Camelia

Rhoma finds Camelia, a desperate girl attempting suicide, as she can no longer bear the physical and emotional torture from her stepmother, Joice, who accuses her of stealing a diamond. After being saved, she becomes good friends with Rhoma. Rhoma invites her to live with him by disguising her as a mute boy. But Rhoma’s mother sees through this disguise and throws her out of the house. Rhoma returns home after signing a contract for a show. He manages to convince his mother to accept her back. Then he searches everywhere for Camelia but he cannot find her. Sadly, Camelia has been tricked by Joice’s friends into being a prostitute. In the brothel, Camelia sees her stepmother. Rhoma reports Joice to Camelia’s father, who then informs the police. Joice is arrested and Camelia goes home with Rhoma’s mother.

Directed by Yung Indradjaya, Camelia leans on a strong ensemble — Rhoma Irama, Ricca Rachim, Joice Erna — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1979.