The Landlord 1970

Elgar Enders, a young man reliant on an allowance from his affluent parents, makes a bold move by purchasing an inner-city tenement in Park Slope, Brooklyn, amidst its gentrification. His initial intention is to evict the tenants and transform the building into a luxury residence for himself. However, his experience inside the tenement leads him to develop a genuine affection for the low-income black residents who call it home. In a significant shift from his privileged upbringing, Elgar chooses to become a caring landlord instead and actively participates in improving the building’s conditions, challenging the expectations of his privileged background.

Elgar’s romantic life becomes complex as he finds himself torn between two women. The first is Lanie, a captivating mixed-race dancer working at a local black club. Lanie, with her light skin and diverse heritage—thanks to her Irish mother and African father—navigates her own struggles with colorism. Their relationship, however, faces turmoil when Elgar’s affair with Fanny, a tenant, results in an unexpected pregnancy. Fanny’s boyfriend, Copee, an activist grappling with his identity, is furious upon learning of the situation and attempts to confront Elgar violently, but ultimately, he is restrained and taken away in a straitjacket.

As Elgar experiences further emotional turmoil during Fanny’s recovery in the hospital, she confides in him about her struggles to raise the child, especially with Copee in the picture again. Faced with the prospect of single parenthood, Elgar is hesitant. Fanny proposes that they consider adoption, with the condition that the child is placed with a white family, allowing them both a chance for a fresh start. In a transformative conclusion, Elgar ultimately takes responsibility for the child, rekindles his relationship with Lanie, and moves in with her, embracing a new beginning filled with hope and love.