The King of the Gypsies (1978)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(575 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 gypsy tribe,… 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

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Frank Pierson
Written By: Frank Pierson
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 20, 1978 Wide
On DVD: Jun 3, 2008
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
King of the Gypsies is a fine wedding of craft and creativity.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

An all-star cast for a boring drama, which fails to bring an interesting subject to life. This movie could have been good, I could tell, but something was holding it back, I'm not sure what, maybe it was the director?

Cast

            Sterling Hayden as King Zharko Stepanowicz

            Shelley Winters as Queen Rachel

            Susan Sarandon as Rose

            Eric Roberts as Dave Stepanowicz

            Brooke Shields as Tita Stepanowicz

            Annette O'Toole as Sharon

            Annie Potts as Persa

            Michael Vincente Gazzo as Spiro Georgio

            Danielle Brisebois as Young Tita

            Roy Brocksmith as Frinkuleschti

            Lou Cevetillo as Pete Stepanowicz

            Frederick Coffin
            
            Sam Coppola
            
            Macintyre Dixon as Courthouse Reporter

            Alice Drummond as Zharko's Nurse

            William Duell as Funeral Home Director

            Julie Garfield
            
            Michael Higgins as Traffic Court Judge

            Judd Hirsch as Groffo

            Anthony Holland as Mr. Tomlin

            Matthew Laborteaux as Middle Dave

            Patti LuPone
            
            Linda Manz
            
            Joe Maruzzo as Waiter at Mamma Leone's

            Tom Mason as Policeman at Groffo's Death

            Bernie McInerney as Zharko's Doctor

            Stephen Mendillo as Adolf Mikel

            Kathi Moss as Midwife

            Jay Norman as Hallway Thug

            Antonia Rey as Danitza Georgio

            Martin Rosenblatt as Zharko's Lawyer

            David Rounds as Mr. Kessler

            Zvee Scooler as Phuro

            James Shannon as Courthouse Photographer

            C.A.R. Smith as Christening Priest

            Paul Sparer as Dave's Doctor

            Marc Vahanian as Young Groffo

            Joe Zaloom as Rui Ilanovitch

            Stephane Grappelli
            
            Mark Victor
            
            Mary Louise Wilson as Ivy

            Rebecca Darke
            
            Harris Laskaway as Man at Accident

            Tom Quinn as Jewelry Store Detective

            Scott Franklin as Hallway Thug

            Robert Gerringer
            
            Jon Oppenheim
            
            Michael V. Gazzo
            
See full cast