The Pawnbroker

1964, Drama, 1h 56m

19 Reviews 1,000+ Ratings

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The Pawnbroker Photos

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Movie Info

Based on the novel by Edward Lewis Wallant, this drama focuses on former professor Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger), the survivor of a German concentration camp who now runs a pawn shop in East Harlem. Having witnessed his family's death at the hands of the Nazis, he is embittered toward humanity and pushes away anyone around him, including his young Puerto Rican employee, Jesus (Jaime Sanchez). As Nazerman contends with his internal conflicts, the harsh realities of the city affect his life as well.

Cast & Crew

Rod Steiger
Sol Nazerman
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Marilyn Birchfield
Brock Peters
Rodriguez
Jaime Sanchez
Jesus Ortiz
Thelma Oliver
Ortiz' Girl
Marketa Kimbrell
Tessie
Baruch Lumet
Mendel
Juano Hernandez
Mr. Smith
John McCurry
Buck
Eusebia Cosme
Mrs. Ortiz
Warren Finnerty
Savarese
Jack Ader
Morton (uncredited)
E.M. Margolese
Papa (uncredited)
Marianne Kanter
Joan (uncredited)
Ed Morehouse
Robinson
Marc Alexander
Rubin (uncredited)
Sidney Lumet
Director
Roger H. Lewis
Producer
Philip Langner
Producer
Morton S. Fine
Screenwriter
David Friedkin
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for The Pawnbroker

All Critics (19) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (3)
Full Review… Kevin Maher Times (UK) Full Review… William J. Nazzaro Arizona Republic Full Review… Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia Full Review… Yasser Medina Cinemaficionados Full Review… Nathanael Hood Unseen Films Full Review… Joan Didion Vogue Full Review… Frank Urbach Los Angeles Free Press Full Review… Dwight MacDonald Esquire Magazine Full Review… Wendy Michener Maclean's Magazine Full Review… Nathan Rabin The Dissolve Full Review… Dan Jardine Cinemania Full Review… John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews
View All Critic Reviews (19)

Audience Reviews for The Pawnbroker

  • Feb 08, 2014
    Perhaps one of the few films about the legacy of the Holocaust, that is entirely focused on despair and emptiness . . . that being said, I get the feeling that Lumet was a little too into the French New Wave when he made this. I don't mean to belittle that movement, but it doesn't completely works for this kind of narrative.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 03, 2014
    Steiger is wonderful as an emotional (and physical) survivor attempting some degree of normal after being through horror. A hit for Lumet.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 16, 2010
    A dramatic, remarkable, worthy directorial successor to 12 Angry Men from Sidney Lumet and Rodney Steiger in one of the greatest performances of all time. 100/100
    Simeon D Super Reviewer
  • Jan 23, 2010
    Fine work from Lumet, but even finer work from Steiger
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
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