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Movie Info
David Staebler (Jack Nicholson) is a sullen radio personality who reconnects with his scheming brother, Jason (Bruce Dern), in Atlantic City, N.J. A fast-talking con man, Jason is traveling with the beautiful Sally (Ellen Burstyn) and her stepdaughter, Jessica (Julia Anne Robinson), and attempts to rope David into a deal involving a tropical island resort. While David initially humors his ne'er-do-well sibling, Jason isn't happy when his brother tries to rain on his parade.
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Rating: R
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Genre: Drama
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Original Language: English
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Director: Bob Rafelson
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Producer: Bob Rafelson
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Writer: Jacob Brackman, Bob Rafelson
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Release Date (Theaters): original
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Release Date (Streaming):
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Runtime:
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Distributor: Columbia Pictures
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Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
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Sound Mix: Mono
Cast & Crew

Jack Nicholson
David Staebler

Bruce Dern
Jason Staebler

Ellen Burstyn
Sally

Julia Anne Robinson
Jessica

Scatman Crothers
Lewis

Charles Lavine
Grandfather

Arnold Williams
Rosko

John P. Ryan
Surtees

Sully Boyar
Lebowitz

Josh Mostel
Frank

William Pabst
Bidlack

Garry Goodrow
Nervous Man

Imogene Bliss
Magda

Bob Rafelson
Director

Jacob Brackman
Writer

Bob Rafelson
Writer

Bob Rafelson
Producer

László Kovács
Cinematographer

John F. Link
Film Editing

Toby Carr Rafelson
Production Design

G. Tony Scarano
Costume Design
Critic Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens
Audience Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens
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Oct 21, 2011
Ellen Burstyn is crazy (as usual)
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Mar 13, 2011
Easily one of the most overlooked movies of the 70s. This has such a brave finale that completely changes the entire plot, character motives and mood of the movie. Bob Rafelson takes a story about two estranged brothers and turns it into something so much more engaging and memorable. Knowing Jack Nicolson, it's almost bizarre not to see him have multiple freak outs in a movie, especially during his 70s era of acting. He plays a really introspective and reserved character that honestly ends up being just as admirable as his more famous ones. Who really does end up completely dominating the movie is a completely unsuspecting Ellen Burstyn. When you think of character development, there is no better example than her in this movie. To see her go from a seemingly jolly and upbeat person into a train wreck of doom is an event you can't miss. This has all the great cinematography and direction that Bob Rafelson had with Five Easy Pieces, but this is a completely different take on America.
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Sep 05, 2010
A very deep, intense, dramatic movie with a great story and brilliant actors. I loved this movie, and I highly recommend it.
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Nov 22, 2006
The King of Marvin Gardens is a seriously underrated gem from an era where Jack Nicholson was at his peak. Between Bob Fafelson's direction and the entire cast's performances (especially Ellen Burstyn in an increasingly batshit crazy turn as a fading glamour queen) its almost impossible to see why this movie never really got its due. Admittedly there are stretches where The King of Marvin Gardens feels like a fever dream or reading a novel with some of the more important pages torn out but its so worth the ride. Especially for the opening and closing scenes.
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