The King of Comedy (1983)
Synopsis
Martin Scorsese's satirical comedy/drama caustically explores the lengths to which a nobody will go to be as famous as his idol. Practicing his patter in his basement with cardboard cut-outs of his favorite celebrities, mediocre aspiring comedian Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) believes that one appearance on the evening talk show of the Johnny Carson-esque Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis) will be his ticket to stardom. After he helps Jerry escape the advances of amorous fan Masha (Sandra Bernhard), Rupert takes Jerry's patronizing brush-off as a true promise for an audition and begins haunting Jerry's office. Provoked by Masha's needling and a rejection from Jerry's smooth production exec Cathy Long (Shelley Hack), Rupert makes a disastrous trip to Jerry's country house with embarrassed date Rita (Diahnne Abbott), then hatches an even more outlandish scheme to get ahead. With Masha's help, Rupert kidnaps Jerry and demands as ransom the TV appearance that he believes will turn his fantasy into reality.
What Critics Say
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Movie News
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Richard Pryor, King of Comedy
HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 10, 2000 -- Bad boy of comedy Richard Pryor is scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award tonight at MTV Film’s premiere for "The Original Kings of Comedy." In recent years, Pryor has wrestled with multiple sclerosis, limiting his ability to move around on his own, which makes tonight’s appearance especially rare.
During the event, which will take place at the Paramount lot in Hollywood, "Kings" director Spike Lee will present Pryor with an MTV astronaut statuette dubbing him "The Original King of Comedy."
"It’s been acknowledged by everyone involved in this film how influential Mr. Pryor has been in breaking down barriers for all comedians today," David Gale, producer and senior VP at MTV Films, told Daily Variety.
This isn’t the comedian’s only milestone this year. Rhino Records will also release "Richard Pryor: Sand It's Deep Too! The Co
-
Richard Pryor, King of Comedy
HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 10, 2000 -- Bad boy of comedy Richard Pryor is scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award tonight at MTV Film’s premiere for "The Original Kings of Comedy." In recent years, Pryor has wrestled with multiple sclerosis, limiting his ability to move around on his own, which makes tonight’s appearance especially rare.
During the event, which will take place at the Paramount lot in Hollywood, "Kings" director Spike Lee will present Pryor with an MTV astronaut statuette dubbing him "The Original King of Comedy."
"It’s been acknowledged by everyone involved in this film how influential Mr. Pryor has been in breaking down barriers for all comedians today," David Gale, producer and senior VP at MTV Films, told Daily Variety.
This isn’t the comedian’s only milestone this year. Rhino Records will also release "Richard Pryor: Sand It's Deep Too! The Co