Money Crazy

Money Crazy

Year: 1977

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: John Woo

Comedy

When crook Ducky is hired by Rich Chen to move the “diamonds” stolen from Uncle Pai Mary, he quickly finds himself in danger. Uncle’s enforcers, Tough Guy and Mary, scheme to seize the gems and relieve Ducky of his charge, leading to a volatile tug‑of‑war among the criminals.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Money Crazy yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Money Crazy (1977)

Trace every key event in Money Crazy (1977) 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

Poison hires friends to attack Rich Chan

Poison conspires with his friends to attack Rich Chan, creating a scenario where Poison can pretend to fight off the assailants. This ruse allows Poison to be hired by Rich Chan as his new bodyguard. The plan sets the stage for subsequent deceptions and schemes involving Rich Chan's diamonds.

2

Rich Chan hires Dragon for delivery

Rich Chan enlists Dragon from the Courageous Dragon Detective Agency to deliver three valuable diamonds. Dragon accepts the mission, unaware of the potential treachery involved, and prepares to deliver the gemstones for his client.

3

Recognition and threats between Poison and Dragon

Poison and Dragon recognize each other, revealing their backgrounds as conmen. They threaten to expose each other's identities and schemes to their respective bosses, escalating tensions and setting up future conflicts.

4

Dragon is abducted by Mary and her men

After receiving the diamonds, Dragon is kidnapped by Mary and her group, complicating the situation. Poison intervenes by fighting off Mary’s men and a hitman hired by Rich Chan to kill Dragon, demonstrating their shifting alliances.

5

Poison fights Dragon over the diamonds

Poison and Dragon engage in a physical confrontation over the gemstones, resulting in the diamonds falling into the street. A steamroller then crushes the diamonds, rendering them useless and revealing the conmen’s realization that the gemstones were fake.

6

Discovery of the fake diamonds

Poison and Dragon discover that the diamonds are counterfeit, indicating that Rich Chan had set them up. This revelation prompts the conmen to shift their focus towards helping Mary and her family instead of continuing their deception.

7

Poison and Dragon spy on Rich Chan

Using Dragon's detective gear, the duo secretly observe Rich Chan, uncovering that he always keeps the diamonds around his neck. This intel guides their subsequent plan to steal the real diamonds from him.

8

Poison infiltrates Rich Chan's bedroom

Poison lowers Dragon into Rich Chan's bedroom via a rope while he sleeps. However, the plan goes awry when Poison's sweat drips onto Rich Chan, waking him up and forcing both thieves to retreat quickly. This failed attempt emphasizes the high stakes involved.

9

Dragon poses as gemologist and switches diamonds

Dragon disguises himself as a gemologist named Liu Fu to examine Rich Chan's gems. During the inspection, Dragon switches the real diamonds with fakes to facilitate their theft, planning to exchange them later for money.

10

Theft of money and diamonds in exchange

Poison and Dragon arrange to exchange the real diamonds for HK$2 million. During the deal, they steal the money after claiming it is for the return of the genuine gems, then flee on a motorcycle, successfully returning the diamonds to Uncle and Mary.

11

Discovery of counterfeit money

Poison, Dragon, and Uncle realize that the money they stole is counterfeit. Despite this, Uncle shares his diamonds with them, and they appreciate the gesture, strengthening their bond and shifting their focus to helping Mary.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14

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Playful Crime Capers like Money Crazy

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Movies where Rivals become Allies like in Money Crazy

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The narrative pattern involves initial conflict between characters with opposing goals. A plot twist or external pressure creates a situation where cooperation becomes their only viable option. The middle act explores the friction and comedy of their forced partnership, which gradually evolves into a genuine, effective alliance that allows them to overcome the main antagonist together.

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These films are connected by a specific character dynamic and plot structure. The enjoyment comes from watching clever, often morally grey characters navigate from hostility to cooperation, creating a satisfying arc of conflict resolution and unexpected camaraderie.

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Money Crazy Summary

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Money Crazy Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Money Crazy

Money Crazy Spoiler-Free Summary

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Money Crazy Spoiler-Free Summary

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