The Jerk
A rags to riches to rags story.
Overview
After discovering he's not really black like the rest of his family, likable dimwit Navin Johnson sets off on a hilarious misadventure that takes him from rags to riches and back again. The slaphappy jerk strikes it rich, but life in the fast lane isn't all it's cracked up to be and, in the end, all that really matters to Johnson is his true love.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released during a period when comedy was undergoing a shift from traditional slapstick to more sophisticated humor, The Jerk reflects this transition. It also parodies American cultural norms and consumerism while providing biting social commentary.
- Steve Martin's hilarious and iconic comedic performance as Navin Johnson
- The unique blend of slapstick humor, physical comedy, and satire
- Exploration of themes like identity, success, and the American Dream
- Catchy soundtrack with songs like 'King of the Road' and 'Sail' enhancing the comedic experience
Fun Facts
- 'The Jerk' was co-written by Carl Reiner, who also directed the film and is known for his work on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'.
- Steve Martin, the lead actor, performed most of the film's physical stunts himself.
- The scene where Navin Johnson is driving a truck with 'African-American' written on it was inspired by a real event. In 1972, a man in Mississippi painted 'Negro Mover' on his truck.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"A rags to riches to rags story."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Reichtum ist keine Schande
""
Magyar
HU
Title: A pacák
""
Nederlands
NL
Title:
""
Italiano
IT
Title: Lo straccione
""
Español
ES
Title: Un loco anda suelto
"De la pobreza a la riqueza ... ¡y vuelta!"
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
***Steve Martin’s breakout comedy***
A homeless mentally-challenged man (Steve Martin) shares his amusing tale of rags-to-riches-to-hobo with flashbacks. Catlin Adams plays a stunt rider at a carnival who has the hots for Navin (Martin) while Bernadette Peters plays a more important woman in his life.
“The Jerk” (1979) has several laugh-out-loud scenes like the eventual confrontation between Patty (Catlin) and Marie (Peters), but there are also some flat, overlong parts, like when Navin departs the mansion in the last act. “Forrest Gump” (1994) was obviously inspired by “The Jerk” and made a more serious, popular picture. Jim Carrey also took a lot of inspiration from Martin and “The Jerk” to forge the even funnier “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994).
The movie runs 1 hour, 34 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area.
GRADE: B
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Clip
The Gas Station - Full Scene
Trailer
Trailer
Featurette
Steve Martin Talks About THE JERK