I was still a kid when this overlooked murder mystery was released, I knew nothing about Once Upon A Crime until a trailer was shown on another VHS rental from Ritz video. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including John Candy, James Belushi, Cybill Shepherd, Sean Young, Richard Lewis, and George Hamilton. How had I missed this PG-rated gem during its theatrical run? Little did I know that the film had flopped in America, and the UK got it straight-to-video.
It was a crazy time; many well-known actors were suddenly making movies that would never see the inside of a cinema. Directed by Eugene Levy, known more widely for his comedic acting chops, this film shows his knack for pulling together a complex, farcical storyline with a diverse cast of well-known actors. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Monte Carlo, the plot follows a group of tourists who find themselves hilariously entangled in a murder investigation after one of them stumbles upon a lost dog, only to realize it’s connected to the death of its wealthy owner.
Levy’s direction plays with classic murder mystery conventions, keeping the plot twisting while leaning into comedic timing and miscommunication. The tone is light and zany, sometimes reminiscent of classic screwball comedies, with a heavy dose of mistaken identities, mix-ups, and laugh-out-loud misunderstandings. Although Levy doesn’t necessarily go for deep character development or high stakes, he crafts a clever narrative with a whip-crack pace keeping the audience engaged as they piece together the mystery. Well, I say piece together. It’s abundantly clear after about 20 minutes.
Despite its solid cast and clever premise, Once Upon a Crime… didn’t get the attention it deserved upon release, perhaps because it was overshadowed by darker thrillers and more serious mysteries of the time. But for fans of lighthearted mysteries with a comedic twist, it’s a refreshing, feel-good watch. The film’s plot twists are entertaining, even if they don’t entirely surprise seasoned mystery lovers, and the characters’ hijinks make the journey more fun than the destination.
Overall, Once Upon a Crime… offers an enjoyable mix of slapstick, suspense, and playful intrigue that makes it worth revisiting. It’s a quirky film that may not aim to be high art, but it succeeds at being a fun, underrated romp that showcases Eugene Levy’s easy-going directorial touch.
