King of the Gypsies

Zharko Stepanowicz visits Spiro's camp demanding the marriage of Spiro's daughter, Rose, to his son, Groffo. Having paid $4,500 for this union, Zharko insists on the arrangement despite Rose’s strong objections.

After Spiro refuses the marriage outright and offers to refund half of the bride price, Zharko takes the dispute to the gypsy elders. When the elders rule in favor of Spiro, Zharko reluctantly agrees to leave but does so with ill intentions.

In desperation to fulfill his plans, Zharko grabs Rose and drives away with her from the gypsy camp. This act defies the elders' decision and sets into motion a series of tragic events.

After the audacious abduction, Rose gives birth to Groffo's son, David. This moment brings a glimmer of hope as the child is seen by many as the future king of the gypsies.

As a child, Dave becomes embroiled in his family's nomadic lifestyle, participating in confidence games across the country. However, as he matures, he decides he does not want to live as a gypsy anymore.

Dave witnesses his father Groffo's ongoing alcoholism and physical abuse, which fuels his resentment. The toxic environment within the family deepens his desire to escape the gypsy life.

When Zharko offers Dave a chance to marry a gypsy girl named Persa, he runs away instead. This moment showcases his refusal to embrace the gypsy heritage imposed on him.

As an adult, Dave's life in petty crime leads him back to face his past when Zharko approaches him, urging him to assume the role of king. This confrontation escalates into violence when Dave rejects Groffo's lifestyle, leading to a dramatic escape.

Dave's life takes a turn when his mother Rose informs him of Groffo's plans to marry Tita off against her will. She begs for Dave's help to repay the bride price, but he refuses, indicating a chasm between his family and his new life.

At the hospital, Zharko bestows the symbols of kingship upon Dave, effectively making him the new king of the gypsies just before his death. This moment symbolizes the heavy responsibilities now thrust upon Dave, despite his initial reluctance.

Refusing to accept his kingship, Dave leaves his mother's pleas for help unheeded. He struggles with the responsibilities expected of him, ultimately choosing to walk away from his heritage.

At Zharko's funeral, Dave learns that Groffo is intent on marrying Tita off. Dave's determination to prevent the union leads him to confront Groffo directly, escalating into a heated standoff.

In a frantic bid to save his sister, Dave steals a car and drives away with Tita. However, a high-speed chase ends tragically when their vehicle crashes, and Dave learns the devastating news that Tita has died.

Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Dave returns to confront Groffo. In a chilling turn, he chases his father through their apartment, culminating in a deadly confrontation where he unintentionally kills him.

At Groffo's funeral, Dave is struck by the number of mourners despite his father's abuses. As he walks out of the cemetery with the gypsies following, he begins to embrace his unexpected role as king, contemplating how to lead his community into a new era.