What Is The Jerk, Too About?
The premise of The Jerk, Too in 318 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the low‑key stretches of rural Alabama, a gentle yet bewildered young man named Navin Johnson lives on a modest farm that feels both familiar and oddly out of place. Adopted by a Black family, Navin’s sincerity shines through his earnest lack of street‑wise instincts, giving him a charm that borders on the absurd. The world around him hums with the simple rhythms of the South, a place where expectations are clear but Navin’s own path remains humorously undefined.
One breezy afternoon a handwritten note arrives from his long‑distance pen‑pal, Marie, announcing her upcoming wedding in the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles. Determined to witness the ceremony and perhaps finally meet the woman behind the ink, Navin packs his belongings and sets his sights on the West Coast. The journey, however, takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a ragged yet surprisingly affable gang of hobos led by the charismatic wanderer Diesel. Recognizing a flicker of hidden talent in Navin’s unpolished poker skill, Diesel offers a detour that promises both adventure and a chance to raise the funds needed for the cross‑country trek.
The road whisks the mismatched pair from dusty backroads to the neon‑lit desert oasis of Las Vegas, where the stakes feel as high as the city’s towering lights. Here, Navin’s naïveté collides with the flamboyant excess of a gambling haven, creating a comedic dance of innocence and bravado. Diesel’s easy‑going confidence provides a rough‑hewn compass, while Navin’s earnest curiosity keeps the journey buoyant, hinting at the possibility that even the most unlikely companions can find common ground.
Ahead lies the promised glamour of Los Angeles, a city pulsing with dreams and the promise of a long‑awaited reunion. As Navin draws closer to his destination, the atmosphere swells with a playful tension—will his simple heart survive the chaotic tapestry of the West Coast, and what unforeseen twists might still be waiting on the horizon?
What Happens in The Jerk, Too?
The complete story of The Jerk, Too, from the first scene to the last, in 168 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Navin Johnson, the white adopted son of a black farming family in Alabama, receives word from his penpal Marie Van Buren that she will marry Count Marco in Los Angeles. Eager to witness the wedding, he decides to attend and partners with a rough, friendly hobo named Diesel. Navin quickly shows he is a natural poker player, and the two set off for Las Vegas to raise funds that will clear the path to Los Angeles.
In Las Vegas, Navin attends Marie’s engagement party and realizes he is in love with her. He plans to confess that night by sneaking into her room, but the moment reveals a painful truth: [Count Marco] is cheating on Marie. Navin’s confession is not heard, and Marco schemes to keep Navin away until after the wedding. Navin manages to escape his captivity, interrupts the marriage ceremony, and the planned union unravels.
The story closes with the two lovers escaping together in a hot air balloon, where she gives him his first kiss.
The Jerk, Too Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Navin's unconventional upbringing” to “Escape into the skies”. 11 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Navin's unconventional upbringing
Navin Johnson is introduced as the white adopted son living with a Black farming family in rural Alabama. He grows up in this unusual household, developing a cheerful, naïve outlook on life. The opening establishes his curiosity about the wider world and his place within the family.
Where:Alabama
- 2
Marie's wedding invitation
Navin receives a letter from his penpal Marie announcing her engagement to Count Marco and that the wedding will be held in Los Angeles. He decides to travel to LA to attend the wedding, seeing it as his chance to connect with Marie. The news sets the journey into motion.
Where:Alabama
- 3
A road companion: Diesel the hobo
On his way to Los Angeles, Navin meets a hobo named Diesel who becomes his unlikely ally. The two strike up a rough partnership based on mutual luck and optimism. Diesel's presence nudges Navin toward a bigger plan than simply attending a wedding.
- 4
Poker talent discovered
Navin discovers he is a natural poker player, astounding Diesel and himself. They decide to travel to Las Vegas to raise funds for Navin's journey to Los Angeles. The plan hinges on turning luck into cash to boost their odds of reaching Marie.
Where:Las Vegas
- 5
Las Vegas winnings
In Las Vegas, Navin's unexpected skill at the poker table draws crowds and brings in money. The pair racks up funds that will fuel Navin's trip to LA and his attempt to win Marie's heart. The city becomes a backdrop for comic luck and impulsive gambles.
Where:Las Vegas
- 6
Marie’s engagement party in LA
Navin finally reaches Los Angeles and attends Marie's engagement party, where his feelings for her begin to surface. The social scene highlights his outsider status and his growing hope that Marie might love him too. The party sets the emotional stakes for the rest of the story.
Where:Los Angeles
- 7
Navin falls in love
During the party, Navin realizes he is in love with Marie and struggles with how to express it. He weighs the consequences of confessing his feelings in a way that could change everything. The moment heightens the tension between friendship, loyalty, and romance.
When:Evening Where:Los Angeles
- 8
Attempted confession and discovery of infidelity
Navin climbs into Marie's room to confess his feelings but instead discovers Count Marco cheating on Marie. The moment reveals the wedding's fragility and complicates Navin's emotions. He remains unsure how to reveal his love while the truth unfolds.
When:Night Where:Marie's room, Los Angeles
- 9
Marco's abduction plan
Count Marco arranges for Navin to be abducted until after the wedding, attempting to remove Navin from the equation. Navin becomes a target of the Count's scheme, escalating the conflict between the couple and Navin's mission. The kidnapping sets the stage for Navin's breakout and the wedding's disruption.
When:Night Where:Los Angeles
- 10
Escape and wedding interference
Navin escapes his captors and moves to stop the wedding from going forward. He confronts the couple's plans and disrupts the ceremony, choosing a path influenced by his love for Marie. The scene marks a turning point in the romantic arc of the story.
