Oesman

This film is the first talking picture made by Tan's Film.

Barja falls in love with Siti, the daughter of his uncle, Haji Hartawan. However, his feelings are unrequited, and this sparks Barja’s anger. He kills Pak Haji and takes over his fortune. But Siti remains adamant. Out of frustration, Barja turns to gambling and later becomes a crime lord. Then L. V. Wijnhamer Jr. aka Pah Wongso gets into action. He makes an investigation that leads to the arrest of Barja’s gang.

The film depicts the lives of two families. There is Basuki who always puts other’s interests first, while his wife, Suryati who only thinks about herself. There is also Umar with his immoral behavior, who sells his daughter Djuliah to Asnan, a loan shark, when he is in debt. This tragedy makes Ruhiyat, Djuliah’s boyfriend, heartbroken.

This film reveals the darker side of human nature, when lust for wealth cause others to suffer. The story is tangled with a tragic yet beautiful romance. The film’s message is clear when the rich are finally punished by God.