The Landlord (1970)

Born into privilege, 29-year-old Elgar Enders lives a life of opulence under the watchful eyes of his conservative parents, William and Joyce Enders. Despite the comfort, Elgar yearns for independence, a drive that leads him to purchase a tenement house in the brink-of-gentrification neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn. His initial intentions of ousting the predominantly black tenants to build his dream home are met with hostility, as the tenants see him as another white slum landlord seeking to exploit their financial struggles. As Elgar begins to immerse himself in the lives of his tenants, their stories stir a transformation within him. He abandons his earlier plans and resolves to refurbish the building, not just for his own habitation but also for his tenants. This transition from a privileged white man to a liberal-minded landlord is not without its challenges. Elgar grapples with tenants who refuse to pay rent, parents who are unable to comprehend his newfound lifestyle, and the harsh realities of race relations that color his interactions. Elgar's journey towards understanding culminates in his relationships with Lanie, a biracial woman he initially mistook as white, and with Fanny, the wife of a black radical, whom he grows particularly fond of. His interest in redecorating his home dwindles, a fact that doesn't deter his mother Joyce from embracing the project. In a comedic twist, she hands over her Master Charge card to Marge, one of the black tenants, appointing her as the decorator. "The Landlord" is an evocative tale of transformation and understanding, weaving threads of comedy with the harsh realities of race relations, social class, and personal growth. It's an exploration of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and defying familial expectations, all set against the backdrop of a changing Brooklyn neighborhood.

The Landlord is a comedy movie featuring Beau Bridges.

The Landlord is currently streaming on TCM.