The King of the Gypsies (1978)
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80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
57% of users liked it
(600 ratings)
Not surprisingly, this fascinating dissection of Gypsy life in America was vilified by several ethnic special-interest groups, who'd previously delivered their mimeoed missives to novelist Peter Maas, on whose book the film was based. Sterling Hayden is the "king" of a New York-based… More Not surprisingly, this fascinating dissection of Gypsy life in America was vilified by several ethnic special-interest groups, who'd previously delivered their mimeoed missives to novelist Peter Maas, on whose book the film was based. Sterling Hayden is the "king" of a New York-based gypsy tribe, who on his deathbed passes his crown to his reluctant grandson, Eric Roberts. Roberts' scuzzy father Judd Hirsch, envious that he's been passed over, begins plotting the demise of his own son. It appears at first that the boy, a thoroughly assimilated Manhattanite, would be more than willing to give up his invisible throne to Hirsch, but there's something about his heritage that always draws him back to his own people. Several genuine gypsies took part in the film as extras, bit players and technical advisers; reportedly, they also spent much of the shooting time trying to cadge a few dishonest dollars from cast and crew. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Frank Pierson
- Written By
- Frank Pierson
- Genres
- Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- Dec 20, 1978 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
King of the Gypsies is a fine wedding of craft and creativity.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Cast
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Sterling Hayden
as King Zharko Stepanowicz
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Shelley Winters
as Queen Rachel
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Susan Sarandon
as Rose
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Eric Roberts
as Dave Stepanowicz
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Brooke Shields
as Tita Stepanowicz
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Annette O'Toole
as Sharon
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Annie Potts
as Persa
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Michael Vincente Gazzo
as Spiro Georgio
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Danielle Brisebois
as Young Tita
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Roy Brocksmith
as Frinkuleschti
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Lou Cevetillo
as Pete Stepanowicz
- Frederick Coffin
- Sam Coppola
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Macintyre Dixon
as Courthouse Reporter
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Alice Drummond
as Zharko's Nurse
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William Duell
as Funeral Home Director
- Julie Garfield
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Michael Higgins
as Traffic Court Judge
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Judd Hirsch
as Groffo
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Anthony Holland
as Mr. Tomlin
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Matthew Laborteaux
as Middle Dave
- Patti LuPone
- Linda Manz
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Joe Maruzzo
as Waiter at Mamma Leone's
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Tom Mason
as Policeman at Groffo's Death
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Bernie McInerney
as Zharko's Doctor
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Stephen Mendillo
as Adolf Mikel
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Kathi Moss
as Midwife
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Jay Norman
as Hallway Thug
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Antonia Rey
as Danitza Georgio
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Martin Rosenblatt
as Zharko's Lawyer
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David Rounds
as Mr. Kessler
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Zvee Scooler
as Phuro
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James Shannon
as Courthouse Photographer
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C.A.R. Smith
as Christening Priest
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Paul Sparer
as Dave's Doctor
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Marc Vahanian
as Young Groffo
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Joe Zaloom
as Rui Ilanovitch
- Stephane Grappelli
- Mark Victor
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Mary Louise Wilson
as Ivy
- Rebecca Darke
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Harris Laskaway
as Man at Accident
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Scott Franklin
as Hallway Thug
- Robert Gerringer
- Jon Oppenheim
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Tom Quinn
as Jewelry Store Detective
- Michael V. Gazzo
