Americans tourists vacationing in Monaco become suspects in a murder case as their dumb mistakes and attempts at cover-up make them more and more suspicious. This a great ensemble movie that makes me laugh everytime and the plot is complex enough to warrant repeat viewing.
40 Reviews
it's just silly entertainment, but it's actually quite good
lee_eisenberg6 May 2005
I admit that "Once Upon a Crime" probably will not add anything to the cinematic landscape in the near future. But it's so funny. Set in Monaco, a group of unacquainted tourists (among them John Candy, Jim Belushi and Cybill Shephard) get involved in a murder plot, the answer to which may or may not be closer than they think.
If absolutely nothing else, this movie will prove that Monaco is like Las Vegas, only much more desirable in every way. And John Candy is his usual goofy self, Jim Belushi and Cybill Shephard are at each other's heels constantly, and Giancarlo Giannini plays the police chief. More or less, the whole movie is "Murder on the Orient Express" set in Monaco. I should remind you that unless you tolerate the kind of off-the-wall humor that dominated movies throughout the '80's and early '90's, you won't like "Once Upon a Crime" one bit. Otherwise, you'll have a great time.
If absolutely nothing else, this movie will prove that Monaco is like Las Vegas, only much more desirable in every way. And John Candy is his usual goofy self, Jim Belushi and Cybill Shephard are at each other's heels constantly, and Giancarlo Giannini plays the police chief. More or less, the whole movie is "Murder on the Orient Express" set in Monaco. I should remind you that unless you tolerate the kind of off-the-wall humor that dominated movies throughout the '80's and early '90's, you won't like "Once Upon a Crime" one bit. Otherwise, you'll have a great time.
Certainly above par!
Artemis-96 November 2003
I came across this comedy on channel TV during my usual zapping exercises. I'm too old, have seen too much, know too many movies by heart... Something caught my attention, and that was well before Sybill Sheperd put on her 'old' black dressing gown. I stayed on until the film ended, and liked it a lot.
Know what? A few days ago I was doing my zapping again, and came across a title, Once Upon a Crime, just as film credits were rolling. I thought it was a funny title, and stayed to see it what it was about. Soon I was laughing, then I discovered it was the same entertaining comedy, and stayed on until the film ended, and liked it more.
Believe me: if this comedy makes me laugh out loud three times in a second viewing, barely two months from the first, it's because it is decidedly good.
Know what? A few days ago I was doing my zapping again, and came across a title, Once Upon a Crime, just as film credits were rolling. I thought it was a funny title, and stayed to see it what it was about. Soon I was laughing, then I discovered it was the same entertaining comedy, and stayed on until the film ended, and liked it more.
Believe me: if this comedy makes me laugh out loud three times in a second viewing, barely two months from the first, it's because it is decidedly good.
Light, charming with wonderful cast
trpdean9 March 2002
I'd never heard of this and just saw it on television. It's charming.
I thought George Hamilton was particularly good as an Italian gigolo -he had mastered a terrifically funny accent (among other things, he creates new syllables - as in "jump - ED" or "laugh-ED").
I had not seen Giancarlo Giannini in anything since the 1970s - and he's wonderful in the only serious part - the Monegasque (correct spelling for one from Monaco?) detective.
Sean Young throws herself into this comedic role and Richard Lewis, John Candy, Cybill Shepherd, and Jim Belushi are fine.
I do recommend this movie highly - it's light and frothy, but with many funny lines. As others have said, it has a beautiful setting - in the Hotel de Paris and Monaco in general. For whatever reason, this movie seems to be unpopular in Ohio (the two negative comments are both from Ohioans) - if you're in the other 49 states or overseas, you're sure to enjoy it.
I thought George Hamilton was particularly good as an Italian gigolo -he had mastered a terrifically funny accent (among other things, he creates new syllables - as in "jump - ED" or "laugh-ED").
I had not seen Giancarlo Giannini in anything since the 1970s - and he's wonderful in the only serious part - the Monegasque (correct spelling for one from Monaco?) detective.
Sean Young throws herself into this comedic role and Richard Lewis, John Candy, Cybill Shepherd, and Jim Belushi are fine.
I do recommend this movie highly - it's light and frothy, but with many funny lines. As others have said, it has a beautiful setting - in the Hotel de Paris and Monaco in general. For whatever reason, this movie seems to be unpopular in Ohio (the two negative comments are both from Ohioans) - if you're in the other 49 states or overseas, you're sure to enjoy it.
