
The King of Marvin Gardens
1972, Drama, 1h 44m
31 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsYou might also like

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Where to watch
The King of Marvin Gardens Photos
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.
Cast & Crew
Jack Nicholson
David Staebler
David Staebler
Bruce Dern
Jason Staebler
Jason Staebler
Ellen Burstyn
Sally
Sally
Julia Anne Robinson
Jessica
Jessica
Scatman Crothers
Lewis
Lewis
Charles Lavine
Grandfather
Grandfather
Critic Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens
Audience Reviews for The King of Marvin Gardens
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Oct 21, 2011Ellen Burstyn is crazy (as usual)Graham J Super Reviewer
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Mar 13, 2011Easily 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
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Sep 05, 2010A 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
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Nov 22, 2006The 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
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