Smart Alecks

Smart Alecks

Year: 1942

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Wallace Fox

Comedy

The rough‑neck rascals are back on the loose, and Danny earns a $200 reward after helping capture a wanted felon. When his gangmates demand a share of the money, a bitter feud erupts. The trouble deepens when the escaped crook tracks Danny down.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Smart Alecks 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 – Smart Alecks (1942)

Trace every key event in Smart Alecks (1942) 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

Hank is initiated into adult crime and hired to guard a bank robbery

Hank Salko, a member of the East Side youth gang, is pulled deeper into crime when two gangsters hire him to stand watch during a bank robbery. He steps into the world of adult criminals and begins to taste money and danger. This initiation foreshadows the loyalty and risk that drive the story.

East Side, New York
2

Hank tries to share his earnings with the East Side Kids and is suspended

After receiving his share of the money, Hank tries to give a portion to the East Side Kids, hoping to gain their respect. The rest of the group sees this as selfish and suspends him from the club. Soon after, police officer Joe Reagan arrests Hank, pulling him further into the conflict.

East Side, New York
3

Butch, Mike, and Hank are captured after a baseball incident

During a street baseball game, a ball crashes through the window of the criminals' hideout. In the ensuing chase, Danny runs after Butch, and Joe recognizes the criminal, leading to Butch's arrest along with Mike. The incident cements the clash between the East Side Kids and the gang.

Street near the gang's hideout, New York
4

Danny is given $200 and the group distrusts his motives

Danny is awarded $200 for capturing the criminals and plans to use it to buy baseball uniforms for his friends. The East Side Kids, suspicious of his motives, steal the money and ban him from the club. The betrayal deepens the rift within the group.

East Side, New York
5

Ruth calls Joe; the Kids are arrested for thievery

Ruth, Danny's sister and Joe Reagan's girlfriend, calls Joe for help. He has the East Side Kids arrested for thievery, further fueling their resentment toward Danny. Danny pleads for their release, arguing for fairness and unity.

Ruth's apartment; East Side NYC
6

The Kids are released and buy an old car with the $200

After their arrest, the Kids are set free and use the $200 to buy an old car. They dream of future opportunities, though the car also marks their ongoing loyalty to one another. The car ultimately becomes a symbol of the group's plans and tensions.

East Side, NYC car lot
7

A month later, Hank breaks out of jail with Butch and Mike

A month passes, and Hank escapes from jail together with Butch and Mike. They warn Mugs and the East Side Kids that the gangsters are targeting Danny, intensifying the threat. The alliance between the criminals and Hank tightens as danger looms.

A month later Jail
8

Danny is found severely beaten in a warehouse

The East Side Kids rally to defend Danny after the beating, but arrive too late to prevent the assault. They find him severely beaten in a warehouse left by Butch and Mike. They learn only ace brain surgeon Ormsby can save him.

Warehouse
9

Ormsby agrees to operate for free

The Kids go to Ormsby's house and plead for Danny's life, offering their beat-up jalopy as payment. Ormsby, moved by their concern, agrees to operate and waives his conference fee, delaying no further. The surgery is performed without charging, giving Danny a fighting chance.

Ormsby's house
10

Danny's recovery stalls and Danny's true intentions are revealed

Although the operation is technically successful, Danny does not rally to recover. Joe reveals Danny's real intentions behind the $200, deepening the misunderstanding and prompting a new sense of guilt among the kids. The remorseful group goes to his bedside and urges him to recover, inviting him back into the club.

Hospital
11

Ruth is hostage; the gang rescues her and Hank is freed

Butch and Mike take Ruth hostage at her apartment, prompting the East Side Kids to act. The group sneaks into the apartment and attacks the criminals, with Hank delivering a decisive blow to Mike. After the confrontation, the criminals are arrested and Hank is released from his sentence.

Ruth's apartment
12

The Kids reunite in Danny's hospital room with new uniforms

The East Side Kids reunite in Danny's hospital room, showing off the new baseball uniforms they bought with money from selling the car. The gathering marks a restored friendship and a hopeful look toward the future. Their unity and love for their friend provide the emotional climax of the story.

Danny's hospital room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:41

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Smart Alecks

Don't stop at just watching — explore Smart Alecks 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 Smart Alecks is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Smart Alecks Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Smart Alecks, 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.

Smart Alecks Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Smart Alecks

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Smart Alecks

More About Smart Alecks

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Smart Alecks: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Smart Alecks

Similar Movies to Smart Alecks

Discover movies like Smart Alecks 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.