Uncle Marin, the Billionaire (1979): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1979, Uncle Marin, the Billionaire is a comedy film directed by Sergiu Nicolaescu, running about 88 minutes.

What it’s about. At a swanky hotel in a Black Sea resort, Gogu, one of the hotel employees, meets his uncle Marin, an Oltenian peasant who has come to visit. Gogu says he can sneak Marin into the hotel, as one of the rooms is empty awaiting the arrival of an American billionaire, Mr. Juvett. Marin is amazed by the revealing clothing worn by women at the resort, while the hotel guests are fascinated by his quaint peasant costume. In the hotel room, Marin is perplexed by the various gadgets. Meanwhile, the gangsters learn that Juvett has arrived at the hotel. Juvett is the father of the kidnapped girl, and is coming to pass over a million dollar ransom. A rival gang, who know about the kidnapping, plan to take the ransom for themselves. They follow Marin, believing him to be Juvett.

Who’s in it. Uncle Marin, the Billionaire stars Amza Pellea as Nea Mărin / Mr. Juvett, Sebastian Papaiani as Gogu, Mircea Albulescu as banditul care a răpit fata and Colea Răutu as directorul hotelului, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.1/10, Uncle Marin, the Billionaire sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Uncle Marin, the Billionaire page.

If you liked it. Fans of Uncle Marin, the Billionaire tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.