Appearance
The Jerk
Directed by Carl Reiner, The Jerk (1979) marked the spectacular feature film debut of Steve Martin as a leading man. Martin stars as Navin R. Johnson, a man of remarkable naivety who grows up as the adopted son of Black sharecroppers in Mississippi. Upon realizing he isn't a "natural-born" member of the family, Navin sets out on a picaresque journey to find his fortune in the world. Along the way, he finds love with Marie (Bernadette Peters), invents the "Opti-Grab," and experiences the hilarious extremes of both poverty and absurd wealth.
The film is widely considered one of the funniest comedies of all time, famous for its surreal humor, slapstick set pieces, and Navin's simple joy at the arrival of the new phone books.
Locations
While the story spans from Mississippi to St. Louis to Los Angeles, the production was primarily filmed in California, utilizing a variety of locations to recreate Navin’s journey across America.
Piru, California
The "Mississippi" farmhouse where Navin grows up with his family was filmed in the town of Piru. This rural area of Ventura County has been a frequent stand-in for the American South in Hollywood productions due to its historic homes and agricultural surroundings. Map Location
Pasadena, California
The grand, over-the-top mansion that Navin buys after becoming a millionaire from the "Opti-Grab" is located in Pasadena. The production used a massive estate to showcase the ridiculous luxuries Navin installs, including the famous circular bed and the numerous "things" he realizes he doesn't need in the film's emotional (and hysterical) climax. Map Location
Santa Monica Pier, California
The carnival sequences where Navin works as a "guess your weight" man and meets the motorcycle-riding daredevil Patty Bernstein (Catlin Adams) were filmed at the Santa Monica Pier. The pier's classic amusements provided the perfect setting for Navin’s first foray into the "exciting" world of the carny. Map Location
Mt. Baldy Road, California
The gas station where Navin gets his first job—and where he survives a random sniper attack because the shooter "hates cans"—was located on Mt. Baldy Road in San Antonio Heights. The station was a real service station at the time, offering the isolated, roadside aesthetic needed for the scene. Map Location
Los Angeles Financial District
The scenes in which Navin wanders the streets of "St. Louis" and eventually hits rock bottom were filmed in the Financial District of Downtown Los Angeles. The towering skyscrapers and busy city streets provided a stark contrast to Navin’s humble beginnings in the country. Map Location
Director
Carl Reiner
Cast
Steve Martin
Bernadette Peters
Catlin Adams
Mabel King
Richard Ward
IMDB
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