In the genre of a good detective movie, this one was highly enjoyable.
the_faircloths7 July 2001
With a well thought out cast, this movie was a great comedic relief. The plot is well-written and the cast was knockout. Every bit as good as the reviews suggested (a rarity) and was highly entertaining. Being a huge John Candy fan myself, this movie was no disappointment.
I liked it
MovieAddict201611 August 2006
I saw this ages ago when I was younger and could never remember the title, until one day I was scrolling through John Candy's film credits on IMDb and noticed an entry named "Once Upon a Crime...". Something rang a bell and I clicked on it, and after reading the plot summary it brought back a lot of memories.
I've found it has aged pretty well despite the fact that it is not by any means a "great" comedy. It is, however, rather enjoyable and is a good riff on a Hitchcock formula of mistaken identity and worldwide thrills.
The movie has a large cast of characters, amongst them an American couple who find a woman's dog while vacationing in Europe and decide to return it to her for a reward - only to find her dead body upon arrival. From there the plot gets crazier and sillier and they go on the run after the police think they are the killers.
Kind of a mix between "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" and a lighter Hitchcock feature, this was directed by Eugene Levy and he managed to get some of his good friends - such as John Candy - to star in it. The movie is mostly engaging due to its cast, and the ending has a funny little twist that isn't totally unpredictable but also is kind of unexpected.
I've found it has aged pretty well despite the fact that it is not by any means a "great" comedy. It is, however, rather enjoyable and is a good riff on a Hitchcock formula of mistaken identity and worldwide thrills.
The movie has a large cast of characters, amongst them an American couple who find a woman's dog while vacationing in Europe and decide to return it to her for a reward - only to find her dead body upon arrival. From there the plot gets crazier and sillier and they go on the run after the police think they are the killers.
Kind of a mix between "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" and a lighter Hitchcock feature, this was directed by Eugene Levy and he managed to get some of his good friends - such as John Candy - to star in it. The movie is mostly engaging due to its cast, and the ending has a funny little twist that isn't totally unpredictable but also is kind of unexpected.
Fairly pleasant comedy/mystery but....
Dave Banks10 March 2002
There are some fairly good performances in this rather thin movie. However, be advised that James Belushi gives one of the most annoying performances that you will ever see. He plays one of those extremely selfish husbands who always has something unkind to say to his wife (played very well by Cybil Sheppard). Belushi is hyperactive throughout the film and his overacting tends to spoil this movie. His every spoken line tends to be as shrill as the proverbial "fingernail across the chalkboard". I despise people like the character he plays in real life and have similar sentiments towards them on screen. Why the film's Director didn't restrain Belushi will forever remain a mystery to me. During the scenes that Belushi isn't in, the movie is mostly pleasant with some solid laughs.
Body of Lies
sol-13 January 2017
Two vacationing Americans returning a lost dog and two compulsive gamblers and their wives become suspects in an elaborate murder plot in this crime comedy shot on location in Rome and Monte Carlo. The film is notable as 'American Pie' actor Eugene Levy's only ever big screen directing effort and the talented cast includes Jim Belushi, Cybill Shepherd, John Candy, George Hamilton, Joss Ackland and Giancarlo Giannini as the ill-tempered detective leading the investigation. The film derives most of its energy though from the myriad of plot twists and turns throughout with the characters feeling compelled to lie to the police since the truth sounds absolutely unbelievable. This presents a curious dynamic with the characters, especially Candy, getting deeper and deeper into wilder and wilder lies that ultimately end up making him sound guiltier than the truth would have, but it is not a dynamic that is used nearly often enough with the film always aiming for laughs first and foremost. There are indeed several humorous moments that work, thanks largely to the often witty dialogue from the same screen writing team responsible for 'Private Benjamin'. The film tends to favour tiresome running gags though, such as Giannini's assistant constantly failing to light his cigarettes and Richard Lewis believing that he is a dead ringer for Al Pacino (he isn't). The pacing is quite brisk though and the lost dog at the centre of the film well-trained (and adorable), so this is a difficult film to dislike even if it constantly feels like it had the potential for more.
unlikable characters in unfunny mess
SnoopyStyle16 October 2016
Phoebe (Sean Young) spent all her money to move to Rome but she gets stood up. With no money, she notices a Dachshund Lost ad in the newspaper with $5k reward. The owner is in Monte Carlo and unemployed actor Julian Peters (Richard Lewis) joins her for a cut. On the train there, Julian sells the dog to Augie Morosco (John Candy) who married Elena (Ornella Muti) for her money. Neil Schwary (Jim Belushi) is going for the gambling but his wife Marilyn (Cybill Shepherd) is leery of him wasting all their money. Julian and Phoebe get kicked off the train for not having vet papers for the dog. They finally arrive to find the owner dead. Inspector Bonnard (Giancarlo Giannini) leads the investigation and Julian becomes a suspect. Neil steals a suitcase and finds a dead body inside. Alfonso de la Pena (George Hamilton) is a local gigolo.
