Master of the House (1925)

In the heart of domesticity, Victor Frandsen reigns supreme, a homegrown despot whose iron rule crushes the spirit of his devoted wife, Ida. Each day for Ida begins before dawn and ends deep into the night, her life a ceaseless cycle of chores, care, and clandestine sewing for a few extra coins. Her solace is the fiery support of Mads, a steely old woman who once nurtured Victor as his nanny and now abhors his tyranny. Sensing Ida's impending breakdown, Mads orchestrates a daring intervention, appealing to Ida's mother, Mrs. Kryer, to whisk Ida away. With resolute courage, Mads steps into the breach, helming the unruly household and its bewildered children. Victor's world crumbles as he returns to an eerily peaceful home, devoid of his wife. His daughter Karen, a defiant mirror of his own obstinacy, refuses to divulge Ida's whereabouts, only hinting at her severe illness—a dagger to Victor's complacent heart. Karen finally relents, leading a remorseful Victor to Mrs. Kryer's abode. However, a stern doctor bars him, indicating that Ida's recovery requires complete rest, far from the pressures of home. Defeated and desolate, Victor succumbs to the new order under Mads' stern rule. No longer the tyrant, he becomes the pupil, gradually learning the nuances of domestic responsibility. His transformation is slow and painful, but necessary. Only when Victor is thoroughly reformed will Mads and Mrs. Kryer permit him to reunite with Ida, signaling the dawn of a renewed household order, with the true "Master of the House" yet to be determined.

Master of the House is a comedy movie featuring Johannes Meyer and directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.

Master of the House is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.