Filming Location
Red stops at the Pawn Shop

Red, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, struggles with life outside prison walls, stopping to gaze at a pawn shop display, his attention drawn from guns to compasses. The filming took place in the United States, specifically in Mansfield, Ohio. Readers eager to learn about the exact filming spot can utilize the map pin icon in the navigation or read on.

“There is a harsh truth to face. No way I’m gonna make it on the outside. All I do anymore is think of ways to break my parole. So maybe they´d send me back.”

Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding

Where was the Pawn Shop scene filmed?

In this scene, Red reflects upon his freedom, drawn to a pawn shop window. This scene was shot at the 118 N Main St, Mansfield, Ohio, United States. While the neighborhood has evolved since “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed, its charm remains intact. For instance, the building adjacent to the pawn shop has since disappeared, but many original structures still stand. The once pawn shop window now displays the offerings of an antique store.

More about Mansfield

Mansfield, situated in Richland County, Ohio, stands as the county’s seat and lies halfway between Columbus and Cleveland. As part of the Northeast Ohio region, Mansfield nestles in the western foothills of the Allegheny Plateau. Founded in 1808 near the Mohican River, it rapidly grew as a manufacturing hub due to its strategic railroad connections. Though heavy manufacturing declined, Mansfield transitioned into a service economy, including sectors like retail, education, and healthcare. Its vibrant downtown area, the Richland Carousel District, boasts numerous arts venues and attractions. Notably, the Renaissance Performing Arts Association, based in the historic Renaissance Theatre, is home to the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Mansfield also carries the monikers “The Fun Center of Ohio” and the “Carousel Capital of Ohio.” With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, the city continues to evolve while preserving its unique heritage.

The Scene filmed in Mansfield

Red buys a Compas at a pawn shop
Red, played by Morgan Freeman, struggles with his new-found freedom. As he ambles down the street, he is momentarily arrested by a pawn shop window. Initially, his gaze falls on the firearms displayed, suggesting thoughts of breaking his parole or perhaps even darker contemplations. However, as the camera subtly shifts upwards, it reveals compasses on display above the guns. The scene poignantly captures Red’s internal conflict between returning to a life he knows and seeking a new direction. Red does not buy the compass in this scene, but a bit later in the movie, we find out he decided for the compass as he was searching for Andy’s tree with the help of the compass.