Salesman

Year: 1969

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Directors: Albert Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin, David Maysles

DramaDocumentary

This documentary follows four door-to-door Bible salesmen as they attempt to earn a living selling illustrated religious books. The salesmen encounter repeated rejection and disappointment as homeowners consistently show no interest in their product, offering a poignant look at perseverance and the realities of sales.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Salesman (1969)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Salesman (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Boston, Chicago, Miami, Opa-Locka, Webster

The film traverses several key locations, starting in Boston, Massachusetts, a vibrant city known for its historical significance and diverse neighborhoods. It also highlights Chicago, a bustling metropolis that serves as a hub for the salesmen's conference, emphasizing the networking aspect of their journey. Miami and Opa-Locka in Florida represent the sunny, dynamic end of their sales route, where the cultural fabric includes a blend of local communities, particularly Cuban immigrants.

🏙️ City 📖 Religion 🚗 Travel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Main Characters – Salesman (1969)

Meet the key characters of Salesman (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Major Themes – Salesman (1969)

Explore the central themes of Salesman (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Documentaries of Quiet Struggle like Salesman

Observational films that document the quiet struggles of working-class life.If you appreciated the gritty realism of 'Salesman,' explore more movies that document the American working class with an unflinching eye. These films, often documentaries or realist dramas, share a similar melancholic tone and focus on the quiet, persistent struggles of everyday life, offering a poignant look at perseverance.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are typically straightforward and character-driven, following individuals or groups as they navigate the challenges of their profession or social standing. The conflict is often internal or environmental—a battle against economic hardship, societal indifference, or the repetitive grind of a job—rather than a traditional villain or high-stakes plot.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together for their shared commitment to realism, their focus on blue-collar or marginalized experiences, and their melancholic, reflective tone. They create a powerful, empathetic connection by showing life as it is, not as it is dramatized.

Movies About Weary Travelers Like Salesman

Stories of weary travelers facing disillusionment on a Sisyphean path.For viewers who liked the journey structure of 'Salesman,' this section collects movies about characters on the road facing constant rejection or disappointment. These stories share a slow, melancholic pace and a bittersweet ending feel, focusing on the emotional toll of a Sisyphean quest and the loneliness of travel.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, often episodic structure as the protagonist moves from one location or encounter to the next. Each stop reinforces the central theme of struggle—whether it's a failed sales pitch or a broken connection—building a cumulative sense of weariness. The character arc is typically one of gradual disillusionment or quiet resilience.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific narrative pattern of a physical journey mirroring an emotional one, a slow pacing that allows the weight of repetition to set in, and a dominant tone of melancholy. They connect through their exploration of isolation, perseverance, and the gap between expectation and reality.

Unlock the Full Story of Salesman

Don't stop at just watching — explore Salesman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Salesman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Salesman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Salesman, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Salesman Timeline

Track the full timeline of Salesman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Salesman Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Salesman that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Salesman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Salesman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Salesman

Discover movies like Salesman that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.