The Jerk Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A white guy raised by a black family realizes he’s not black, so he goes on a journey to invent sticky glasses and get shot at, all while being really dumb.

🍿 The Jerk: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Navin’s Upbringing and Departure

Navin Johnson, a white man raised by a Black sharecropping family in Mississippi, feels out of place. He lacks rhythm and doesn’t quite fit in. One night, hearing ‘Crazy Rhythm’ on the radio, he decides it’s his calling to find his ‘special purpose’ in St. Louis. He leaves his family with their blessing, setting out with little more than a suitcase and the naive optimism that characterizes him. This departure sets the stage for his series of misadventures and encounters with various characters.

Life in St. Louis and the Opti-Grab Invention

In St. Louis, Navin gets a job at a gas station owned by Harry Hartounian. He experiences a series of comical events, including foiling a robbery (in a very Navin-esque way) and becoming the target of a deranged sniper. He’s thrilled just to find his name in the phone book, a sign of his existence being acknowledged. While at the gas station, he invents the ‘Opti-Grab,’ a handle to prevent glasses from slipping. Stan Fox, a customer, agrees to market it, promising Navin 50% of the profits. This invention marks a turning point, leading to Navin’s brief but significant wealth.

Wealth, Fame, and the Downfall

The Opti-Grab becomes a massive success, making Navin incredibly wealthy. He marries Marie Kimble and indulges in a lavish lifestyle. However, the product’s success is short-lived. A class-action lawsuit is filed, claiming the Opti-Grab causes crossed eyes. Navin loses everything, forced to abandon his mansion and return to poverty. This rapid rise and fall highlights the fleeting nature of fame and fortune.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Navin R. Johnson (Steve Martin): A naive and simple-minded man who leaves his adopted family to find his ‘special purpose’ and experiences both wealth and poverty.
• Marie (Bernadette Peters): Navin’s love interest, a cosmetologist who initially leaves him due to his lack of financial security but later returns, realizing money isn’t everything.
• Mother (Mabel King): Navin’s adoptive mother who provides him with love and support.
• Father (Richard Ward): Navin’s adoptive father who gives him the advice ‘Don’t trust Whitey.’
• Stan Fox (Bill Macy): The inventor who partners with Navin to market the Opti-Grab and shares the profits.
• Madman (M. Emmet Walsh): A crazed sniper who randomly targets Navin, adding a recurring element of danger and absurdity.
• Harry Hartounian (Jackie Mason): The gas station owner who employs Navin and witnesses his early misadventures.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Navin: “I was born a poor black child…” – The opening line of the film, setting the tone for Navin’s naive and absurd perspective on his life.
• Navin: “The new phone book’s here! The new phone book’s here! I’m somebody now! Millions of people look at this book every day. This is my chance!” – Navin’s joyous reaction to finding his name in the phone book, highlighting his desire for recognition and belonging.
• Navin: “I don’t need anything! I don’t need this stuff, and I don’t need you! I don’t need anything except this. [picks up an ashtray] And that’s the only thing I need is this. I don’t need this or this. Just this ashtray… And this paddle game.” – Said during a breakup, Navin tries to minimize his possessions, but keeps adding to the list of what he needs.
• Navin: “He hates these cans! Stay away from the cans!” – Navin’s misunderstanding of the sniper’s intentions, thinking he’s targeting oil cans instead of him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $73,691,419
• Worldwide Gross: $73,691,419

💥 The Jerk Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The Jerk’ as a kid and just being in stitches! Steve Martin’s physical comedy and the sheer ridiculousness of the situations Navin gets into were pure gold. The “all I need” scene is iconic, and I still find myself quoting it. It’s a feel-good movie that never fails to make me laugh, even after all these years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve Martin’s early work”
  • “Viewers who appreciate absurdist humor”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted, easy-to-watch comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some profanity”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Steve Martin’s ‘The Jerk’ is an original, wacky comedy. Martin shines as a lame-brain fool who leaves his family and heads downtown. Hilarious scenes occur at the gas station and while it loses steam in the middle, the humor is one of the best of its genre. Martin dissolves himself completely into character.
• AllMovie: “This is Martin at his finest, showcasing his wild and crazy persona in a rags-to-riches-to-rags tale. The film’s strength lies in its irreverent humor and Martin’s ability to elevate simple gags into comedic masterpieces. A must-watch for fans of classic slapstick.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While some jokes may feel dated, ‘The Jerk’ remains a testament to Steve Martin’s comedic genius. His portrayal of Navin R. Johnson is both endearing and hilarious, making this film a timeless classic for fans of absurd comedy.

Audience Reactions

The ‘all I need’ scene is pure comedic genius and endlessly quotable.: Viewers consistently praise Steve Martin’s performance and the movie’s unique brand of slapstick humor.

Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin’s rendition of ‘Tonight You Belong To Me’ is genuinely sweet and funny.: Many appreciate the musical moments and the chemistry between Martin and Peters.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Jerk’ is a classic comedy that showcases Steve Martin’s unique brand of humor, appreciated for its slapstick, memorable lines, and overall silliness.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Stanley Kubrick was a big admirer of this film. He would often recite lines from the film to cast and crew on his films and he once invited Steve Martin over so they could play chess.”
• “The film features cameo appearances by Jackie Mason and Carl Reiner.”
• “Many scenes were improvised by Steve Martin, adding to the film’s spontaneous and absurdist humor.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Jerk?

The Jerk is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast availability. Digital rentals typically offer a 48-hour viewing window once started. Consider purchasing the digital copy for unlimited viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Jerk, you might like these similar films:

• Coming to America (1988): Features a naive protagonist experiencing culture shock and adapting to a new environment.
• Dumb and Dumber (1994): Features extremely dumb protagonists in absurd situations and outrageous antics.
• Napoleon Dynamite (2004): Shares a similar offbeat, quirky humor and a lovable loser protagonist.
• Billy Madison (1995): Features a naive, clueless protagonist thrust into unfamiliar situations, with lots of silly humor.

🛒 The Jerk Related Products

• Steve Martin: An American Life: A comprehensive biography about the life and career of Steve Martin, detailing his journey from stand-up comedy to film stardom. Explore the influences and inspirations behind his iconic characters.
• The Best of Steve Martin [DVD]: A collection of Steve Martin’s best comedic performances, including excerpts from his stand-up routines, SNL appearances, and classic movie scenes. Enjoy a curated selection of his most memorable moments.
• Ukulele: Learn to play the ukulele just like Navin Johnson! This beginner-friendly ukulele is perfect for recreating the iconic ‘Tonight You Belong To Me’ performance from ‘The Jerk.’ Comes with online lessons.
• Opti-Grab Eyeglass Holder: Never lose your glasses again! Inspired by Navin’s invention, this eyeglass holder keeps your spectacles secure and prevents slipping. A fun and functional tribute to ‘The Jerk.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Jerk features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tonight You Belong To Me” – performed by Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin
• “Crazy Rhythm” – performed by Roger Wolfe Kahn Orchestra
• “Blues Music” – performed by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tonight You Belong To Me; Steve Martin & Bernadette Peters The Jerk 1979 (High Quality)

Ever seen Steve Martin sing? This is the famous scene where he and Bernadette Peters sing “Tonight You Belong To Me” in ‘The Jerk.’ Seriously, it’s surprisingly sweet and a total earworm!

He Hates The Cans! #Shorts #TheJerk

Remember the hilarious scene with the cans? This short clip perfectly encapsulates the quirky humor of ‘The Jerk’. Watch it, you won’t regret it!.

✨ Rate