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The King of Comedy (1982)
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Overview
Tagline:
. . and when it's all over one of them won't be laughing morePlot:
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 | add synopsisAwards:
Won BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations moreUser Comments:
Darkly, Starkly Funny moreCast
(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:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
109 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoCertification:
Brazil:12 | Iceland:L | Australia:PG | Canada:14A | Finland:S | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG | Singapore:PGFilming Locations:
New York City, New York, USAMOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
When Rupert is talking to Rita in a restaurant, a man in the background is imitating Rupert's hand gestures moreGoofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Jerry is wearing the sweater that Masha knitted him, her reflection is in the mirror behind him and she is talking but her reflection's mouth is not moving. moreQuotes:
[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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Soundtrack:
Back on the Chain Gang moreFAQ
What is the entire monologue that Rupert Pupkin gives on the Jerry Langford Show?more
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Saw it first time late at night and never thought about sleeping again for a couple of days.
DeNiro nails perfectly the unflappable and determined comic wannabe. We watch him throughout the whole film, wondering, Is he really just that sure of himself, or is he dangerously deranged? That question will take you through right to the end. Between Rupert, whose basement (in his mother's house) is decorated like a comedy club, and his oddball chum (S.Bernhard), there's considerable pathos. Jerry Lewis gives a lot of insight into the real person behind his easygoing public persona.
Part of what makes this movie so compelling is Scorsese's decision to keep the musical score to a minimum. Music could force the viewer to a conclusion that isn't entirely accurate. Listening to Rupert's endless exchanges Jerry, and everyone who stands in his way -- as is, without musical coloring -- enhances the "squirm factor."
Anyone who has been in the uncomfortable position of coming to regret being nice to someone will relate to this movie. It's a must-see, and despite being more than 20 years old now, it is not a bit dated.
/r