The Pope of Greenwich Village

Charlie Moran, a maître d'hôtel, and his cousin Paulie Gibonni are fired after Paulie is caught skimming checks. The sudden loss of income leaves them with alimony to pay, a pregnant girlfriend Diane, and the dream of owning a restaurant still out of reach. They realize they must find a new, risky way to make money in their Greenwich Village neighborhood.

Paulie pitches a seemingly foolproof plan to rob a local business safe for a large cash payout. Charlie reluctantly agrees, hoping the score will solve their money troubles and secure their future.

They recruit Barney, a clock repairman and locksmith, to help crack the safe. His specialized skills are crucial to bypass the security and get access to the stash.

The team cracks the safe, but the plan spirals into tragedy when police officer Walter Ritter is accidentally killed after tapping Eddie Grant for information. The death reveals the operation's true stakes.

Charlie learns that the money they stole belongs to Eddie Grant, and the mob soon realizes Paulie's involvement. The theft becomes a target for Eddie and his crew.

The mob figures out Paulie's role, and even Uncle Pete cannot shield him. Eddie's henchmen start applying pressure to recover the money and punish the culprits.

Eddie's henchmen cut off Paulie's left thumb as punishment for his involvement. The brutal act disrupts Paulie's ability to participate in future schemes.

Diane leaves Charlie and takes the money to support their unborn child. Charlie's personal life crumbles as he loses both his partner and trust.

Paulie is forced to work as a waiter for Eddie Grant; he initially withholds Charlie's involvement from Eddie but later is pressured to name his cousin.

Under pressure, Paulie rats on Charlie, exposing his role in the scheme. Barney, who had been involved with the loot, eventually leaves town.

Barney leaves town, and Charlie mails him his cut of the loot, keeping his share while staying under the radar.

Charlie makes 20,000 dollars by betting on a horse, a moment of financial optimism that briefly shifts his fortunes.

Charlie prepares for a final confrontation with Eddie, armed with a copy of the police tape that captured Eddie's operation. He plans to use the evidence to settle the score.

In the final twist, Paulie pours lye into Eddie's coffee, then he and Charlie casually walk away from Greenwich Village. The immediate threat is removed, but the future remains uncertain for both men.