These are all unlikable ugly American characters. A manic John Candy gambling from one table to the next is almost funny. It's chaos. The screwball comedy falls flat. I wouldn't mind Bonnard putting every one of them in prison. Eugene Levy as a director may not be the best but the writing is no winner either. The cast is stacked but this is simply not funny.
These are all unlikable ugly American characters. A manic John Candy gambling from one table to the next is almost funny. It's chaos. The screwball comedy falls flat. I wouldn't mind Bonnard putting every one of them in prison. Eugene Levy as a director may not be the best but the writing is no winner either. The cast is stacked but this is simply not funny.
Pleasant, forgettable entertainment.
gridoon20 October 2004
THE GOOD: Sean Young (unusually lively and appealing), Giancarlo Giannini (who gives class to the film by his mere presence), some moments of James Belushi.
THE BAD: John Candy (grating, with barely even one funny line) and George Hamilton (his aging gigolo is an even more aging stereotype).
The others fall somewhere in between.
All in all, this film is pleasant entertainment for 90 minutes, although for a film billed as a "mystery-comedy", the mystery part is largely secondary. (**1/2)
THE BAD: John Candy (grating, with barely even one funny line) and George Hamilton (his aging gigolo is an even more aging stereotype).
The others fall somewhere in between.
All in all, this film is pleasant entertainment for 90 minutes, although for a film billed as a "mystery-comedy", the mystery part is largely secondary. (**1/2)
A Triumph of wit in adversity.
Ian-10030 May 1999
John Candy shines in what is surely one of slapstick comedy's finest moments. James Belushi is excellent as ever as one of the most three dimensional gambler/losers since Woody Harrelson in White Men Can't Jump. Cybill Sheppard is naturally hilarious, George Hamilton superbly placed, the movie is a gem. It keeps you guessing until the incredibly dextrous twist as it ends. Nah, only kidding, the movie bites. Hard.
Priceless Gem, don't miss this!
mikeferguson10 September 2021
(originally posted in 2003) I've been eagerly awaiting word that this was to be released on DVD...(and as of 2021, it's available also in Blu-ray and digitally)...what a cast! John Candy, Jimmy Belushi, Cybill Shepherd, Sean Young, Richard Lewis, George Hamilton (his best comedy role), the great Giancarlo Giannini, even a humorous turn by the director, Eugene Levy (Candy's buddy from SCTV) as a casino cage manager! This one harkens back to the screwball comedies of the forties, and is a real joy. It's a comedic crime caper that unfolds in romantic Rome and exciting Monte Carlo, with loveable characters scrambling to avoid suspicion and arrest by the suitably weighted (yet hilarious) Giannini as "Inspector Bonnard"...and who'd have thought Richard Lewis would hold his own as Sean Young's love interest? As a feuding American couple, Shepherd & Belushi are priceless, as they rediscover their love, by discovering they have larceny in their hearts; and in the end, we finally learn who the real culprits are in one of those "gather all the suspects together in one room and reveal the murderer" scenes (always fun!)...so that's great news for those of us who love this film...and for those of you who will now have the joy of discovering it. Peace! MFF/Hawaii 9-10-21.
It's What I Do
ArtVandelayImporterExporter2 September 2020
You take a pleasant location, a decent premise, hire a comedy stud to direct and cast a bunch of popular late 80s/early 90s comedic talent to star in it.
Bingo. You got yourself a fun, funny movie.
Sure, John Candy, Richard Lewis and James Belushi are all mostly doing their own shtick, but if you're an 80s college kid these guys are gold. And they all get decent lines.
As for being able to see Sean Young and Cybil Shepherd in the same movie, well, it's almost like the casting director was fulfilling my dreams. If you can watch that scene with Cybil on the hotel bed in her black negligee and still feel like you didn't get your money's worth, you are made of stone.
George Hamilton was a nice touch. As was Giancarlo Giannini.
No swearing or nudity, either. Which is a nice surprise every once in a while.
Bingo. You got yourself a fun, funny movie.
Sure, John Candy, Richard Lewis and James Belushi are all mostly doing their own shtick, but if you're an 80s college kid these guys are gold. And they all get decent lines.
As for being able to see Sean Young and Cybil Shepherd in the same movie, well, it's almost like the casting director was fulfilling my dreams. If you can watch that scene with Cybil on the hotel bed in her black negligee and still feel like you didn't get your money's worth, you are made of stone.
