King of the Gypsies is a 1978 American drama film written and directed by Frank Pierson and based on the 1975 book of the same name by Peter Maas. It stars Eric Roberts (in his film debut), Sterling Hayden, Shelley Winters, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Annette O'Toole, and Judd Hirsch.
The film follows the life of Steve Tene and his Romani family.
Contents
Plot
The film deals with the criminal ways and turbulent lives of a group of modern-day Romanis living in the early 1960s of New York City. While on his deathbed their "king", Zharko Stepanowicz, passes his position of leadership on to his unwilling grandson, Dave. In spite of Dave's reluctance to become the Gypsies' new leader, Dave's father, Groffo, resentful over not having been appointed leader, attempts to have Dave killed. Groffo is scheming and temperamental, and uses violence and threats to get the clan to do his bidding. Eventually this leads to a major confrontation with his son, and the film ends with the suggestion that Dave has finally accepted his legacy; with his voiceover considering the possibility of his bringing the rest of the tradition-bound Gypsies into the world of 20th Century customs and lifestyles.
Cast
Eric Roberts as Dave Stepanowicz
Sterling Hayden as King Zharko Stepanowicz
Judd Hirsch as Groffo Stepanowicz
Shelley Winters as Queen Rachel Stepanowicz
Susan Sarandon as Rose Giorgio Stepanowicz
Brooke Shields as Tita Stepanowicz
Danielle Brisebois as Young Tita Stepanowicz
Annette O'Toole as Sharon
Annie Potts as Persa
Michael V. Gazzo as Spiro Giorgio
Antonia Rey as Danitza Giorgio
Matthew Laborteaux as Middle Dave Stepanowicz
Roy Brocksmith as Frinkuleschti
Faith Minton as Gypsy (uncredited)
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 67% of 9 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.