The Landlord Poster

The Landlord 1970

★ 5.849 votes112 min📅 1970-05-20

"Watch the landlord get his."

Hal Ashby's sharp and subversive comedy-drama *The Landlord (1970)* follows Elgar Enders, a 29-year-old who impulsively buys a Brooklyn tenement in a predominantly Black neighborhood, intending to evict the tenants and transform the building into an upscale residence.

Director: Hal Ashby

Cast

Beau Bridges
Beau Bridges
Elgar Enders
Lee Grant
Lee Grant
Joyce Enders
Diana Sands
Diana Sands
Francine "Fanny" Johnson
Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey
Marge
Walter Brooke
Walter Brooke
William Enders
Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr.
Copee Johnson
Marki Bey
Marki Bey
Lanie
Mel Stewart
Mel Stewart
Professor Duboise
Susan Anspach
Susan Anspach
Susan Enders
Robert Klein
Robert Klein
Peter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Landlord (1970) about?

*The Landlord* follows Elgar Enders, a privileged young man who impulsively buys a Brooklyn tenement to evict its Black tenants and gentrify the building. However, his interactions with the residents challenge his assumptions, leading to an unexpected journey of self-awareness and growth.

Who directed The Landlord?

*The Landlord* was directed by Hal Ashby, a master of 1970s American cinema known for his sharp social critiques and distinctive storytelling.

Who stars in The Landlord?

Beau Bridges leads the cast as Elgar Enders, supported by Lee Grant, Diana Sands, Pearl Bailey, and Louis Gossett Jr. in a memorable ensemble performance.

Is The Landlord (1970) worth watching?

With its razor-sharp script and bold themes, *The Landlord* is a standout of early 1970s cinema. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its cultural relevance and sharp satire make it well worth watching for fans of character-driven dramas and social commentary.

How long is The Landlord?

*The Landlord* runs for 112 minutes, offering a compact yet impactful viewing experience.

🎥 Trailer

About The Landlord (1970) — A Revolutionary Comedy-Drama About Power and Change

Hal Ashby's sharp and subversive comedy-drama *The Landlord (1970)* follows Elgar Enders, a 29-year-old who impulsively buys a Brooklyn tenement in a predominantly Black neighborhood, intending to evict the tenants and transform the building into an upscale residence. Yet as Elgar immerses himself in the vibrant, complex lives of the locals, his rigid plans unravel, revealing the absurdity of privilege and the transformative power of human connection. Brimming with wit and social insight, Ashby crafts a film that balances irreverent humor with poignant observations on race, class, and self-discovery.

Starring Beau Bridges in a breakout role, *The Landlord* is elevated by outstanding performances from Lee Grant, Diana Sands, and Pearl Bailey, whose chemistry crackles with authenticity. The film's New Hollywood edge and unflinching look at gentrification—decades before the term entered mainstream vocabulary—make it a cult classic that rewards viewers with its sharp dialogue and fearless storytelling.