Deadly Games (1979)

 

1979 - Deadly Games (Saturn Films International)

[Release date 30th March 1979]

Director Ronaldo P. San Juan Producer Ruben “Che” Guevarra Cinematography Rudy Castillo Music Demet Velasquez Editor Jose Solo Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban

Cast Ulysses Tzan, Larry Silva, Leon Pajaron, Romy Nario, Mandy Bustamante, Bong Benitez, Mel Arca, Telly Babasa, Robert Miller, Roland Falcis, Rusty Santos, Jess Bonzo, James Gaines Jr, Polo Chi, Val Iglesia, Robert Talby [as Roberty Talvy], Chara Valdez, Barbara Churchill, Jojo Fowler, Nello Nayo, Romy Blanco, Johnny Tillman, Ike Mata, Leo Curry, Willy Naresco, Ricco Tiriman?, Pons de Guzman, SOS Daredevils, D'Vultures Stuntmen, Jun Santos' Team

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: First starring role for the “Jackie Chan of the Philippines”, Ulysses Tzan. He and the producer of Deadly Games, Saturn Films International’s Ruben “Che” Guevarra, would score an international release with their follow-up film Drigo Asero (1980), released internationally as Mantis Boxer. Deadly Games is currently MIA, so if anyone has access to a digital copy, please let me know!

“Let’s Enter Ulysses Tzan”, Pilipino Express 18/03/79, p.13

We have many action stars. But now, most of them are heading towards uncontrollable old age. The punches are slow, the kicks are weak. In just a short fight scene, he was out of breath and asking for rest.

So we need innovations in this field. And Rudy Fernandez, Bembol Roco, Ace Vergel, Rey Malonzo, Tony Bernal and Lito Lapid entered.

But with the number of movie producers making movies, they are not enough to replace the "tired" and "wrinkled" action stars. Stones are still needed. New people who are good, agile, have a type, have a "face" and are brave in any kind of fight: fighting, karate, shooting and so on.

Because of this, the Saturn Films producer gave a chance to a certain prospect – Ulysses Tzan. From being one of Rey Malonzo's goons, Ulysses is eager to try. He tried to do what no one else had done, to study the things about martial arts that made Jacky Chan and others famous. And many noticed the efforts of Ulysses. Surprised. Impressed. So he was made the star of Deadly Games.

In Saturn Films' Deadly Games, Ulysses revealed the reasons why the production cost him the star. He fought here in the battle of champions against almost all the best karatistas and goons in Tagalog movies. Historically, there was a tournament launched by a wealthy karate player who became invalid in this game. Many countries participated, and Ulysses represented the Filipinos.

Active action can be seen here that has not been seen in any other movie. But there is also romance because Ulysses' love interest here is Jojo Fowler.

Shot in full color, the story and screenplay was written by Marvin B. Panganiban and directed by Ronnie San Juan.

Hard, fast, rock, without vices and with a big eye to serve his countrymen in the world of entertainment. We need someone like him. So we must usher Ulysses Tzan into victory.

CAN ANYONE PLEASE COME UP WITH A BETTER TRANSLATION THAN GOOGLE TRANSLATE? MARAMING SALAMAT!