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Not surprisingly this fascinating dissection of Gypsy life in America was vilified by several ethnic special-interest groups who d previously delivered their mimeoed missives to novelist Peter Maas on whose book the film was based. Sterling Hayden is the king of a New York-based gypsy tribe who on his deathbed passes his crown to his reluctant grandson Eric Roberts. Roberts scuzzy father Judd Hirsch envious that he s been passed over begins plotting the demise of his own son. It appears at first that the boy a thoroughly assimilated Manhattanite would be more than willing to give up his invisible throne to Hirsch but there s something about his heritage that always draws him back to his own people. Several genuine gypsies took part in the film as extras bit players and technical advisers; reportedly they also spent much of the shooting time trying to cadge a few dishonest dollars from cast and crew.