Smart Alecks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.