Is Landlords Pro Tem. Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1913)
The vagabond Cocl and his companion observe Mr. Burkett and his family leaving their house for summer vacation in Ostend. As the house will be uninhabited for three months the two companions see their chance, and climb into it through a window. They find some elegant clothes. Cocl dresses himself up as a gentleman, and his companion as his servant. They put up a handwritten poster outside the house, announcing that apartments are to be let at a cheap rate. Soon five lodgers turn up: a lady who wants a room with a piano, a nervous man who needs the greatest quietness, an athlete who wants a room with thick walls, a fancy rifle shot who wants a large room, and an animal fancier. All of them pay the rent in advance. Already the first evening the five lodgers disturb each other. They rush out from their rooms, and start a fight. Mr. Burkett returns earlier than expected, and is confronted by the mess, but Cocl and his companion succeed to sneak away with the money.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then Landlords Pro Tem. offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1913 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Comedy cinema, the 1913 release of Landlords Pro Tem. stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The vagabond Cocl and his companion observe Mr. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The vagabond Cocl and his companion observe Mr. Burkett and his family leaving their house for summer vacation in Ostend. As the house will be uninhabited for three months the two companions see their chance, and climb into it through a window. They find some elegant clothes. Cocl dresses himself up as a gentleman, and his companion as his servant. They put up a handwritten poster outside the house, announcing that apartments are to be let at a cheap rate. Soon five lodgers turn up: a lady who wants a room with a piano, a nervous man who needs the greatest quietness, an athlete who wants a room with thick walls, a fancy rifle shot who wants a large room, and an animal fancier. All of them pay the rent in advance. Already the first evening the five lodgers disturb each other. They rush out from their rooms, and start a fight. Mr. Burkett returns earlier than expected, and is confronted by the mess, but Cocl and his companion succeed to sneak away with the money."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Rudolf J. Walter, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Comedy genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.
The direction by Rudolf J. Walter is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 10 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Landlords Pro Tem. truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Landlords Pro Tem. explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1913 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rudolf J. Walter respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Landlords Pro Tem. is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rudolf J. Walter or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Landlords Pro Tem. is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 0.2 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.