The Hot Rock

The Hot Rock

Year: 1972

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Yates

ActionComedyCrime

In the high-stakes world of art thieves, two cunning accomplices hatch a daring plan to pilfer a priceless diamond from the Brooklyn Museum. With a getaway expert, explosives specialist, and clever disguises, their heist appears foolproof - until the gem slips through their fingers, setting off a wild chase and comedic caper.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Hot Rock (1972)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Hot Rock (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film doesn't specify an exact time period but is set in a contemporary era reflecting the early 1970s environment of crime capers and heists. During this time, themes of urban crime, social discontent, and the intricate relationships between characters play out against a backdrop of city life.

Location

Prison, Museum, Park, Police Station, Bank

The movie unfolds across several key locations, starting in a prison where John Dortmunder is released. It then moves to a museum, known for displaying the valuable Sahara Stone, where a heist is planned. The park serves as a discreet meeting spot for the characters to discuss their plans, while the police station and a bank become critical settings in their desperate quest for the Stone.

🏛️ Museum 🏞️ Park 🚔 Police Station 🏦 Bank

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Main Characters – The Hot Rock (1972)
Meet the key characters of The Hot Rock (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Dortmunder (Robert Redford)

John Dortmunder is a cunning but beleaguered criminal who has just been released from prison. His careful and calculating nature is evident as he assesses risks and doubts the plans presented to him. Despite his reluctance, John's skills are tested as he leads a group of misfits in a heist that escalates beyond their control.

🔍 Cunning ⏳ Calculating 🤝 Leader

Andrew Kelp (George Segal)

Andrew Kelp is an optimistic and somewhat bumbling character who tries to encourage John to undertake the heist. His loyalty to his friends and comedic disposition provide levity amidst the tensions of their criminal endeavor. Kelp's enthusiasm often clashes with John's more pragmatic approach, creating a dynamic partnership.

💼 Optimistic 🤣 Comic Relief 👥 Loyal

The Doctor (Moses Gunn)

The Doctor is a shrewd schemer who provides the financial backing for the heist. His desire to retrieve the Sahara Stone for his country reveals a deeper motive tied to national pride. However, his naiveté regarding the criminal world prompts friction with the more experienced John and Kelp.

💵 Financial Backer 🌍 Nationalist 🧐 Schemer

Stan Murch (Ron Leibman)

Stan Murch is a passionate but reckless character involved in the heist plan. His enthusiasm for the criminal endeavor often leads him into trouble. Despite his inexperience, Stan shows a surprising capacity for loyalty and creativity when things go awry.

🎉 Enthusiastic ⚠️ Reckless 🏃‍♂️ Loyal

Alan Greenberg (Paul Sand)

Alan Greenberg is a somewhat neurotic member of the team, whose ideas for executing the heist often reflect his background in academics rather than practical experience. His character adds layers to the group's dynamics, especially as tensions rise and plans falter.

📚 Academic 🧠 Neurotic 🔄 Planner

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Major Themes – The Hot Rock (1972)
Explore the central themes of The Hot Rock (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

The central theme revolves around greed and the lengths individuals will go to secure wealth. Each character's motivation is driven by a desire for financial gain, driving them into a chaotic pursuit of the Sahara Stone. Their interactions reveal how greed can lead to unpredictable situations and conflicts among friends.

🔒 Crime

Crime is depicted not just as an act but as a web of relationships and schemes that entangle the characters. The planning of the heist, the execution, and the inevitable complications highlight the nuances of criminal behavior and the consequences that follow. The film explores how crime can affect personal relationships and trust.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a significant role in the narrative, from the disguises used by the characters to the manipulation of trust among them. Each character employs ruses to further their own interests, illustrating how deceptive appearances can lead to success or downfall in the world of crime.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

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