Classic Film Guide

Pawnbroker, The (1964)

A gloomy depressing film starring Rod Steiger as a Jewish pawnbroker, and former Holocaust survivor, who goes through life in a haze of terror and guilt. Jaime Sánchez plays an ambitious young Mexican in his employ; Geraldine Fitzgerald plays a lonely woman who tries to befriend him; Brock Peters plays a businessman, who uses the title character’s shop as a front for his illegal activities; Juano Hernandez plays a lonely man who visits the shop to hear himself talk. Directed by Sidney Lumet. Steiger received his first Best Actor (and second of three) Oscar nomination(s). Features a haunting original score by Quincy Jones, his first! Added to the National Film Registry in 2008.

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