F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T.

Year: 1978

Runtime: 145 min

Language: English

Director: Norman Jewison

DramaThrillerCrime

A warehouse worker named Johnny Kovak sparks a protest against unfair labor practices, leading to a powerful union movement known as the Federation of Interstate Truckers. As the union gains influence, Kovak finds himself embroiled in increasingly dangerous situations and forming alliances that threaten his life and the future of the movement he helped create. The gritty drama explores themes of power, corruption, and the fight for workers' rights.

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Timeline – F.I.S.T. (1978)

Trace every key event in F.I.S.T. (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Gant hires Dombrowsky at the Cleveland loading dock

Supervisor Mr. Gant hires Polish-American Lincoln Dombrowsky and warns that he will only be paid for his regular shift unless overtime is approved. He also makes clear that any merchandise damaged by the worker will come out of his pay. This establishes the harsh labor climate that triggers later tensions.

1937 Cleveland loading dock
2

Pay is docked and a worker is fired after tomato spill

When Dombrowsky drops a few carts of tomatoes, his pay is docked and another worker is fired for helping recover the fallen merchandise. The punitive actions spark resentment over the unfair labor practices.

1937 Cleveland loading dock
3

Kovak leads a riot against unfair labor practices

Hungarian-American Johnny Kovak mobilizes the workers to riot in response to the dockside injustices. The disturbance reveals the workers' willingness to challenge management through collective action.

1937 Cleveland dock area
4

Efforts to negotiate fail at Boss Andrews' office

The laborers go to the office of Boss Andrews, believing they secure a deal. The next day Kovak and Abe Belkin learn they have been fired.

1937 Boss Andrews' office
5

Monahan recruits Kovak and Belkin to F.I.S.T.

Mike Monahan, impressed by their leadership, offers them positions in the Federation of Inter State Truckers (F.I.S.T.). The offer promises payment based on the number of members they recruit.

1937 Meeting with Monahan
6

Kovak receives a car and meets Anna Zarinkas

Kovak is given a car to aid recruiting, which also lets him meet Anna Zarinkas, a Lithuanian-American worker. He soon starts dating her as his recruitment work expands.

1937 Recruitment sites
7

Kovak's rise and clashes with business-backed opposition

Kovak's successful recruitment propels him into a leadership role, drawing opposition from business owners and sparking conflict with hotheaded F.I.S.T. leader Max Graham. The tension foreshadows a broader struggle over control of the union.

1937–early 1940s Midwest and trucking firm offices
8

Strike at Consolidated Trucking and Monahan's death

Kovak, Monahan, and Belkin organize a strike outside Consolidated Trucking. When strikebreakers and hired security push them back, Monahan is shot while trying to ram the gates.

Early 1940s Consolidated Trucking gates
9

Doyle's gang and the labor battle escalates; labor agreement signed

Desperate for muscle, Kovak accepts help from Vince Doyle. Doyle's men attack deliveries as local mobsters and F.I.S.T. members storm the gates, pressuring management to sign a labor agreement.

Early 1940s Consolidated Trucking gates
10

Expansion and personal life

Kovak and Belkin travel the Midwest to recruit more workers, expanding F.I.S.T.'s reach. Kovak becomes wealthier and marries Anna.

Late 1940s Midwest
11

1958: F.I.S.T. becomes a major union; Graham's corruption exposed

By 1958, F.I.S.T. has grown to about two million members. Kovak confronts Graham after learning he used union influence to funnel money to shell companies and commit violence.

1958 F.I.S.T. HQ and West Coast
12

Senate investigation, power struggle, and Kovak's downfall

Now president, Kovak faces a Senate inquiry led by Madison over potential Mafia ties. After Belkin is killed, Kovak is implicated; he returns home to find Anna and the children missing and is shot by Milano's men. The film ends with the bumper sticker 'Where's Johnny?'

Late 1950s Senate hearing and home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:48

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F.I.S.T. Summary

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F.I.S.T. Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in F.I.S.T.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T. Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About F.I.S.T.

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