In the gripping drama "The Assistant" (1997), directed by Daniel Petrie, we delve into the challenges of survival during the Great Depression. Adapted from Bernard Malamud’s poignant 1957 novel, the story follows Frank Alpine (Gil Bellows), a drifter whose life takes a dark turn after he and his companion, the hobo Ward Minogue (Jaimz Woolvett), rob a struggling grocery store owned by the fragile Morris Bober (Armin Mueller-Stahl). After a violent encounter leaves Morris shaken and nearly broke, Frank is overwhelmed by guilt and returns to the scene of the crime. Unbeknownst to Morris, he is hired as the grocer's assistant, much to the dismay of Morris's wife, Ida Bober (Joan Plowright). As Frank works tirelessly for meager pay, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the Bober’s daughter, Helen (Kate Greenhouse). However, shadows from his past loom large as Morris unravels the truth about Frank’s identity. This powerful tale of redemption, love, and moral conflict will keep you on the edge of your seat, exploring the depths of human compassion and the quest for forgiveness.