Contravidas get special billing in Espada

Ramon D’Salva and Lily Marquez played mostly contravida roles in Premiere movies in the ’50s and ’60s. But in the 1958 costume movie Sa Ngalan ng Espada, they merited special billing, which read:

Premiere Productions, Inc. presents

Ramon D’Salva as Count Vincenzo de Madeira... ambitious, ruthless pretender to the throne of Murado!

Lily Marquez as Margarita... beautiful, scheming woman of influence in the King’s court!

Their photos were prominently displayed in the movie ad, bigger than those of the lead stars: Efren Reyes (also the director), Johnny Monteiro and Cynthia Zamora.

Well, the vidas shine only if the contras are good. — RKC