Ibrahim Pendek's 'First Ever Malay Actor' featuring in a Hollywood film story. The Hard Truths.

The two physicians have many of the same views scientifically, but are philosophically a mismatch because of Drager's atheism and Jansen's devout Christianity.

After being married to his sweetheart, Els (Gena Rowlands), Drager must trek into the jungle to track down Frolick (Philip Abbott), a drunken river master who is lost. Frolick has been driven mad by a shaman called Burubi (Reggie Nalder). Drager eventually comes across Frolick, but ends up killing him in self-defense.

After rescuing another doctor, in the same region, Anton becomes lost in the wild. He nearly dies and has lapsed into a coma by the time he is rescued. Drager's ordeal comes to change his perceptions, turning him into a Christian.

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Rock Hudson carrying Ibrahim Pendek 

For all the hype and excitement by certain parties exalting the entrance of the late Ibrahim Pendek as the first Malay actor to have appeared in a Hollywood film production back in the early 60s, I felt a sense of despair watching the minuscule role that the late Ibrahim Pendek played in the movie.

As an avid movie buff and lover of the glorious heydays of the Malay Film Productions Ltd. [Jalan Ampas, Singapore, Shaw Brothers owned film studios] and those produced by Cathay Keris studios, both from Singapore, I was actually quite sad to see how the talented Taiping born actor, Ibrahim bin Hassan a.k.a. Ibrahim Pendek was actually being dehumanized in that movie by giving him an insulting name such as 'Stegomyia' which really refers to a species of the mosquito!

 

I understand that back in those days, it must have been quite euphoric for any actor here in then post-colonial British Malaya and Singapore to be considered for even such an insignificant role in a Hollywood film production.

They didn't have the means to look it up @ names of character roles and simply must have jumped for joy at even being selected! So, that is that!

Those in the know would very well be able to understand the condescending stereotyping of the natives chosen to be in such Hollywood productions.

They even chose a blackened face of actor Edgar Stehli to play 'The Sultan'! 

The film didn't really do well at the box-office. In fact the film was a flop compared to the other film ' To Kill a Mocking Bird' by the same Director, Robert Mulligan. 

In the film, Ibrahim Pendek's character appears just a few times and his appearance is just of a comical nature with no real impact on the film's storyline. He was just an aide to the character of Burl Ives.

I believe that Ibrahim Pendek was much more celebrated as an actor in the many P. Ramlee movies where he played much more meaningful roles. 

A Rahim and Ibrahim Pendek in Ali Baba Bujang Lapok

Who can forget his role as the 'Sarjan' in 'Ali Baba Bujang Lapok'? Or as Cikgu Murni's father in Nasib si Labu Labi'. Ibrahim Pendek also played an important role as P.Ramlee's sidekick in Anak Ku Sazali. 

It's not that I do not celebrate Ibrahim Pendek having been selected to act in a Hollywood film production. Only that the way they insulted such a gifted actor by naming his as 'Stegomyia' @ mosquito and the role he had to play in the film. 

Watch the movie here and see whether you agree with my views? That he deserved a better role and character name than what he was offered.