The film centers around Ray Winkler (played by Woody Allen) and his wife Frenchy (played by Tracey Ullman), a working-class couple living in New York City. Ray is a small-time crook with big dreams of striking it rich, while Frenchy dreams of living a more upscale lifestyle.
Desperate to make their fortune, Ray comes up with a plan to rob a bank by tunneling in from the vacant storefront next door. Despite their lack of experience and competence, Ray and Frenchy recruit a motley crew of accomplices, including Ray’s dim-witted cousin May (played by Elaine May) and her bumbling husband Denny (played by Michael Rapaport).
As they set about executing their heist, Ray and his crew encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks, including ineptitude, infighting, and unforeseen complications. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when Frenchy discovers that the cookies she has been selling as a cover for their operation are a huge hit with customers.
Realizing the potential for success in the cookie business, Frenchy convinces Ray to abandon their criminal activities and focus on expanding their cookie empire instead. With the help of a suave art dealer named David (played by Hugh Grant), they transform their storefront into a high-end cookie boutique and quickly become wealthy and successful.
As Ray and Frenchy enjoy their newfound wealth and status, they find themselves rubbing shoulders with New York’s elite and living the glamorous lifestyle they always dreamed of. However, their success comes at a price, as they must navigate the pitfalls of fame and fortune while trying to keep their criminal past a secret.
In a series of comedic and farcical situations, Ray and Frenchy struggle to maintain their newfound wealth and happiness while dealing with the eccentricities of their new social circle. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the true meaning of success.
In the end, Ray and Frenchy come to realize that their happiness lies not in material wealth or social status, but in the simple pleasures of life and the love they share for each other. Despite their ups and downs, they remain devoted to each other and to their unconventional family, finding fulfillment and contentment in the small joys of everyday life.
“Small Time Crooks” is a delightful and charming comedy that showcases Woody Allen’s signature wit and humor. With its quirky characters, witty dialogue, and clever plot twists, the film entertains audiences with its lighthearted take on the pursuit of the American Dream and the joys of ordinary life.