Year: 2000
Runtime: 94 min
Language: English
A lovable ex-con and his manicurist wife devise a far-fetched plan to quickly get rich. Their ambitious, but flawed, scheme involves a bank heist that quickly goes wrong, leaving them with unexpected and chaotic consequences. The comedy follows their misadventures as they navigate the fallout from their ill-conceived plan.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Small Time Crooks 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Small Time Crooks (2000), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In an unexpected twist, Ray and his accomplice, Frenchy, devise a rather ill-conceived plan to tunnel from an abandoned pizzeria to a nearby bank. Their elaborate robbery plot collapses, but serendipitously, the cookie business they established as a front skyrockets in popularity, catapulting them into the luxurious lifestyle of millionaires.
As their newfound wealth flourishes, Frenchy decides to host an extravagant party. However, beneath her gleeful exterior lies a battle with feelings of inadequacy regarding their cultural sophistication. To refine their image, she seeks the help of the art dealer David. Ray, though hesitant, agrees to allow his wife to undergo this transformation, while Frenchy relishes her emerging elegance.
Little does she know that David harbors ulterior motives; he is leveraging her desire for social elevation to fund his own artistic ambitions. As tensions reach a boiling point, Ray eventually walks out on Frenchy. Cast aside, she travels to Europe, immersing herself in arts and culture with David, only to later learn that her accountants have left her financially devastated.
Having lost her cookie business, home, and all her assets, she finds herself abandoned by David. Back home, Ray slips back into his former life, attempting to steal a valuable necklace at an upscale gathering. In a farcical turn of events, he inadvertently swaps the genuine necklace with a counterfeit. When he crosses paths with Frenchy at the same event, she quickly debunks his “find” as a fraud.
However, she’s not easily discouraged. Drawing on her past, she unveils a priceless cigarette case that once belonged to the Duke of Windsor, which she had retrieved from David post-betrayal. This unexpected stroke of luck leads Ray and Frenchy to join forces, sell the exquisite item, and venture towards the sunlit shores of Florida, ready to embrace a new chapter in their lives.
Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:49
Don't stop at just watching — explore Small Time Crooks in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Small Time Crooks is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Small Time Crooks with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Small Time Crooks that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Small Time Crooks (2000) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Small Time Crooks (2000) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Small Time Crooks – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Life of Crime (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
Going in Style (2017) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005) Full Movie Breakdown
Heist (2001) Film Overview & Timeline
Going in Style (1979) Full Summary & Key Details
Hollywood Ending (2002) Detailed Story Recap
Seems Like Old Times (1980) Story Summary & Characters
Ladrón que roba a ladrón (2007) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Paris-Manhattan (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Art of the Steal (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Hot Rock (1972) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Annie Hall (1977) Story Summary & Characters
Where the Money Is (2000) Ending Explained & Film Insights