The King of Doormen is a Turkish comedy film released in 1976. Directed by Zeki Ökten, the film is based on Umur Bugay's screenplay and produced by Arif Keskiner. Starring Kemal Sunal, the production tells the story of Seyit, who works as a doorman in an apartment building in Istanbul. The film reflects the socio-economic and political dynamics of Türkiye at that time through an apartment community.

Plot

The King of Doormen centers on the life of Seyit (Kemal Sunal), who works as a doorman in a large apartment building in Istanbul. Seyit, who immigrated to Istanbul from Anatolia with his wife and two children, appears naive and ordinary but is a cunning and shrewd character. By establishing good relations with the apartment manager and dominating the events in the building, he manages to manipulate the residents to his advantage. During this process, Seyit gains both material and social advantages. Through the diverse characters of the apartment residents, the film explores themes such as social classes, migration, and economic conditions in 1970s Türkiye.

^{The King of Doormen Trailer (TurkishClassicMovies)}

Cast

• Kemal Sunal – Seyit
• Şevket Altuğ – Vodka Seller
• Güler Ökten – Fehmi’s Wife
• Bilge Zobu – Colonel Manager Zafer Bey
• Özcan Özgür – Mahir
• Ekrem Dümer – Doctor
• Can Kolukısa – Fehmi
• Feridun Çölgeçen – Sübeyit
• Sevda Ferdağ – Mahir’s Flatmate
• Hikmet Gül – Makbule
• Mete Sezer – Officer Ferit
• Sevil Üstekin – Hacer
• Güner Sümer – Nuri
• Gülten Ceylan – Selma

Production Process

The King of Doormen was filmed in Türkiye in 1976. Director Zeki Ökten and screenwriter Umur Bugay filmed in various locations across the city to reflect the apartment culture and social dynamics of Istanbul at that time. Produced by Arif Keskiner, the film followed a simple yet effective production process to realistically convey its observations on the socio-economic conditions of the period.

Thematic Structure

• Social Class and Migration: The film addresses the place of a family migrating from Anatolia to the big city in urban life and class differences. Seyit's ability to gain superiority through his intelligence despite being a doorman represents social mobility.
• Cunning and Survival: Seyit's cunning reflects his struggle for survival in the face of economic and social difficulties.
• Socio-political Structure of the Period: The diversity of apartment residents presents the socio-economic and political impasses of 1970s Türkiye as a microcosm.

Release and Reception

The King of Doormen was released in Turkish cinemas on May 1, 1977. The film reached a wide audience upon its release and garnered attention for both its comedic elements and its social criticisms. It has taken its place among classic productions in Turkish cinema.

Awards and Nominations

• 1977 Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: Best Film – Won
• 1977 Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: Best Actor (Kemal Sunal) – Won
• 1977 Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: Best Screenplay (Umur Bugay) – Won