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The Jerk

Play trailer Poster for The Jerk R 1979 1h 33m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 45 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Navin (Steve Martin) believes he was born a poor black child in Mississippi. He is, however, actually white. Upon figuring this out, he heads north to St. Louis to find himself. After landing a job at a gas station, Navin is excited to discover his name printed in the new phone book. This ratification of his existence leads him from one misadventure to another -- as he invents gadgets, dodges bullets, joins the carnival and seeks love in the arms of beautiful Marie (Bernadette Peters).
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The Jerk

The Jerk

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Critics Consensus

Crude, crass, and oh so quotable, The Jerk is nothing short of an all-out comedic showcase for Steve Martin.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Huddleston Time Out The result remains the funniest film of Martin’s career: a rags-to-riches riot of visual gags, oddball wit and, of course, outrageous silliness. Rated: 5/5 Dec 12, 2024 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader The verbal and conceptual gags... belong wholly to Martin's own brand of goofiness, and some of them are pretty funny. Mar 14, 2021 Full Review Gary Arnold Washington Post Within ts limitations, The Jerk is a capably produced entertainment, seasoned by deft bit performances from several actors... Apr 24, 2018 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) The Jerk is uneven with a capital U. Jan 17, 2024 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …doesn’t tick the boxes required of a rounded drama, but it’s hard to complain when so many gags land… Rated: 4/5 Nov 30, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Every scene offers something funny; every scene subverts expectations. Rated: 3.5/4 Feb 22, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kyle M A bland joke whereas Harrison Ford and Carl Reiner’s cameos are the only highlights when Steve Martin debuted his comedic star vehicle on imaginative fuel with contrived engines in demeaning form that meaninglessly gasses his co-stars. (C-) Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/28/25 Full Review David F An over the top, silly, comedy. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/26/25 Full Review Johnathan B Definitely need too try pizza in a cup lol 😂 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/24/25 Full Review Oggie B Every scene offers something funny; every scene subverts expectations. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/24/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 33 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!! The DVD and Blu-Ray Disc formats include hilarious special features!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/03/25 Full Review Glen E Next level genius and mastery of comedy Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Jerk

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Cast & Crew

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Carl Reiner

Director

Steve Martin

Navin R. Johnson

Bernadette Peters

Marie Kimble Johnson

Catlin Adams

Patty Bernstein

Mabel King

Mother

Richard Ward

Father

Movie Clips

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The Jerk

The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's Special Purpose The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's Special Purpose 3:00 The Jerk: Official Clip - He Hates These Cans! The Jerk: Official Clip - He Hates These Cans! 2:49 The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin Beats the Racists The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin Beats the Racists 2:14 The Jerk: Official Clip - The Lord Loves a Workin' Man The Jerk: Official Clip - The Lord Loves a Workin' Man 2:58 The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's in Print The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's in Print 1:14 The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's Birthday The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin's Birthday 2:28 The Jerk: Official Clip - Don't Call That Dog Lifesaver The Jerk: Official Clip - Don't Call That Dog Lifesaver 1:33 The Jerk: Official Clip - The Opti-Grab The Jerk: Official Clip - The Opti-Grab 2:23 The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin Calls the Cops The Jerk: Official Clip - Navin Calls the Cops 2:59 The Jerk: Official Clip - That's All I Need! The Jerk: Official Clip - That's All I Need! 2:58 View more videos

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The Jerk

The Jerk (1979) The Jerk (1979) The Jerk (1979) The Jerk (1979) The Jerk (1979) The Jerk (1979) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Navin (Steve Martin) believes he was born a poor black child in Mississippi. He is, however, actually white. Upon figuring this out, he heads north to St. Louis to find himself. After landing a job at a gas station, Navin is excited to discover his name printed in the new phone book. This ratification of his existence leads him from one misadventure to another -- as he invents gadgets, dodges bullets, joins the carnival and seeks love in the arms of beautiful Marie (Bernadette Peters).
Director
Carl Reiner
Producer
David V. Picker, William McEuen
Screenwriter
Steve Martin, Carl Gottlieb, Michael Elias
Distributor
MCA/Universal Pictures [us]
Production Co
Aspen Film Society
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 14, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2012
Runtime
1h 33m
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