King of New York

King of New York

Year: 1990

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Abel Ferrara

ThrillerCrime

As a ruthless kingpin seeks to dominate the city's illicit drug trade, he forges an unlikely alliance with the marginalized and downtrodden, all in the name of spreading wealth and power through the underbelly of New York.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – King of New York (1990)
Trace every key event in King of New York (1990) 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

Frank's Release from Sing Sing

Frank White, a notorious drug lord, makes a grand entrance back into New York City after being released from Sing Sing prison. His return is marked by headlines in the newspapers, announcing both his freedom and the murder of a rival drug dealer, Emilio El Zapa.

New York City
2

Murder of Emilio El Zapa

The film kicks off with the cold-blooded murder of Emilio El Zapa, a Colombian drug dealer. This event sets the stage for the ensuing chaos and power struggles within the drug trade.

3

King Tito’s Downfall

Following Emilio's death, his associate King Tito and his armed guards are ambushed by Jimmy Jump and Test Tube. The duo seizes the opportunity, killing Tito and stealing a significant stash of cocaine in the process.

Hotel Room
4

Frank's Reunion with Gang Members

Upon settling into his luxurious suite at the Plaza Hotel, Frank is welcomed back by his loyal gang members, including Jimmy and Test Tube. He intends not only to reclaim his former glory but also to expand his ambitions toward political power.

Plaza Hotel
5

Frank's Political Ambitions

Frank reveals his intention to become the mayor of New York City, formulating a plan to connect with influential figures, including Mafia boss Arty Clay. He recruits his lawyers, Joey Dalesio and Jennifer, to assist in his quest for power.

6

Confrontation in Little Italy

Joey Dalesio seeks to establish a meeting with Arty Clay in Little Italy but is embarrassed when Clay disrespects him by urinating on his shoes. Despite this humiliation, Frank is determined to assert his influence over the Mafia.

Little Italy
7

Frank Kills Arty Clay

After facing ill treatment from Clay, Frank boldly confronts him at his social club. The situation escalates quickly, resulting in Frank killing Clay outright, demonstrating his ruthless ambition and desire to control the drug trade.

Social Club
8

NYPD's Intervention

In a dramatic turn, NYPD narcotics detectives apprehend Frank, showing him the dead body of El Zapa stuffed in a trunk. When Frank refuses to confess under pressure, the officers resort to violence, leaving him in a precarious situation.

Isolated Lot
9

Failed Deal with Larry Wong

Frank sends Joey to negotiate a deal with Triad leader Larry Wong for a substantial cocaine shipment. However, the deal fails as Larry demands too much, rejecting Frank's proposal for cooperation and mutual benefit.

10

Murder in Chinatown

Determined to remove any threats, Frank orchestrates the murder of Larry Wong and his gang in Chinatown. He successfully reclaims the cocaine that they were pursuing, solidifying his power and influence within the criminal world.

Chinatown
11

Detectives Disguise as Dealers

The NYPD detectives adopt the guise of drug dealers to infiltrate Frank's operations. This leads to a violent confrontation at a nightclub, resulting in significant losses for Frank's crew while he and Jimmy manage to escape.

Nightclub
12

Tragedy Strikes with Jimmy's Death

The tension peaks when Detective Gilley shoots Jimmy, leaving Frank devastated. Enraged by the loss of his ally, Frank embarks on a path of vengeance against Gilley during Flanigan's funeral, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

Flanigan's Funeral
13

Bounty on Detectives

In response to the escalating conflict, Frank places a bounty on the heads of the detectives that have challenged him. This decision underscores his commitment to eliminating his enemies as he seeks to maintain his grip on power.

14

Final Showdown with Bishop

In a tense confrontation at Bishop's apartment, Frank explains his actions were fueled by a moral opposition to his rivals' human trafficking and child exploitation. This complex motive adds depth to his character but ultimately leads to further violence.

Bishop's Apartment
15

Frank's Demise in Times Square

As the film draws to a close, Frank faces his fate after being injured in a chaotic confrontation with police in Times Square. Cornered and succumbing to his wounds, he reflects on his tumultuous life before closing his eyes for the last time.

Times Square

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:56

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