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The Hot Rock

The Hot Rock 1972

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The Hot Rock Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Hot Rock (1972). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


John Dortmunder, portrayed by Robert Redford, is a recently released inmate navigating his way out of a prison’s exit process. This includes collecting his old clothes, confirming his identity with a fingerprint, and gathering his personal belongings. As he steps out into freedom, the warden takes a moment to deliver a seemingly well-meaning rehabilitation speech, but John, with a hint of sarcasm, suggests that he has already undergone successful rehabilitation thanks to the warden’s own program. The warden, with a knowing smirk, cryptically implies that it’s not the last time they’ll cross paths, hinting at John’s future troubles.

Once outside, John is quickly approached by a car, and despite his initial apprehension, the driver turns out to be none other than his childhood friend, Andrew Kelp, played by George Segal. The reunion is less than cordial, as John instinctively throws a punch at Kelp, evidencing the tension lingering from their past. As they make their way into the city, Kelp, with an enthusiastic disposition, hands John a cold beer and reveals that he is now married to John’s sister, which adds another layer of complexity to their friendship.

Caught in the moment, Kelp introduces John to an interesting proposition involving a high-stakes heist at a museum featuring the coveted Sahara Stone—a dazzling gem held within an impenetrable display case. Initially, John is skeptical, unsure of the feasibility of such a dangerous endeavor. However, persuaded by Kelp’s relentless enthusiasm, he agrees to meet with the mastermind behind the scheme, a character known only as The Doctor, excellently depicted by Moses Gunn.

In a park, The Doctor outlines his ambitious plan to swipe the Stone for his homeland, which has been historically embroiled in conflict over its ownership. He convinces John of the importance of the job, offering a substantial payout of $25,000 for each member of the team, but negotiations quickly ensue regarding upfront planning expenses. John is apprehensive, laying out numerous reasons why this heist could go disastrously wrong. He points out the Stone’s position within the museum, the tight security, and the dangers they are likely to face, yet the lure of the potential payday and the thrill gradually sway him.

After agreeing to join their ragtag team, the heist begins to take shape. They enlist the help of colorful characters, including John’s sister’s husband, Stan Murch, beautifully brought to life by Ron Leibman. Here, comedic antics and fast-moving sequences unfold, showcasing John’s meticulous planning as they run reconnaissance missions around the museum.

As days roll into nights filled with preparation, John and his motley crew engage in various ridiculous yet engaging scenarios—from explosive experiments to dizzying moments of being in disguise within the museum’s confines. The meticulous nature of the heist plan enables them to see the finer details, but their plan quickly veers into chaos, leading to mishaps and unintended consequences.

A defining moment occurs when the team, outfitted as guards, attempts to execute their plan amidst an absurd chain of events involving explosions and disguises, leading to laughter and heightened tension. Even as they encounter various blunders, including a rather infamous incident involving Kelp’s poor lock-picking skills, John’s determined spirit remains undeterred.

The film takes a thrilling turn when everything goes wrong—guards surround them, and a frantic chase ensues that feels both nail-biting and comically improbable. Each character’s wit and quirky talents are put to the test as they scramble to recover what they’ve lost, leading to more slapstick moments that only escalate.

In the aftermath, as news headlines highlight their misadventures, John visits a doctor, portrayed brilliantly by Charlotte Rae, who diagnoses him with gastritis and suggests he steer clear of stressful circumstances, unknowingly foreshadowing further calamities. Meanwhile, Kelp’s enthusiasm remains unquenchable; he gets swayed into concocting more audacious plans like breaking out Greenberg, played by Paul Sand, from prison, who still holds the Stone.

Battling against time and reality, the gang bands together, shaping an elaborate heist plan that tests their limits. As they navigate through layers of institutional chaos to execute their latest scheme, they must confront both their pasts and the seriocomic consequences of their ambitious theft. Through it all, John continues his quest for the Stone,-driven not just by the promise of wealth but by an insatiable longing to prove himself against impossible odds.

In a wild crescendo of events, as they explore the chaotic landscape of theft and loyalty, John ultimately uncovers a deeper perspective on friendship, success, and the absurdity of their circumstances, leading to an exhilarating finale where they seek redemption not just for themselves but for their ultimately flawed yet quirky crew.

The Hot Rock Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Hot Rock (1972) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


John's Release from Prison

John Dortmunder completes his prison sentence and undergoes the exit process, retrieving his personal belongings and old clothes. The warden gives him a rather sarcastic rehabilitation speech, hinting that he might see John again in the future.

Prison

Reunion with Andrew Kelp

As John walks out of prison, he is pursued by a car driven by Andrew Kelp, an old acquaintance. Initially alarmed, John punches Kelp when he catches up, unaware that Kelp is now married to his sister.

City

The Job Proposal

Kelp takes John to a museum to discuss a plan to steal The Sahara Stone, a valuable diamond. John is skeptical about the feasibility of the heist but reluctantly agrees to meet with The Doctor, the financier behind the plan.

Museum

Meeting The Doctor

At a park, John and Kelp meet The Doctor who reveals his motivation for stealing The Sahara Stone: to secure it for his struggling nation. He offers a lucrative payment of $25,000 per man, convincing John to consider the job despite his reservations.

Park

Selecting the Team

Kelp and John scout for additional members to join their heist team, including Stan Murch and Alan Greenberg. They discuss the dangers and logistics of the job, weighing the risks involved in stealing the heavily guarded diamond.

