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The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)

 -  Drama  -  12 October 1972 (USA)
6.4
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Ratings: 6.4/10 from 2,370 users  
Reviews: 33 user | 28 critic

'It's Monopoly out there'. Jason Staebler, The King of Marvin Gardens, has gone directly to jail, lives on the Boardwalk and fronts for the local mob in Atlantic City. He is also a dreamer ... See full summary »

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(screenplay), (story), 1 more credit »
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Title: The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
David Staebler
...
Jason Staebler
...
Sally
Julia Anne Robinson ...
Jessica
...
Lewis (as Benjamin 'Scatman' Crothers)
Charles LaVine ...
Grandfather
Arnold Williams ...
Rosko
...
Surtees (as John Ryan)
Sully Boyar ...
Lebowitz
...
Frank
William Pabst ...
Bidlack
Garry Goodrow ...
Nervous Man (as Gary Goodrow)
Imogene Bliss ...
Magda
Ann Thomas ...
Bambi
Tom Overton ...
Spot Operator
Edit

Storyline

'It's Monopoly out there'. Jason Staebler, The King of Marvin Gardens, has gone directly to jail, lives on the Boardwalk and fronts for the local mob in Atlantic City. He is also a dreamer who asks his brother, David, a radio personality from Philadelphia to help him build a paradise on a Pacific Island - asking him to believe in yet another of his dreams, yet another of his get-rich-quick schemes. But luck is against them both and the game ends badly - real life reduced to radio drama. Written by Dave Cook <cookd@mcmail.cis.mcmaster.ca>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

12 October 1972 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Philosopher King  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Original title: "The Philosopher King". See more »

Goofs

David listens to tape recording he made but during close-up of tape recorder, none of the buttons that would allow it to play are depressed. See more »

Quotes

Jason Staebler: You notice how it's Monopoly out there? Remember Boardwalk, Park Place, Marvin Gardens?
David Staebler: Go directly to jail?
Jason Staebler: Well, that's me. Don't pass go, don't collect $200.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The Columbia Pictures logo does not appear on this film. See more »


Soundtracks

"Steppin' Out With My Baby"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Heard when Jessica dances
See more »

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User Reviews

 
There's no there there.
2 May 2006 | by (Houston) – See all my reviews

I read the reviews and comments that seem to indicate a deep and insightful movie. I guess I am just a simpleton, but I simply don't get it. It seems a quiet character study type of film. It contrasts the two brothers, played very well by Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern, one as the shady hustler, and one as a semi-realist. It contrasts the two women, also played very well by Ellen Burstyn and Julia Ann Robinson, one of them nearing the end of her time wielding sexual power over men, and the other, the step-daughter, just coming into her time. It seems to compare the bleak Atlantic City winter with the age of the older woman, and the dreams of the older brother. And what's up with all the black gangsters? No, I just don't get it.


18 of 32 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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