Drama
Comedy
Aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin attempts to achieve success in show business by stalking his idol, a late night talk-show host who craves his own privacy.
Directors
Robert De Niro
Rupert Pupkin
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Langford
Diahnne Abbott
Rita
Sandra Bernhard
Masha
Shelley Hack
Cathy Long
Frederick de Cordova
Bert Thomas
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
Richard Baratz
Caricaturist
Catherine Scorsese
Rupert's Mom (voice)
Directors
More like this
User reviews4
Review
Featured review
Robert De Niro is great in this enjoyable comedy about the aspiring comedian "Pupkin" who is prepared to go to great lengths to get his moment in the sun. To that end he doorsteps acclaimed chat-show host "Jerry" (the entirely convincing Jerry Lewis) and, not exactly lacking in self-confidence, convinces him to listen to his material. Anything for a peaceable life thinks the star and agrees clearly just to be rid of the man. "Pupkin", though, isn't so easily deterred and what ensues now are a rather darkly comedic series of escapades as the little man determines to get that spotlight - even if he has to turn to lying, housebreaking - even kidnapping. The writing here is taut and entertaining; the characters - especially that of the rather pompous "Jerry" are well crafted by the actors who really seem to be enjoying their roles. Martin Scorsese manages to skilfully keep this on the right side of what could easily have become far-fetched farce. It's the ultimate speculate to accumulate film poking fun at the whole television "opportunity" system, and with the odd sight of an almost unrecognisable Ed Herlihy it all adds up to a fun film to watch and I challenge anyone not have a laugh here.
Geronimo196722 Oct, 2023
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Box office
Budget
$19,000,000Gross worldwide
$2,536,000












































