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Robert and Bertram

Name: Robert and Bertram
Director: Hans H. Zerlett
Released: 1939
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1939

Director

Hans H. Zerlett

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Robert und Bertram is a period comedy set in 1939 Germany. It relies heavily on established clichés of class and gendered romantic conflict to drive its plot. The film uses ethnic stereotypes and reinforces traditional social hierarchies. It prioritizes traditional social stability and heterosexual romantic structures over nuanced representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Robert and Bertram have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional heterosexual relationships, focusing on the romance between Lenchen and Michel without any depiction of same-sex relationships.

How does Robert and Bertram portray gender?

Limited

Lenchen is used to solve financial problems, while male characters drive the main actions. Her role is mostly reactive to the economic pressures imposed by men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Robert and Bertram?

Minimal

The film uses ethnic stereotypes, particularly with the character of Ipelmeyer, a Jewish commercial advisor. There is a lack of diverse, non-European casting.

How does Robert and Bertram represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story revolves around traditional Western themes like debt and marriage contracts. It reinforces social stability through conventional comedic clichés without offering any critical perspective.

Does Robert and Bertram include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no disabilities, visible or otherwise, that affect the narrative or character development.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear, structured comedic narrative centered on classic adventure clichés.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on ethnic stereotypes and lacks diverse casting.
Female characters have limited ability to act, often serving as prizes in male-driven economic conflicts.
The narrative reinforces traditional social hierarchies without challenging them.

Official Synopsis

After the two vagabonds Robert and Bertram flee from prison, they get to know the innkeeper’s daughter Lenchen at the “Silver Swan” Inn. Because her father is in desperate need of money, Lenchen is to marry the creditor Biedermeier instead of her beloved military recruit Michel. In order to prevent that, Robert and Bertram travel to the capital and, under false names, manage to make their way into the house of the Jewish commercial advisor Ipelmeyer, to whom Biedermeier is deep in debt. During an evening costume ball, the bums steal the family jewels and give them to Lenchen’s father. Lenchen and Michael get married and Robert and Bertram flee in a balloon into the sky.

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