Love in time of war: American Guerrilla in the Philippines

The 1950 movie American Guerrilla in the Philippines is the true story of an American soldier, Chuck Palmer (played by Tyrone Power), who fought in the country during World War II, on the Island of Leyte.

There he fell in love with a Filipina (played by Micheline Prelle)… and together they fought the war of the guerrilla.

Directed by Fritz Lang, the war and romance picture featured a number of Filipino actors, led by Cris de Vera who played the biggest role as a Japanese soldier. Others in the cast: Rosa del Rosario, Erlinda Cortez, Miguel Anzures, Berting Labra, Don Dannon, Eddie Infante and Aruray as a geisha who was hardly seen on screen as her scene was shot during nighttime.

American Guerrilla in the Philippines was shot in Leyte, Pampanga and Subic in Olongapo, where the US naval base was located.

The Adonis-like Tyrone Power was at the height of his popularity when he made the movie, countless female fans, including socialites, swooning over the Hollywood actor. Micheline Prelle, who is of French extraction, has a short-lived career. — RKC