King of the Gypsies (1978): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
King of the Gypsies is a 1978 drama directed by Frank Pierson, starring Eric Roberts, Judd Hirsch and Sterling Hayden. It runs 1 hour 52 minutes and earned $7.3 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including New Star of the Year – Actor at the Golden Globes 1979. Critics gave it 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 52m (112 min)
- Director
- Frank Pierson
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is King of the Gypsies About?
The premise of King of the Gypsies without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A young man attempts to claim his inheritance within a Gypsy kingdom, setting off a fierce conflict with his powerful and traditional father. Eric Roberts stars as the heir, while Judd Hirsch portrays the patriarch whose authority is challenged. The film explores themes of legacy, ambition, and the clash between ancient customs and modern desires, all set against the backdrop of a hidden, underground world. A thrilling power struggle ensues as the kingdom's fiery legacy is tested.
King of the Gypsies Themes & Keywords
· 33 tags- romani people
- romani culture
- gypsy king
- romani family
- new york city
- psychological drama
- based on book
- romani american
- romani protagonist
- caucasian actor playing romani character
- tradition
- caucasian actress playing romani character
+21 more Show fewer
- break with tradition
- breaking family tradition
- knife fight
- romani settlement
- gypsy culture
- gypsy family
- family drama
- patriarchal society
- criminal
- father
- world
- defecation
- boy rear nudity
- gypsy
- tween girl
- family relationships
- heritage
- grandfather grandson relationship
- generation gap
- father son relationship
- dysfunctional family
King of the Gypsies Cast
Eric Roberts leads the cast, with Judd Hirsch and Sterling Hayden. Directed by Frank Pierson; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Frank Pierson
Also Starring in King of the Gypsies
· 6 moreMore from Frank Pierson
More films directed by Frank Pierson, best-rated first: A Star Is Born, Soldier’s Girl, Conspiracy and Dirty Pictures.
King of the Gypsies Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave King of the Gypsies 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 63% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 63%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 38 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 56% User score
See on TMDB
King of the Gypsies Plot Summary
What happens in King of the Gypsies from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
King of the Gypsies tells a riveting story centered on Zharko Stepanowicz, portrayed by Sterling Hayden, who is the king of the gypsies. He makes an unexpected visit to the camp of another gypsy, Spiro played by Michael V. Gazzo, insisting that Spiro’s daughter, Rose (brilliantly brought to life by Susan Sarandon), marry his son, Groffo (played by Judd Hirsch). Zharko has already paid a hefty sum of $4,500 for this marriage, yet Rose is adamantly opposed to it, leading Spiro to offer half of the bride price back to Zharko as compensation. This offer, however, is met with discontent as Zharko refuses to accept it. The matter escalates to the gypsy elders, who uphold Spiro’s stance.
Full summary
The whole story of King of the Gypsies, scene by scene
King of the Gypsies Box Office
King of the Gypsies grossed $7.3 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$7.3M
- US & Canada
- $7.3M
King of the Gypsies Awards & Nominations
King of the Gypsies earned 1 award nomination, including New Star of the Year – Actor at the Golden Globes 1979.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Golden Globes 1979 1 nomination- Nominated New Star of the Year – Actor – Eric Roberts
King of the Gypsies Trailers & Videos
The trailer of King of the Gypsies.
How Well Do You Know King of the Gypsies?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who demands the marriage of Spiro's daughter, Rose, to his son Groffo?
Cars in King of the Gypsies
14 cars on screen, including the 1961 Cadillac Series 62 and the 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88.
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1961 Cadillac Series 62 Important role -
1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Important role -
1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Minor role -
1949 Cadillac Series 62 Minor role
King of the Gypsies Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Estirpe indomable” and “Il re degli zingari”.
- Also known as
-
- Estirpe indomable
- Il re degli zingari
- A cigányok királya
- König der Zigeuner
- 吉普赛之王
- Rei dos Ciganos
- Король цыган
- 집시들의 왕
- Estirp indomable
- Le Roi des gitans
Seen King of the Gypsies?
Movies Like King of the Gypsies
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Gypsy Wildcat, The Gypsy Baron and Gypsies.
King of the Gypsies FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of King of the Gypsies, each answered in a sentence.
How long is King of the Gypsies?
King of the Gypsies runs 1 hour 52 minutes (112 minutes).
When was King of the Gypsies released?
King of the Gypsies was released on December 20, 1978.
Who directed King of the Gypsies?
King of the Gypsies was directed by Frank Pierson.
More films by Frank Pierson Who is in the cast of King of the Gypsies?
King of the Gypsies stars Eric Roberts, Judd Hirsch and Sterling Hayden, among 10 credited actors.
How much did King of the Gypsies make at the box office?
King of the Gypsies grossed $7.3 million worldwide.
How is King of the Gypsies rated?
King of the Gypsies has 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 38 on Metacritic and 56% on TMDB.
Was King of the Gypsies nominated for any awards?
King of the Gypsies received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does King of the Gypsies have a post-credit scene?
No. King of the Gypsies has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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