Seniman Bujang Lapok
Encyclopedia
Seniman Bujang Lapok is a 1961 Malay comedy
film directed by P. Ramlee
. It is the fourth installment in the "Bujang Lapok" series of films, but the last to feature P. Ramlee, S. Shamsudin and Aziz Sattar
as the main trio of actors. However, it is not a direct sequel to the previous "Bujang Lapok" films, as there are no references to the events of the previous films.
The film is a self-referential spoof of the Malay film industry
of the late 1950s/early 1960s. The plot revolves around the main trio attempting to become actors and break into the film business, and hence features a fictionalised look at the behind-the-scenes process of Malay film-making during that time. The line between reality and fiction is blurred as real film industry places are used, real film sets of previous Malay films are used for the film-within-the-film, and all the featured actors use their real-life names or derivatives thereof.
The film-within-the film, "Setan Angkat Julang", is the historical event of "Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang
", i.e. the death of Sultan Mahmud II
as he was carried upon an altar.
25 years after this film was released, another "Bujang Lapok" film was made: Bujang Lapok Kembali Daa (The Return of the Three Bachelors). The fifth and final installment in the series was directed by Aziz Sattar
and featured P. Ramlee
's son Nasir P. Ramlee taking over P. Ramlee
's part in the trio.
Back at home, Ramlee is in love with a nurse, Cik Salmah, who is being watched by Sharif Dol, a villain from a neighbouring village. Sharif Dol sends his mother to propose but Salmah turns him down. The vengeful Sharif Dol burns down the entire village to get even, but is later arrested for his crime.
The songs were sung by Saloma,P.Ramlee,S.Shamsuddin,Aziz Sattar,and Pancha Sitara band.
Comedy
Comedy , as a popular meaning, is any humorous discourse or work generally intended to amuse by creating laughter, especially in television, film, and stand-up comedy. This must be carefully distinguished from its academic definition, namely the comic theatre, whose Western origins are found in...
film directed by P. Ramlee
P. Ramlee
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. P. Ramlee, was a Malaysian film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, he is often considered the icon of Malay entertainment in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra .-Biography:P...
. It is the fourth installment in the "Bujang Lapok" series of films, but the last to feature P. Ramlee, S. Shamsudin and Aziz Sattar
Aziz Sattar
Datuk Aziz Sattar is a Malaysian actor, comedian, singer and director who is mostly known for his roles in the black and white Malayan films of the 1950s and 1960s.- Early life :...
as the main trio of actors. However, it is not a direct sequel to the previous "Bujang Lapok" films, as there are no references to the events of the previous films.
The film is a self-referential spoof of the Malay film industry
Film industry
The film industry consists of the technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking: i.e. film production companies, film studios, cinematography, film production, screenwriting, pre-production, post production, film festivals, distribution; and actors, film directors and other film crew...
of the late 1950s/early 1960s. The plot revolves around the main trio attempting to become actors and break into the film business, and hence features a fictionalised look at the behind-the-scenes process of Malay film-making during that time. The line between reality and fiction is blurred as real film industry places are used, real film sets of previous Malay films are used for the film-within-the-film, and all the featured actors use their real-life names or derivatives thereof.
The film-within-the film, "Setan Angkat Julang", is the historical event of "Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang
Makam Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang
Makam Sultan Mahmud Mangkat Dijulang is a famous historical tomb in Kota Tinggi, Johor in Malaysia. It is situated in a village near Kota Tinggi town, Kampung Makam...
", i.e. the death of Sultan Mahmud II
Sultan Mahmud Shah II of Johor
H.H. Paduka Sri Sultan Mahmud Shah II ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim Shah was the 10th Sultan of Johor, Pahang and Lingga ....
as he was carried upon an altar.
25 years after this film was released, another "Bujang Lapok" film was made: Bujang Lapok Kembali Daa (The Return of the Three Bachelors). The fifth and final installment in the series was directed by Aziz Sattar
Aziz Sattar
Datuk Aziz Sattar is a Malaysian actor, comedian, singer and director who is mostly known for his roles in the black and white Malayan films of the 1950s and 1960s.- Early life :...
and featured P. Ramlee
P. Ramlee
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. P. Ramlee, was a Malaysian film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, he is often considered the icon of Malay entertainment in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra .-Biography:P...
's son Nasir P. Ramlee taking over P. Ramlee
P. Ramlee
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. P. Ramlee, was a Malaysian film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, he is often considered the icon of Malay entertainment in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra .-Biography:P...
's part in the trio.
Plot
The "bujang lapok" trio of Ramli, Sudin and Ajis go to Jalan Ampas Studio, Singapore in response to an open call audition. During their audition, they drive director Ahmad Nisfu crazy by forgetting the script and improvising with their own lines. However, the studio boss likes their natural comedic talent and tells the director that the trio are to be signed on for an oncoming film.Back at home, Ramlee is in love with a nurse, Cik Salmah, who is being watched by Sharif Dol, a villain from a neighbouring village. Sharif Dol sends his mother to propose but Salmah turns him down. The vengeful Sharif Dol burns down the entire village to get even, but is later arrested for his crime.
Songs
- Menchecheh Bujang Lapok
- Gelora
- Senandung Kasih
- Embun Menitik (by late Ahmad Patek)
The songs were sung by Saloma,P.Ramlee,S.Shamsuddin,Aziz Sattar,and Pancha Sitara band.
Cast
- P. Ramlee as Ramli
- S. Shamsuddin as Sudin
- Aziz Sattar as Ajis
- Saloma as Miss Salmah
- Sharif Dol as Sharif Dol
- Ahmad Nisfu as Director Ahmad Nisfu