Synopsis
Zharko, leader of the Romanis in NYC, passes his position of leadership on to his unwilling grandson, Dave, leading to infighting between Dave and his father.
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Cast
- Sterling HaydenKing Zharko Stepanowicz
- Shelley WintersQueen Rachel
- Susan SarandonRose
- Judd HirschGroffo
- Eric RobertsDave
- Brooke ShieldsTita
- Annette O'TooleSharon
- Annie PottsPersa
- Alice DrummondZharko's Nurse
- Michael V. GazzoSpiro Giorgio
Recommendations
- 75
Boston Globe
Eric Roberts, making his movie debut, shines as a Travolta-ish hero who wants to surmount his family origins. [19 July 2015, p.N] - 60
TV Guide Magazine
Although this film suffered from some miscasting--especially the choice of Shields, whose performance is more than mildly distressing--King of the Gypsies offers an often fascinating look at gypsy culture in America. - 40
Chicago Reader
Half the film passes while Pierson fumbles with the exposition—setting up an intricate internecine war for control of a Gypsy clan—and then he fumbles the action. Pointless, messy, rambling; no atmosphere and no energy. - 40
The New York Times
Frank Pierson has written and directed a melodrama about three generations of gypsies that is all color and no substance. - 40
Newsweek
When they are all brought together in one of the movie's many badly staged group scenes, King of the Gypsies hilariously resembles nothing so much as a Hollywood costume party. [28 Dec 1978, p.86] - 37
Washington Post
King of the Gypsies gets caught in a paralyzing bind between sordid subject matter and ridiculous casting. Ostensibly a serious, compelling melodramatic chronicle about dynastic conflict within the gypsy subculture of contemporary American, the movie resolves itself lickety-split into a laughter. [20 Dec 1978, p.E1] - 30
Time Out
Endless and doggedly in earnest.
