Larry Karaszewski on THE JERK

Steve Martin’s stand-up act combined equal measures of the stupid and the cerebral; he turned dropping your pants into a philosophical statement. By 1979, his remarkable on-stage success had gained him enough clout to write and star in his own film. Directed by his old friend Carl Reiner, The Jerk, is an often hilarious series of vignettes that expand on Martin's post-modern stand-up routines while harking back to Paramount’s silly/surreal screwball comedies of the early 30’s. Produced for a lowly 4 million dollars, the film cleaned up at the box office earning over 73 million by year’s end.
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[@patricktilton5377]

This movie had the all-time greatest opening line of dialogue in cinema history. It set the tone for the whole film with its absurdity and silliness.

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

I literally can't hear the word "thermos" without thinking of this film, because of that one improvised song.

[@travisbest9041]

Yes! Not a month goes by that I don't spontaneously sing that song at the sight of a thermos. 😂

[@gonzostick]

Genius honoring genius! Thank you! Just saw your Dolemite film, and loved it!

[@marshallamdur9732]

Thank You Mr. Reiner for casting Mr. Mason!!

[@philberto23]

It was a bit hard paying attention to your voice over the movie dialogue playing in the background.

[@monkeySkeptic]

I tried watching this film a few years ago and just cringed over and over again. Perhaps it's best viewed today as a period piece.

[@markeggins890]

It was so puerile, also starring the most overrated comedian ever Steve Martin.

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

Richard Ward and Mabel King were just right as his parents, playing straight men to him.

[@daxxonjabiru428]

Carl Reiner , you will be missed!

[@dreamquesttv]

He's not dead yet!

[@JoeLibby]

He's feeling better!