The Pawnbroker

The Pawnbroker

Year: 1965

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Sidney Lumet

Drama

A former professor now working as a pawnbroker in East Harlem, Sol Nazerman is deeply affected by his experiences during the Holocaust. He attempts to distance himself from the world, erecting emotional barriers to cope with the painful memories of Nazi atrocities. His carefully constructed isolation is challenged when events in his community mirror the horrors he witnessed, forcing him to confront his past and the struggles of those around him.

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Timeline – The Pawnbroker (1965)

Trace every key event in The Pawnbroker (1965) 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

Imprisonment in Concentration Camp

Sol Nazerman and his family are imprisoned in a concentration camp during Nazi Germany. He is forced to witness horrific events, including the brutal murder of his wife and the tragic deaths of his two children.

Nazi Concentration Camp
2

Haunting Memories

Twenty-five years later, Sol Nazerman remains tormented by the traumatic memories of his time in the camp. The experiences have left him emotionally scarred, leading to a life of isolation and bitterness.

East Harlem, New York
3

Pawnshop Operator

Nazerman operates a pawnshop in an impoverished neighborhood, struggling to connect with the struggling individuals around him. He offers low sums for their valuables, which are often brought in by desperate clients.

East Harlem
4

Relationship with Jesus Ortiz

Jesus Ortiz, a young Puerto Rican, admires Nazerman and works as his assistant in the pawnshop. Despite Ortiz's attempts to befriend him and learn from him, Nazerman's cynicism leads him to dismiss these overtures.

Pawnshop, East Harlem
5

A Web of Desperation

The pawnshop is also a façade for the illicit activities of Rodriguez, a local racketeer. Ortiz's girlfriend, caught in the cycle of poverty, resorts to prostitution to help finance their dreams, further complicating their lives.

East Harlem
6

Dismissing a Proposition

In a moment of desperation, Ortiz's girlfriend attempts to pawn jewelry and even offers herself to Nazerman for better profits. Nazerman declines this proposition, haunted by memories of his wife's humiliation.

Pawnshop
7

Severing Ties with Rodriguez

Nazerman's disillusionment with the criminal underworld leads him to declare to Ortiz that Rodriguez and his schemes mean nothing to him. This harsh revelation leaves Ortiz feeling crushed and betrayed.

Pawnshop
8

Orchestrating a Robbery

Crushed by Nazerman's words, Ortiz contemplates revenge and orchestrates a robbery of the pawnshop with a local gang led by Tangee. The desperation surrounding them escalates as tensions rise.

East Harlem
9

Threats from Rodriguez's Enforcers

Nazerman faces intimidation from Rodriguez's enforcers for not complying with their money laundering schemes. In a moment of despair, he wishes for death, which Rodriguez coldly acknowledges.

Pawnshop
10

The Robbery

During the robbery, Nazerman stands his ground and refuses to surrender his money. As tension rises and a gun is drawn, tragedy strikes when Ortiz is fatally shot while trying to protect him.

Pawnshop
11

Ortiz's Last Moments

Nazerman watches helplessly as Ortiz drags himself onto the street, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. This tragic loss leaves Nazerman overwhelmed with grief and guilt.

Street outside the Pawnshop
12

Succumbing to Torment

Devastated by the events, Nazerman retreats back into the pawnshop in silence. Overcome by his torment and memories, he impales his hand on a receipt spike, signaling a final break from reality.

Pawnshop
13

Possible Departure

Having succumbed to despair and trauma, Nazerman wanders away from the pawnshop. His fate is left uncertain, as he likely never returns to the life he once led, which has been marked by profound loss.

East Harlem

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:44

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The Pawnbroker Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Pawnbroker

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