The King of Comedy

1982

1h 49m

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

2.5K

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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

Martin Scorsese

Writers

Paul D. Zimmerman(writer by)

Stars

Robert De Niro

Jerry Lewis

Diahnne Abbott

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Videos4

Trailer
Watch THE KING OF COMEDY - Trailer ( 1982 )
Clip
Watch "The King of Comedy" (1982 - Martin Scorsese)
Featurette
Watch Josh Olson on THE KING OF COMEDY
Featurette
Watch 'The King of Comedy' | Critics' Picks | The New York Times

Top cast

Rupert Pupkin

Jerry Langford

Rita

Masha

Cathy Long

Bert Thomas

Band Leader

Stage Door Fan

Stage Door Fan

Stage Door Fan

Stage Door Guard

Chauffeur

Young Girl

Autograph Seeker

Autograph Seeker

Caricaturist

Rupert's Mom (voice)

Directors

Martin Scorsese

Writers

Paul D. Zimmerman(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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