The Pawnbroker

Running time: 116 mins

Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger) is a Jewish pawnbroker in New York's Spanish Harlem who lives in a sheltered world with haunting memories of Nazi prison camps. That he remained alive is a source of bewilderment and pain for him, and he has lost faith in everything. It is only through the help from his friend and assistant, Jesus, that Sol learns what it is to be human again. The Pawnbroker marked Steiger's first starring role in a major film. His role in the film garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. From the moment it was released, controversy surrounded the film. Jewish groups felt it was anti-Semitic because the protagonist seemed interested only in money. The Legion of Decency condemned the movie because of a scene where a woman bares her breasts (just about the first time that had ever happened in a mainstream movie). Ultimately the filmÕs humanity and complexity take center stage, making The Pawnbroker an all-time favorite of critics and discerning audiences alike. --Mike Rabehl