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The King of Comedy (1982)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Paul D. Zimmerman (written by)
Release Date:
18 February 1983 (USA)
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Tagline:
. . and when it's all over one of them won't be laughing more
Plot:
Aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin wants to achieve success in showbiz, by resorting to stalking his idol, a late night talk show host who craves his own privacy. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Won BAFTA Film Award.
Another 2 wins
&
5 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(16 articles)
Apocalypse Now tops London critics' 30th anniversary poll
(From The Guardian - Film News. 1 December 2009, 2:46 AM, PST)
Scorsese to Receive Honorary Golden Globe
(From ReelzChannel. 13 November 2009, 1:21 PM, PST)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 1 December 2009, 2:46 AM, PST)
Scorsese to Receive Honorary Golden Globe
(From ReelzChannel. 13 November 2009, 1:21 PM, PST)
User Comments:
Scorsese and De Niro's underrated black comedy masterpiece.
more (163 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Robert De Niro | ... | Rupert Pupkin | |
| Jerry Lewis | ... | Jerry Langford | |
| Diahnne Abbott | ... | Rita Keane | |
| Sandra Bernhard | ... | Masha | |
| Shelley Hack | ... | Cathy Long | |
| Ed Herlihy | ... | Ed Herlihy | |
| Lou Brown | ... | Band leader | |
| Loretta Tupper | ... | Stage Door Fan | |
| Peter Potulski | ... | Stage Door Fan | |
| Vinnie Gonzales | ... | Stage Door Fan | |
| Whitey Ryan | ... | Stage Door Guard | |
| Doc Lawless | ... | Chauffeur | |
| Marta Heflin | ... | Young Girl | |
| Katherine Wallach | ... | Autograph Seeker | |
| Charles Kaleina | ... | Autograph Seeker |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
109 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:L |
Brazil:12 |
South Korea:15 |
Australia:PG |
Canada:14A |
Finland:S |
Spain:13 |
Sweden:11 |
UK:PG |
USA:PG |
Singapore:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Goofs:
Continuity: The position that Jerry is facing as Rupert chats with him in the limousine.
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Quotes:
[first lines]
Ed Herlihy: And now, from New York, The Jerry Langford Show! With Jerry's guests Tony Randall, Richard Dreyfuss, Rodney Dangerfield, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Lou Brown and the orchestra, and little old me Ed Herlihy. And now say hello to Jerry!
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Ed Herlihy: And now, from New York, The Jerry Langford Show! With Jerry's guests Tony Randall, Richard Dreyfuss, Rodney Dangerfield, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Lou Brown and the orchestra, and little old me Ed Herlihy. And now say hello to Jerry!
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "The O'Reilly Factor: (2008-06-25)" (2008)
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Soundtrack:
Swamp
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FAQ
What is the entire monologue that Rupert Pupkin gives on the Jerry Langford Show?more
more (163 total)
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'The King Of Comedy' is easily Martin Scorsese's most underrated and misunderstood movie. Scorsese and Robert De Niro's previous collaboration was the brilliant boxing biopic 'Raging Bull', generally regarded by most people as a masterpiece. Then the two made 'The King Of Comedy'... What a brave move! You couldn't find a more different movie, but one just as impressive and extraordinary. This movie is disliked by many, deliberately ignored by others. It's a very uncomfortable film. It's a (very) black comedy and is genuinely funny in places, but much of it is embarrassing to watch. Not because it is inept, but because of the believability of De Niro's obnoxious and irritating "loser" and wanna be comic Rupert Pupkin. De Niro has made a lot of disappointing movies in the last few years but 'The King Of Comedy' reminds you of just how brilliant he can be. I can't think of many actors who would be brave enough to play this part! Jerry Lewis is a performer I have always disliked, but he is excellent in this movie, probably because he is playing someone very close to himself in real life. The rest of the supporting cast aren't the most obvious choices, led by confrontational comedienne Sandra Bernhard and the "forgotten" Charlie's Angel Shelley Hack. Plus there are Tony Randall and a couple of other celebrities playing themselves, and a blink and you'll miss it cameo by The Clash (!). I really admire Scorsese for taking such a risk with this movie, which is one of the most original and provocative ever released by a major Hollywood studio. Bravo! This is must see viewing for not only all Scorsese or De Niro fans, but anyone who appreciates unusual or difficult movies.