The Applicant Poster

The Applicant 1967

22 min📅 1967-10-18

"I spill your milkshake"

In *The Applicant* (1967), a desperate job seeker dives headfirst into the classifieds, chasing any opportunity to turn his luck around.

Director: Dan Kleinman

Cast

Joseph Maher
Joseph Maher
Mr. Graham
John Cannatella
Bob Whipple
Pat Bower
Miss Arbogast
Faye Dattner
Secretary
Samuel Friedman
Fence
Chris Quilter
Boy in reception room
Beth Fistein
Girl in reception room
Gwen Saska
Second secretary
Robert Cover
Rejected applicant
Susan Leeds
Girl in elevator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Applicant (1967) about?

*The Applicant* follows a struggling man as he scours the want ads for work, only to encounter a series of surreal and illogical job opportunities. His relentless pursuit takes an unpredictable turn, leaving viewers questioning what success—if any—he truly achieves. The film's humor lies in its twist on the classic underdog story.

Who directed The Applicant?

The film was directed by Dan Kleinman, a filmmaker known for his sharp, satirical approach to storytelling in the 1960s.

Who stars in The Applicant?

The cast features Joseph Maher, John Cannatella, Pat Bower, Faye Dattner, and Samuel Friedman in key roles.

Is The Applicant (1967) worth watching?

Though unrated and obscure, *The Applicant* is a hidden gem for fans of dark comedy and vintage satire. Its 22-minute runtime packs a punch, offering a unique perspective on job-hunting absurdity. If you enjoy films like *The Twilight Zone* or early Mel Brooks, this short is worth your time.

How long is The Applicant?

*The Applicant* runs for 22 minutes.

About The Applicant (1967) — A Darkly Funny 1960s Comedy Short You Won't Forget

In *The Applicant* (1967), a desperate job seeker dives headfirst into the classifieds, chasing any opportunity to turn his luck around. Directed by Dan Kleinman, this sharp-edged comedy follows his convoluted attempts to secure work—only to find the process far stranger than expected. With a cast led by Joseph Maher and John Cannatella, the film blends dark humor with the absurdity of bureaucratic job hunting. Themes of desperation, irony, and the unpredictable nature of opportunity linger long after the credits roll. Kleinman's direction infuses the 22-minute runtime with a quirky, observational tone, making *The Applicant* a cult favorite for fans of offbeat early comedies.

The film's atmosphere is one of calculated chaos, where the protagonist's relentless pursuit of employment leads to hilariously unexpected outcomes. Kleinman's knack for visual gags and wordplay shines through in this compact but memorable short, offering a snapshot of mid-century corporate satire wrapped in absurdity. Whether you're a fan of vintage comedy or curious about early independent filmmaking, *The Applicant* delivers a punchy, thought-provoking twist on the job-search narrative.