Things Change 1988

Two gangsters from Chicago visit Gino’s shoe store, where they discreetly hand him a $100 bill and ask him to meet them later. During their meeting, one gangster reveals that a crucial individual has been “mistakenly identified” as a murderer, showing Gino a photo of someone who bears a striking resemblance to him. The gangsters’ leader, Mr. Green, proposes a deal: if Gino agrees to confess to the crime and spends 3 to 5 years in prison, they will offer him generous compensation, including a boat to live on in Sicily. Although hesitant, Gino eventually consents to the arrangement and receives an old Sicilian coin from Mr. Green as a token of appreciation.

Meanwhile, another gangster named Jerry is tasked with preparing Gino for his eventual confession. He takes Gino to a hotel for a few days of training, but then decides to treat him to a getaway in Lake Tahoe before the looming prison time. Jerry runs into an old acquaintance and exaggerates Gino’s importance in the mafia, which helps them secure an extravagant suite at a luxurious resort where they receive VIP treatment without any cost.

While at the casino, Jerry sets up a rigged roulette game designed to allow Gino to win a small sum; however, to everyone’s surprise, Gino wins $35,000 before losing it all in another game. Remarkably, he takes the loss in stride, remarking, > “Things change.” This unexpected luck garners significant attention, including the company of two showgirls.

The following morning, Jerry feels a wave of panic when he fears Gino has left with the showgirls, and his worry escalates when two unfamiliar gangsters invite them to lunch with a mafia boss, Don Giuseppe. Jerry advises Gino against discussing business during the meal. Initially, Don Giuseppe is suspicious, but when Gino shows him the Sicilian coin, a connection is forged. They stroll along the lake and continue to bond, leading Don Giuseppe to extend an invitation for Gino to stay the night.

Back at the resort, Jerry discovers that Mr. Green is involved in a major mafia meeting at Don Giuseppe’s house that evening. Worried about Gino’s safety, he devises a plan to get them out of there but has to steal a car when things go awry. After running out of gas, they find themselves without funds until they fortuitously encounter the two showgirls, who offer Gino cash for gas.

With funds for a refill, they finally make it back to Chicago. While contemplating their future fishing trips in Sicily, Jerry grapples with guilt and pleads with Gino to back out of their deal. Gino, however, stands firm, insisting that he must keep his word. Their situation worsens when another gangster arrives to escort them to court, revealing that their boss intends for Gino to be killed—by Jerry himself.

In a tense moment, Gino, feeling trapped, ventures out to Lake Michigan, while Jerry fights off the gangster in a desperate act of defense. Suddenly, Gino devises a plan and reaches out to Don Giuseppe for assistance. During the subsequent court hearing, the disguised gangster—representing their boss—is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Ultimately, Gino and Jerry return to the shoe shop to resume their work, sharing a knowing look as they reflect on the day’s events.