King of the Gypsies
Eric Roberts makes an impressive screen debut as Dave, grandson of the aging King Zharko, who is chosen by him to lead the gypsy clan at his death. Dave's only inclination is to join the American mainstream, but he knows that the mantle of gypsy power cannot be taken lightly or denied.
Working with a modest budget of $5.0M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $7.3M in global revenue (+47% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
King of the Gypsies (1978) showcases strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Frank Pierson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 52 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Opening at the hospital where King Zharko Stepanowicz lies dying, surrounded by his Romani clan. Establishes the world of Gypsy culture, tradition, and the patriarchal power structure that governs this insular community.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when King Zharko announces on his deathbed that he's bypassing his son Groffo and naming his grandson Dave as the next king of the tribe. This shatters the expected succession and creates immediate conflict with Groffo, who expected to inherit the title.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Groffo's violence escalates dramatically when he severely beats Rose and sells Dave's sister into an arranged marriage against her will. This false defeat reveals the true stakes: Dave can no longer stand by while Groffo destroys the family and corrupts the tribe., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Rose dies from the injuries Groffo inflicted, providing the literal "whiff of death." Dave loses his protector and the moral center of the family. This devastating loss represents the death of innocence and the destruction of family bonds under Groffo's reign., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Dave confronts Groffo directly, challenging him for leadership. He rallies the tribe, demonstrating the kind of leader he will be—strong but not cruel, honoring tradition while adapting to change. The clan chooses Dave, and Groffo is defeated and cast out, stripped of power and respect., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
King of the Gypsies's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping King of the Gypsies against these established plot points, we can identify how Frank Pierson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish King of the Gypsies within the crime genre.
Frank Pierson's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Frank Pierson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. King of the Gypsies takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Frank Pierson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds. For more Frank Pierson analyses, see A Star Is Born.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening at the hospital where King Zharko Stepanowicz lies dying, surrounded by his Romani clan. Establishes the world of Gypsy culture, tradition, and the patriarchal power structure that governs this insular community.
Theme
Zharko speaks about the old ways versus the new world, telling his grandson Dave that "you can't escape what you are." The theme of identity, heritage, and the conflict between tradition and assimilation is introduced.
Worldbuilding
Flashbacks establish Dave's childhood, his abusive father Groffo, his protective mother Rose, and his grandfather Zharko's influence. We see the Gypsy lifestyle of scams, cons, and loyalty to the clan. Dave's education and distance from traditional ways creates tension.
Disruption
King Zharko announces on his deathbed that he's bypassing his son Groffo and naming his grandson Dave as the next king of the tribe. This shatters the expected succession and creates immediate conflict with Groffo, who expected to inherit the title.
Resistance
Dave resists the responsibility and tries to maintain his distance from Gypsy life. Groffo seizes power anyway, becoming increasingly tyrannical. Rose tries to guide Dave toward accepting his destiny while protecting him from Groffo's rage. Dave debates whether to embrace or reject his heritage.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Dave navigates between two worlds: attempting to live a normal American life with Sharon while being drawn deeper into clan politics. Groffo's brutal leadership alienates the tribe. Dave learns the skills and earns respect, exploring what it means to be a Gypsy king in modern America.
Midpoint
Groffo's violence escalates dramatically when he severely beats Rose and sells Dave's sister into an arranged marriage against her will. This false defeat reveals the true stakes: Dave can no longer stand by while Groffo destroys the family and corrupts the tribe.
Opposition
Dave's opposition to Groffo intensifies but he lacks the power and full support of the tribe. Groffo tightens his grip through fear and violence. Dave's relationship with Sharon suffers as he's pulled deeper into clan conflicts. The pressure mounts as Groffo becomes aware of Dave's challenge to his authority.
Collapse
Rose dies from the injuries Groffo inflicted, providing the literal "whiff of death." Dave loses his protector and the moral center of the family. This devastating loss represents the death of innocence and the destruction of family bonds under Groffo's reign.
Crisis
Dave grieves his mother and confronts the full weight of what has been lost under Groffo's leadership. He wrestles with whether he has the strength to truly challenge his father and whether embracing his role as king means sacrificing his chance at a normal life with Sharon.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Dave confronts Groffo directly, challenging him for leadership. He rallies the tribe, demonstrating the kind of leader he will be—strong but not cruel, honoring tradition while adapting to change. The clan chooses Dave, and Groffo is defeated and cast out, stripped of power and respect.