The Jerk(1979)
“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.
Director
Carl Reiner
Studio
Universal Pictures
Budget
$4M
Revenue
$100M
Cast
Steve Martin
as Navin R. Johnson
Bernadette Peters
as Marie Kimble Johnson
Catlin Adams
as Patty Bernstein
Mabel King
as Mother
Richard Ward
as Father
Carl Gottlieb
as Iron Balls McGinty
Dick Anthony Williams
as Taj
Bill Macy
as Stan Fox
M. Emmet Walsh
as Madman
Dick O'Neill
as Frosty
Maurice Evans
as Hobart
Helena Carroll
as Hester
Where to Watch
Amazon Prime Video
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Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
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Movie Facts
Release Year
1979
Runtime
1h 34m
Language
English
Rating
6.9 / 10
Budget
$4M
Box Office
$100M
Production Companies
Universal Pictures • Aspen Film Society
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Jerk?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for The Jerk (1979).
What is The Jerk about?▼
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.
Who directed The Jerk?▼
The Jerk was directed by Carl Reiner and released in 1979. It is a comedy film.
How long is The Jerk?▼
The Jerk has a runtime of 1 hours and 34 minutes (94 minutes total).
Who stars in The Jerk?▼
The cast of The Jerk includes Steve Martin as Navin R. Johnson, Bernadette Peters as Marie Kimble Johnson, Catlin Adams as Patty Bernstein, Mabel King as Mother, Richard Ward as Father and more.
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