Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger) operates a pawnshop in East Harlem and is idolized by a young Puerto Rican, Jesus Ortiz who works for him. Nazerman learns that Rodriguez, a racketeer who uses the pawnshop as a front, makes his money through prostitution. He recalls his wife's degradation and wants no part of it. This results in a clash with Rodriguez. Ortiz, hurt when Nazerman says that he means nothing to him, spitefully arranges for the pawnshop to be robbed. Nazerman refuses to hand over his money. Ortiz takes the bullet intended for Nazerman and dies in his arms in the street.

Sol Nazerman opens his shop for a customer.

Sol Nazerman assistant is shot and lays dying on the street outside the shop.

Shop, 1642 Park Avenue and East 116th Street, Manhattan.   The Pawnshop has since been torn down and at present there is a vacant lot.

The Apollo, 253 West 125th Street (Harlem) Manhattan.   The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with African-American performers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was the home of Showtime at the Apollo, a nationally syndicated television variety show consisting of new talent.