Mean Streets

Mean Streets

Year: 1973

Runtime: 112 min

Language: German

Director: Martin Scorsese

DramaThrillerCrime

A young man named Charlie struggles to gain respect within the dangerous world of New York's Little Italy. His ambition is complicated by his relationship with a volatile woman and his association with Johnny Boy, a reckless gambler spiraling toward ruin. Navigating the treacherous landscape of organized crime, Charlie must balance loyalty, love, and the pursuit of power in a community rife with conflict and uncertainty.

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Timeline – Mean Streets (1973)

Trace every key event in Mean Streets (1973) 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

Charlie and Johnny's Bond

In the vibrant streets of Little Italy, Charlie Cappa feels a strong sense of duty towards his reckless friend Johnny Boy. Despite Johnny's self-destructive tendencies, Charlie tries to be there for him, aware that their friendship is strained by Johnny's gambling debts.

Little Italy, New York City
2

Forbidden Romance

Charlie's emotional turmoil deepens as he navigates a forbidden romance with Johnny's cousin, Teresa. Their love faces societal rejection, particularly from Charlie's Uncle Giovanni, who is involved in the mafia and disapproves due to Teresa's epilepsy.

Little Italy, New York City
3

Giovanni's Warning

Uncle Giovanni warns Charlie that honorable men must keep their distance from dishonorable behavior. His pressure mounts as he reminds Charlie of the dangers associated with Johnny's lifestyle, pushing him to reconsider his loyalty.

Charlie’s Home
4

Johnny's Escalating Problems

As Charlie's struggles continue, Johnny's situation worsens as he ignores threats from his creditors. His refusal to seek employment and tendency to gamble only further entrench him in a dangerous world filled with loan sharks.

Various locations
5

Confrontation at Tony's Bar

The tensions come to a head at a local bar owned by Tony, where the loan shark Michael arrives to collect Johnny's debts. Charlie attempts to mediate and reason with Johnny, but Johnny's obstinate nature leads to an explosive confrontation.

Tony's Bar
6

Johnny's Desperation

During the confrontation with Michael, Johnny brandishes a gun, escalating the situation dramatically. Charlie tries to persuade him to leave town and resolve his problems, but Johnny's reckless defiance puts them all in danger.

Tony's Bar
7

Flight from Trouble

In a moment of panic, the trio decides to flee the city to escape the looming threats. As they rush to make their getaway, Teresa insists on being part of their escape, highlighting the bond they share despite the chaos.

Little Italy, New York City
8

Pursued by Gunmen

As they try to escape, Michael and his associate Jimmy Shorts pursue them, driving dangerously close. The atmosphere is thick with tension as gunfire erupts, forcing them into a desperate flight for survival.

Little Italy, New York City
9

The Crash

The chase ends tragically when the vehicle crashes violently into a fire hydrant. The impact leads to severe injuries for Charlie and Johnny, and the chaos of the scene only adds to the tension of the moment.

Little Italy, New York City
10

Injuries and Chaos

In the aftermath of the crash, Teresa suffers injuries as well, and Johnny, disoriented, stumbles towards what he thinks is salvation. The scene is frantic as Charlie emerges from the wreck, bloodied and weakened, adding to the desperation of the situation.

Little Italy, New York City
11

Emergency Response

As the chaos unfolds, emergency responders arrive at the scene, providing assistance to Charlie and Teresa. They whisk them away in an ambulance, leaving Johnny's fate uncertain as he remains lost in the turmoil.

Little Italy, New York City
12

Uncertain Future

The film concludes with a somber sense of uncertainty surrounding Johnny's fate. While Charlie and Teresa are taken to safety, the consequences of their choices hang heavily in the air, leaving a poignant reminder of their harrowing journey.

Little Italy, New York City

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:31

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Mean Streets Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mean Streets, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mean Streets Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mean Streets

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mean Streets

More About Mean Streets

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