Bar

Planning the Heist

The team engages in meticulous planning, involving night-time surveillance of the museum. They study the guards' routines and the security measures around The Sahara Stone, devising a way to distract the guards during the heist.

Museum

Execution of the Heist

On the night of the heist, the team puts their plan into action. John and Kelp, disguised as museum guards, successfully enter the display room where the Stone is housed after a series of distractions.

Museum

The Incident with Stan

During the chaotic heist, Stan causes a distraction by crashing a car, feigning an accident to draw the guards out. His actions lead to unexpected complications that put them further at risk.

Museum

Close Call

As Kelp and John manage to lift the display case and retrieve The Sahara Stone, chaos ensues with guards closing in. Kelp accidentally gets trapped inside the case as the team barely escapes detection.

Museum

The Aftermath

The next day, Kelp reads about their failed heist in the newspaper, realizing they have lost the Stone. As tensions rise, they ponder their next move to reclaim the diamond amid their mounting troubles.

Kelp's Apartment

Greenberg's Prison Break

Kelp proposes a daring plan to break Greenberg out of prison since he possesses vital information regarding The Sahara Stone. They enlist the help of The Doctor to orchestrate the escape.

Prison

Chaos During Extraction

The team executes the escape plan at the prison, but the operation is fraught with challenges. They dodge guards and face unexpected hurdles as they attempt to get Greenberg out safely.

Prison

The Search for the Stone

Once outside the prison, the group embarks on a frantic search for The Stone as Greenberg provides misleading information about its whereabouts. Their resolve to reclaim the diamond drives them deeper into chaos.

City

The Final Confrontation

After several misadventures, the team finally confronts the roots of their troubles with the lawyer and work out a plan involving deceit to finally secure The Sahara Stone. Tensions flare as loyalties are tested.

Lawyer's Office

A Twist of Fate

In the last act, John uses a clever ruse involving hypnosis to retrieve The Stone from the bank without drawing attention. The group's chaotic journey comes to a surprising resolution as they celebrate their success.

Bank

The Hot Rock Characters

Explore all characters from The Hot Rock (1972). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


John Dortmunder (Robert Redford)

John Dortmunder is a cunning but beleaguered criminal who has just been released from prison. His careful and calculating nature is evident as he assesses risks and doubts the plans presented to him. Despite his reluctance, John's skills are tested as he leads a group of misfits in a heist that escalates beyond their control.

🔍 Cunning ⏳ Calculating 🤝 Leader

Andrew Kelp (George Segal)

Andrew Kelp is an optimistic and somewhat bumbling character who tries to encourage John to undertake the heist. His loyalty to his friends and comedic disposition provide levity amidst the tensions of their criminal endeavor. Kelp's enthusiasm often clashes with John's more pragmatic approach, creating a dynamic partnership.

💼 Optimistic 🤣 Comic Relief 👥 Loyal

The Doctor (Moses Gunn)

The Doctor is a shrewd schemer who provides the financial backing for the heist. His desire to retrieve the Sahara Stone for his country reveals a deeper motive tied to national pride. However, his naiveté regarding the criminal world prompts friction with the more experienced John and Kelp.

💵 Financial Backer 🌍 Nationalist 🧐 Schemer

Stan Murch (Ron Leibman)

Stan Murch is a passionate but reckless character involved in the heist plan. His enthusiasm for the criminal endeavor often leads him into trouble. Despite his inexperience, Stan shows a surprising capacity for loyalty and creativity when things go awry.

🎉 Enthusiastic ⚠️ Reckless 🏃‍♂️ Loyal

Alan Greenberg (Paul Sand)

Alan Greenberg is a somewhat neurotic member of the team, whose ideas for executing the heist often reflect his background in academics rather than practical experience. His character adds layers to the group's dynamics, especially as tensions rise and plans falter.

📚 Academic 🧠 Neurotic 🔄 Planner

The Hot Rock Settings

Learn where and when The Hot Rock (1972) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film doesn't specify an exact time period but is set in a contemporary era reflecting the early 1970s environment of crime capers and heists. During this time, themes of urban crime, social discontent, and the intricate relationships between characters play out against a backdrop of city life.

Location

Prison, Museum, Park, Police Station, Bank

The movie unfolds across several key locations, starting in a prison where John Dortmunder is released. It then moves to a museum, known for displaying the valuable Sahara Stone, where a heist is planned. The park serves as a discreet meeting spot for the characters to discuss their plans, while the police station and a bank become critical settings in their desperate quest for the Stone.

🏛️ Museum 🏞️ Park 🚔 Police Station 🏦 Bank

The Hot Rock Themes

Discover the main themes in The Hot Rock (1972). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💰

Greed

The central theme revolves around greed and the lengths individuals will go to secure wealth. Each character's motivation is driven by a desire for financial gain, driving them into a chaotic pursuit of the Sahara Stone. Their interactions reveal how greed can lead to unpredictable situations and conflicts among friends.

🔒

Crime

Crime is depicted not just as an act but as a web of relationships and schemes that entangle the characters. The planning of the heist, the execution, and the inevitable complications highlight the nuances of criminal behavior and the consequences that follow. The film explores how crime can affect personal relationships and trust.

🎭

Deception

Deception plays a significant role in the narrative, from the disguises used by the characters to the manipulation of trust among them. Each character employs ruses to further their own interests, illustrating how deceptive appearances can lead to success or downfall in the world of crime.

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