Room for Let

(Kashima ari, 貸間あり)

When Yumiko Tsuyama, a potter by profession, enters an old mansion overlooking Osaka enquiring about a room to rent, she discovers a bizarre collection of characters dwelling in the humble abode. There’s a low-level gangster and panty thief, an old army sergeant and cabbage roll specialist, and a female illegal liquor vendor – to name a few. The leader of the menagerie is Yoda Goro, an eccentric jack of all trades; his simplicity and naivety, however, leave him susceptible to unscrupulous manipulators.

Celebrating the centenary of Yuzo Kawashima, a master of satire little-known outside of Japan, this rare portrait of Osaka low life will be commemoratively shown as part of this year’s programme.

1957/35mm/112 min/B&W/English Subtitles

貸間あり

井伏鱒二の同名原作を映画化した群像コメディー。大阪の高台にあるアパートの一室に越してきた陶芸家の女性は、そのアパートに住む貧しいが個性豊かな住人たちと賑やかな共同生活を始める。下っ端ヤクザや下着泥棒、年老いた元陸軍軍曹、アルコールの密売人などがひしめき合い、それぞれが様々な工夫をして、日々の暮らしをサバイバルする人間模様を描く。

監督: 川島雄三
出演: フランキー堺、淡島千景、桂小金治

(Special thanks to Eikoku News Digest)