the Rex Theatre in Batavia on 1 April 1941, following a short speech by L.V. Wijnhamer, Jr. The black-and-white film was the first production of Star Film which Jo and Cho’ had established in Prinsenland, Batavia.