The King of Marvin Gardens

Name: The King of Marvin Gardens
Genre: Drama
Released: TODO_MISSING
Rating: 71

1972, Drama, 1h 44m

31 Reviews 1,000+ Ratings

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Oof, that was Rotten.

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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.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Bob Rafelson
Producer:

Bob Rafelson
Writer:

Jacob Brackman, Bob Rafelson
Release Date (Theaters):

Oct 12, 1972 original
Release Date (Streaming):

Apr 25, 2000
Runtime:

1h 44m
Distributor:

Columbia Pictures
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

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens

All Critics (31) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (9)

Full Review… Tom Milne Sight & Sound

Full Review… Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard

Full Review… Peter Bradshaw Guardian

Full Review… Adam Lee Davies Little White Lies

Full Review… Kim Newman Empire Magazine

Full Review… Variety Staff Variety

Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com

Full Review… Sean Burns Crooked Marquee

Full Review… Sarah Cronin Electric Sheep

Full Review… Philip French Observer (UK)

Full Review… Allan Hunter Daily Express (UK)

Full Review… Simon Kinnear Total Film

View All Critic Reviews (31)

Audience Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens

Oct 21, 2011

Ellen Burstyn is crazy (as usual)

Graham J Super Reviewer
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.

Conner R Super Reviewer
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.

Aj V Super Reviewer
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.

Michael G Super Reviewer