When:Dawn Where:Wedding venue, Los Angeles
- 11
Wedding called off; romance prevails
With Navin's intervention, the wedding is halted and Marie's relationship trajectory shifts. The couple's fates are left open as Navin asserts his feelings. The ending focuses on their choice to pursue each other despite social expectations.
When:Evening Where:Los Angeles
- 12
Escape into the skies
The film ends with Navin and Marie flying away together in a hot air balloon. Marie gives him his first kiss as the couple escapes their former constraints. The ending leaves their future uncertain but grounded in their newfound romance.
When:Sunset Where:Over Los Angeles
Who Are the Main Characters in The Jerk, Too?
10 characters, among them Navin Johnson (Mark Blankfield), Marie Van Buren (Stacey Nelkin) and Count Marco (Jean Leclerc): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- NJ
Navin Johnson (Mark Blankfield)
Played by Mark Blankfield
An optimistic, naive protagonist who discovers a surprising knack for poker. His desire to belong and to win Marie's affection drives him into a cross-country adventure. He often misreads social cues, but his charm and persistence push the story forward.
- 🎭 Protagonist
- 💡 Optimistic
- 🎲 Poker Talent
- MV
Marie Van Buren (Stacey Nelkin)
Played by Stacey Nelkin
Navin's love interest who becomes the center of the engagement and wedding plot. Torn between social expectations and genuine feelings, she navigates the complexities of her engagement and heartache. Her reactions anchor the emotional core of the story.
- ❤️ Love Interest
- 🧭 Conflicted
- 🎯 Desire
- CM
Count Marco (Jean Leclerc)
Played by Jean Leclerc
A charming but scheming antagonist who manipulates events to secure his marriage to Marie. He orchestrates the abduction setup and creates obstacles that Navin must overcome. His cunning drives much of the conflict and tension.
- 🎭 Antagonist
- 🧠 Cunning
-
Diesel (Ray Walston)
Played by Ray Walston
A wily hobo who becomes Navin's ally and poker mentor on the road. He brings streetwise humor and practical know-how, helping Navin navigate the gambling world. He serves as a foil to Navin's naivete while supporting the journey.
- 🎲 Sidekick
- 🗺️ Guide
- GJ
Grandma Johnson (Helen Martin)
Played by Helen Martin
A familial presence from Navin's Alabama background, offering warmth and comic relief. Her presence grounds the early part of Navin's journey and contrasts with the glitz of the later settings.
- 👵 Family Anchor
- MV
Mrs. Van Buren (Patricia Barry)
Played by Patricia Barry
Marie's mother and a member of the Van Buren family, whose role in the engagement unfolds alongside the wedding plans. She adds social pressure and introduces family dynamics into the escalating plot.
- 👩👧 Family Gatekeeper
- VB
Van Buren (Robert Sampson)
Played by Robert Sampson
Marie's father, representing the family authority and social expectations surrounding the engagement. His presence reinforces the stakes of the wedding and Navin's challenge to win Marie.
- 👔 Family Authority
- CT
Carl the Butler (Barrie Ingham)
Played by Barrie Ingham
A formal household presence who participates in the social fabric surrounding the Van Buren family and the wedding dynamics. His role underscores the class-conscious elements of the plot.
- 🕴️ Service Elite
- DJ
Damon Johnson (Todd Hallowell)
Played by Todd Hallowell
A member of Navin's family circle whose presence ties Navin to his roots while the adventure unfolds. He reminds Navin of where he came from as he seeks a future.
- 🏠 Family Link
- P(
Porter (Jack O'Leary)
Played by Jack O'Leary
A supporting character who appears in scenes that connect Navin's journey to hotels and venues, contributing to the film's comedic and travel-driven rhythm.
- 🎬 Supporting
Where and When Is The Jerk, Too Set?
The Jerk, Too is set in Alabama, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The plot unfolds in a contemporary American setting, moving from a Southern town to major Western cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, reflecting a late 20th-century cultural vibe centered on travel, show business, and nightlife.
Where
Alabama, Los Angeles, Las Vegas
The story starts in a rural Alabama town with Navin's adoptive family before shifting to urban settings. The group travels to Las Vegas to pursue Navin's poker talents and fund his journey, then moves to Los Angeles for the engagement party and wedding drama. The locales highlight a contrast between small-town life and high-stakes entertainment venues.
- 🏡 Rural Alabama
- 🏙️ Los Angeles
- 🎰 Casinos of Las Vegas
What Are the Themes of The Jerk, Too?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Romance, Deception and Freedom.
-
01
Romance
Navin's affection for Marie drives the narrative and creates tension when true feelings collide with social expectations. The romance is tested by Marco's scheming and the impulsive decisions Navin makes in the pursuit of love. The story explores innocence, yearning, and the consequences of pursuing the heart in a world of manipulation.
-
02
Deception
Marco's manipulative ploy to secure the marriage reveals a web of deceit surrounding the engagement. Navin becomes a pawn in a larger scheme, challenging his trust and sense of reality. The film uses disguise, misdirection, and arranged events to propel the comedy and conflict.
-
03
Freedom
The跨country journey embodies reinvention and escape, moving from Alabama toward a new life in California. The pursuit of love and a better future pushes Navin to break free from danger and constraints. The hot air balloon finale symbolizes a fresh start and a new chapter.
-
04
Luck
Navin's natural talent at poker becomes a catalyst for travel and opportunity, turning chance into progress. The casino and gambling elements reflect a culture of risk, reward, and improvised luck. This luck fuels both the humor and the forward momentum of the plot.
What Kind of Film Is The Jerk, Too?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A feel-good comedy with a steady pace, following a well-meaning but clueless man on a series of lighthearted misadventures from Alabama to Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
- comedic
- lighthearted
- uplifting
- adventurous
- silly
- optimistic
- poker
- road trip
- unrequited love
- wedding sabotage
Where to Watch The Jerk, Too
Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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