Glengarry Glen Ross

Glengarry Glen Ross

Year: 1992

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: James Foley

Drama

Facing dwindling sales and a looming deadline, a team of real estate salesmen in Chicago struggles to close deals and avoid being fired by a demanding new boss. They resort to increasingly desperate measures and confront the harsh realities of a fiercely competitive industry where only the top performers survive. The pressure mounts as they fight for their jobs and livelihoods.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Trace every key event in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

A Rainy Night

The film begins on a rainy night in a local Chinese restaurant in southern Brooklyn, New York City. Here, we meet Shelley Levene, a seasoned real estate salesman, desperate to reach a doctor to hear about his daughter’s health, who is critically ill.

Rainy Night Chinese Restaurant, Brooklyn, NYC
2

The Office Setback

After a frustrating evening, Levene and Dave Moss return to their office, Premiere Properties. They encounter Blake, a domineering figure sent by their bosses, who harshly criticizes their performance and announces a high-stakes contest that could make or break their careers.

Premiere Properties Office
3

The Contest Announcement

Blake reveals that the top salesman will win a Cadillac, while the lowest performer will be fired. This announcement stirs a sense of urgency and desperation among the sales team, intensifying their competition as they all strive for the coveted Glengarry Leads.

Premiere Properties Office
4

Levene's Plea

Levene, increasingly desperate, confronts office manager John Williamson about accessing the Glengarry Leads which could salvage his career. Despite opening up about his dire financial situation and his daughter's illness, Levene's appeals are met with indifference.

Premiere Properties Office
5

Moss's Daring Plan

Feeling cornered by the circumstances at the office, Dave Moss devises a plan to stage a burglary and sell the Glengarry Leads to a rival agency, run by Jerry Graff. He struggles to convince his hesitant colleague George Aaronow to participate in the scheme.

Premiere Properties Office
6

Ricky Roma's Encounter

Meanwhile, Ricky Roma engages with James Lingk, a timid customer, over drinks. Roma weaves a compelling narrative that captivates Lingk, demonstrating Roma's persuasive skills and confidence in making a sale.

Bar
7

The Burglary Shock

The following morning, the sales team arrives to find their office has been burglarized. The police question the men about the incident, creating a tense atmosphere as they scramble to understand the implications of the theft.

Premiere Properties Office
8

A Big Sale Announcement

In a twist, Levene excitedly announces a massive $82,000 sale. However, the mood dimly shifts when Lingk shows up to retract his commitment, influenced by his wife's objections, leaving Levene bewildered and anxious.

Premiere Properties Office
9

Desperate Salvage Attempt

Desperate to secure his deal, Roma employs tricky tactics and misleading arguments to persuade Lingk to follow through. However, this plan begins to unravel when Williamson mistakenly reveals crucial details that jeopardize their position.

Premiere Properties Office
10

Williamson's Confrontation

As the interrogation progresses, Williamson begins to suspect Levene's involvement in the burglary due to his slip-up. The pressure builds, and Levene’s calm demeanor crumbles as he comes under scrutiny for his actions.

Premiere Properties Office
11

The Confession

Feeling backed into a corner, Levene ultimately confesses to participating in the burglary alongside Moss. This revelation shatters the remaining trust among his colleagues and marks a critical turning point in the story.

Premiere Properties Office
12

Disappointment and Betrayal

Despite Levene's grand plans to save his career, Williamson informs him that the buyers from his big sale are unreliable. In a moment of vulnerability, Levene appeals to Williamson's compassion, citing his daughter's condition, but it fails to sway Williamson.

Premiere Properties Office
13

Final Consequences

Levene is left to face the repercussions of his decisions as Williamson prepares to report him. The chaotic turn of events reveals the harsh realities of their profession, leaving Levene grappling with both despair and the fallout from his actions.

Premiere Properties Office
14

Intertwined Fates

In an emotional closing scene, the stories of the characters converge as they confront their ambitions and failures. The once competitive atmosphere of the office transforms into a poignant reflection on dreams and the dire cost of striving for success.

Premiere Properties Office

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:52

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The narrative pattern follows characters who initially believe they can succeed within the system, only to be confronted with its inherent cruelty and futility. Their journey is one of disillusionment, often leading to failure, betrayal, or a hollow victory that underscores the system's corrosive effect.

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Glengarry Glen Ross Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Glengarry Glen Ross

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