Small Time Crooks

Small Time Crooks

Year: 2000

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Budget: $25M

ComedyCrime

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!

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Timeline – Small Time Crooks (2000)

Trace every key event in Small Time Crooks (2000) 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

The Robbery Plan

Ray and Frenchy devise an unconventional plan to tunnel from an abandoned pizzeria to a nearby bank for a robbery. Despite their elaborate preparations, the plan ultimately fails, leading them to a surprising turn of events.

Abandoned Pizzeria
2

Cookie Business Success

After their robbery plot collapses, Ray and Frenchy unexpectedly find success with their cookie business, which they established as a front for their criminal activities. The business skyrockets in popularity, leading to a luxurious lifestyle they never anticipated.

3

Hosting the Extravagant Party

With their newfound wealth, Frenchy decides to throw an extravagant party to celebrate their success. However, this celebration masks her internal struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to elevate her social standing.

4

Seeking Cultural Sophistication

Frenchy seeks the assistance of an art dealer named David to help refine her and Ray's image. Despite Ray's hesitance, he agrees to Frenchy's transformation in the hopes of enhancing their social status.

5

David's Ulterior Motives

As Frenchy becomes more entwined with David, it becomes clear that he has his own agenda. He is using her desire for social elevation to fund his own artistic ambitions, creating an underlying tension between the three characters.

6

The Breaking Point

Tensions reach a critical point as Ray's frustration grows with Frenchy's transformation. Ultimately, Ray decides to walk out on Frenchy, leaving her to navigate her new life alone with David.

7

Frenchy's European Journey

After Ray leaves her, Frenchy travels to Europe with David, hoping to immerse herself in arts and culture. This journey appears glamorous, but is underscored by the absence of the support she initially sought.

Europe
8

Financial Ruin

Upon returning home, Frenchy discovers that her accountants have left her financially devastated, leading to the loss of her cookie business and all her assets. She faces the harsh reality of the consequences of her choices.

9

Ray's Return to His Old Life

Back at home, Ray attempts to regain control of his life by reverting to his previous criminal activities. He devises a plan to steal a valuable necklace during an upscale gathering, but things do not go as planned.

Upscale Gathering
10

The Necklace Swap

In a comical twist, Ray accidentally swaps a genuine necklace for a counterfeit during his theft. When he encounters Frenchy at the same event, she quickly identifies his mistake, showcasing her newfound resilience.

Upscale Gathering
11

Frenchy's Priceless Discovery

Undeterred by her recent setbacks, Frenchy reveals a priceless cigarette case that once belonged to the Duke of Windsor. She had retrieved it from David after realizing his betrayal, marking a turning point in her fortunes.

12

Joining Forces

Recognizing the value of the cigarette case, Ray and Frenchy decide to join forces once again. They agree to sell the exquisite item, setting aside their past conflicts for a chance at a new beginning.

13

A New Chapter

With the sale of the cigarette case, Ray and Frenchy look towards the future. They pack their bags and set off towards the sunlit shores of Florida, eager to embrace a fresh start and leave their troubles behind.

Florida

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:49

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Farcical caper comedies like Small Time Crooks

Lighthearted comedies about ambitious but flawed plans that hilariously backfire.Discover more movies like Small Time Crooks, featuring comedies about botched heists and ambitious schemes. These films share a lighthearted tone and focus on the humorous fallout of plans gone awry, perfect for fans of cheerful crime farces.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a simple 'plan-gone-wrong' structure. A motivated individual or group, often underdogs, devises a seemingly clever plan that immediately unravels due to their own incompetence or sheer bad luck. The story then focuses on their attempts to manage the escalating chaos, with the journey being far more important than the original goal.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared comedic tone, low-stakes intensity, and focus on farce. They appeal to viewers who enjoy watching characters stumble through absurd situations, where the humor comes from the execution of the plan rather than its success.

Movies about accidental fortune like Small Time Crooks

Stories where characters stumble into wealth and comically struggle with the consequences.If you liked the rags-to-riches story in Small Time Crooks, you'll enjoy these films about characters who stumble into wealth. These movies explore the funny and often challenging consequences of sudden fortune with a lighthearted and optimistic feel.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative arc is a twist on the classic rags-to-riches tale. Characters achieve wealth not through hard work but through a lucky accident or a failed venture. The story then follows their often misguided attempts to fit into a new social class, leading to fish-out-of-water humor and a reflection on what truly matters, usually culminating in a reaffirmation of simpler values.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by the central theme of serendipitous wealth and its lighthearted exploration. They share a vibe of optimistic chaos, where financial windfalls create more problems than they solve, but ultimately lead to personal growth and a happy ending.

Unlock the Full Story of Small Time Crooks

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Small Time Crooks Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Small Time Crooks, 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.

Small Time Crooks Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Time Crooks

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Small Time Crooks. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Time Crooks

Small Time Crooks Spoiler-Free Summary

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Small Time Crooks Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Small Time Crooks

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