He was called "The Rudolph Valentino of the Philippines" due to his
handsomeness.
During World War II he joined a guerrilla band and fought against the Japanese occupation forces in the Manila area. He was captured and imprisoned in the notorious Fort Santiago in Manila. He was released shortly before the war ended.
At one time he was the highest-paid film director in the Philippines, but when he died in 1955 he was unemployed and destitute.
Had two sons with wife, Rita Rica, namely: Marvin Edward Gardner Jr. and William Gardner.