Street Smart

Street Smart

Year: 1987

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Jerry Schatzberg

DramaThrillerCrime

A struggling reporter crafts a sensational exposé on street prostitution, hoping to boost his career. The fabricated story proves successful, but the consequences are far-reaching and dangerous. He becomes deeply involved with the ruthless pimp who inspired his article, a complex and dangerous relationship that puts his life at risk as he attempts to conceal the truth behind his story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Street Smart (1987)

Trace every key event in Street Smart (1987) 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

Pitching the Tyrone profile to the editor

Jonathan Fisher struggles to pitch a story to his editor, Ted Avery, about a real-life street pimp. He finally pitches a profile on Punchy, who is wary of sharing information. Ted senses the piece could be sensational but imposes a tight deadline.

New York City — Magazine Office
2

Jonathan hires Punchy for an interview

Jonathan pays Punchy to meet and discuss the case, hoping to extract material for Tyrone. Punchy remains loyal to her pimp, Leo Smalls, out of fear and blocks access to useful information. The interview quickly hits a wall, highlighting the danger behind the story.

Across New York City
3

Smalls' violent act leads to murder indictment

Smalls beats up a patron who assaults one of his girls, and the patron dies of a heart attack. Smalls is indicted for second-degree murder as the case fractures the line between street credibility and criminal liability. The public eye starts to turn toward him just as Jonathan's fictional Tyrone gains traction.

New York City
4

Alison's failed assist and Tyrone's creation

Alison's attempt to help Jonathan backfires, pushing him to invent Tyrone to salvage the piece. The Tyrone character is exceptionally well received by readers and Ted, catapulting Jonathan toward TV exposure. The article transforms into a ratings-friendly phenomenon.

New York City
5

Jonathan becomes a TV personality with Street Smart

The Tyrone story becomes a sensation, and Jonathan lands a TV segment called Street Smart about people using their street smarts on the streets of New York. The piece elevates his fame and draws more attention from Smalls' camp. The divide between fiction and reality begins to blur.

Studio / NYC Streets
6

Pressure mounts from editor and prosecutor

Ted pushes for more Tyrone-enabled stories, eager for continued buzz. Leonard Pike, an Assistant District Attorney, visits Jonathan, furious that the Tyrone piece has amplified Smalls' celebrity. Jonathan denies that Tyrone and Smalls are the same person, but Pike remains unconvinced.

Jonathan's Home / Office
7

Subpoena and the hollow notes

Smalls' lawyer subpoenas Jonathan's interview notes, anticipating a show of refusal that could undermine the defense. Jonathan and Alison both know that no real Tyrone notes exist, and they refuse to reveal fabricated material. The legal pressure intensifies as the case approaches trial.

Courtroom / Magazine Office
8

Contempt of court and the photos

Jonathan is ordered to appear at Smalls' trial and is held in contempt for refusing to disclose material. After making bail, he confesses to the magazine's lawyer that the entire story was invented, but a judge shows him photos of his first meeting with Smalls, undermining his claim and keeping him confined. The legal battle deepens while Jonathan's conscience troubles him.

Courtroom
9

Punchy's ultimatum and the eye threat

Pike questions Punchy as she considers leaving the pimp life, but Smalls threatens to cut out her eye and forces a cruel choice. She selects her left eye to preserve her life and is released, and she then rushes to inform Pike. Smalls' hold over the situation grows darker as the feud escalates.

Punchy's vicinity / Smalls' operations
10

Punchy confesses to Pike about the notes

Punchy tells Pike that Smalls wants Jonathan to fabricate notes, confirming to investigators that the manipulation is real. She seeks protection or a way out, while Jonathan wrestles with the consequences of his fabrication. The corruption becomes more entangled as the two forces collide.

Pike's Apartment
11

Jonathan agrees to the alibi and Smalls goes free

Jonathan changes his story again, agrees to produce the notes, and is released from custody. Smalls is found not guilty at trial, buoyed by the alleged alibi and the perception of fabricated evidence. Pike vows to pursue Jonathan for fabricating evidence.

Courtroom / Newsroom
12

Jonathan exposes Reggie to frame Smalls

To undermine Smalls further, Jonathan tapes Reggie accepting $200 from Darlene, suggesting a skim from Smalls' operation. He tells Reggie to skip town to avoid retribution. The plan tightens the stake in the case as the web of deceit grows.

New York City
13

The chase ends in tragedy

Smalls tracks down Reggie, who, fearing for his life, shoots Smalls in self-defense during the chase. Reggie is later taken away in handcuffs, while Jonathan reports on Smalls' execution for his Street Smart segment. The line between journalism and crime blurs as the story reaches its grim conclusion.

New York City Street

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Street Smart Summary

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Street Smart Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Street Smart

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