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.

Shop, 1642 Park Avenue and East 116th Street, Manhattan.

The Apollo, 253 West 125th Street (Harlem) Manhattan.