Master of the House

A Film by Carl Theodor Dreyer

Since the failure of his small business, Victor has become a household tyrant, constantly complaining and criticising his long suffering family. The saintly forbearance of his wife Ida seems only to drive Victor to ever more vindictive acts of tyranny. Finally, Victor's old nanny, watching his behaviour with increasing fury, takes drastic action. With an enchanting performance from Astrid Holm at its centre, this is a carefully observed comedy of manners, tackling issues of domestic inequality which are still relevant today. Meanwhile, Mathilde Nielsen as Nanny Mads ensures a rich vein of humour runs through the emotional and deeply affecting film.

Special Features:

• ‘Good Mothers’ a short film by Carl Th. Dreyer
• ‘The Fight Against Cancer’ a short film by Carl Th. Dreyer
• Carl Th. Dreyer 1889–1968: a profile of the director

Critic Reviews:

• " Formally and politically decades ahead of its time. " -Jonathan Rosenbaum

• " This domestic tragicomedy with a feminist slant was [Dreyer's] seventh feature and anticipates his greatest films. " – Ronald Bergan

• " It's a dramatic conflict of the sexes that's been honed considerably in countless modern examples. However, one cannot ignore the fact that Dreyer's film is years ahead of its time. " – Nicholas Bell