George Hamilton was a nice touch. As was Giancarlo Giannini.
No swearing or nudity, either. Which is a nice surprise every once in a while.
Doesn't equal the star talent in the movie
Mcduff360125 January 2018
This was a let down of a movie for me. The acting was all over the top and cheesy. Maybe if they had tried to make it more of a cornball movie it might have worked but it felt like they were almost trying to be serious.
There was nothing special or outstanding about this movie. The acting was very meh considering these were all big stars at the time this came out. I did find myself laughing at a couple of things but over all I wanted the movie to be over. There are better funnier movies out there unless this one holds some kind of nostalgia for you, you're better off skipping it.
There was nothing special or outstanding about this movie. The acting was very meh considering these were all big stars at the time this came out. I did find myself laughing at a couple of things but over all I wanted the movie to be over. There are better funnier movies out there unless this one holds some kind of nostalgia for you, you're better off skipping it.
Once Upon a Laugh.....
acooke2 February 2001
and this flick has got a ton of them. I love the cast first of all. Richard Lewis and Jim Belushi play kinda blumbling goofballs. Lewis' interactions with Sean Young are first rate. The line about "that picture comes in every wallet" is classic. John Candy is good with the accent and acting nervous all the time. In general this film has that "mysterious-but-not-quite-scary" feel to it. George Hamilton plays, well.....George Hamilton. Great cast, great laughs.....this film rocks....watch it with your girlfriend.....
Belushi and Shepherd make the movie
jjpfern18 December 2021
1960s Style Crime Comedy
thalassafischer22 October 2023
Something starring Richard Lewis and Sean Young seemed kind of cringe to me, but I like John Candy. Of course he stole the show as the gold-digging gambling addict married to a woman who seems impossibly out of his league, while George Hamilton stopped by every few scenes as comic relief playing an aging gigolo who appeared poised to offer everyone some Grey Poupon at any moment.
Once Upon a Crime reminds me of flicks like The Pink Panther or could be a 90 minute sketch comedy satirizing giallos. I laughed out loud more than once. Of course this movie is somewhat formulaic and full of silly gags, but it's a really fun watch.
Once Upon a Crime reminds me of flicks like The Pink Panther or could be a 90 minute sketch comedy satirizing giallos. I laughed out loud more than once. Of course this movie is somewhat formulaic and full of silly gags, but it's a really fun watch.
One of the worst movies I've seen
Berg00710 March 1999
It's what I do.
reddiemurf8116 January 2022
This one is a great who dunnit comedy brought to screen by Eugene Levy, starring John Candy, Jim Belushi, Cybil Sheppard, Richard Lewis, and Sean Young. The back and forth comedic timing between all 5 of these performers is just too funny not to laugh at (Granted I'm partial. This came out when I was a kid, so rewatching it is like walking down a comedic memory lane, lol). So if you want to watch a funny comedy, this'll do 👍
I'd give it a 6.5 rating overall.
I've seen funnier stuff than this.
OllieSuave-00710 February 2018
Saw this movie once when I was a kid - remembered it for being a very goofy movie with a sloppy plot that really goes all over the place and overacting that made the cast of characters somewhat annoying at times.
I did a get a few chuckles out of it, but I've seen lots more funnier stuff than this.
Grade D
I did a get a few chuckles out of it, but I've seen lots more funnier stuff than this.
Grade D
Very very bad
erokarakosta31 January 2021
You've got to see it at least once
culwin15 November 1998
The story and characters are interesting to the end: the movie is funny, and features good acting by a star-studded cast. This movie isn't going to win any Oscars, but it's good entertainment for 2 hours. I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
Corny comedy murder mystery...
dwpollar27 December 2008
1st watched 12/26/2008 -(Dir-Eugene Levy): Corny comedy murder mystery with very few laughs. The movie appears to be based on an earlier Italian movie according to the credits but was re-written by two fairly popular American romantic comedy writers. But this one by Charles Shyer & Nancy Meyers does not cut it compared to their other efforts. The story is about a couple of down-and-out traveling Americans, played by Richard Lewis and Sean Young, who stumble upon a lost dog and hope to make a fortune in reward money after seeing an ad in the paper for the dachsund's return. Upon trying to return it, they see a hand sticking out of a garage door at the lady's residence that they believe is attached to the rest of the dead body of the woman who is supposed to give them the money. They freak out and instead of contacting the police and telling them the truth they make out like runaways from the scene expecting to be framed for the murder. The other characters in the film are met on a train prior to this and hang around a Monte Carlo gambling resort doing various things to be pulled into the story. The other cast members include character actors John Candy, James Belushi, Cybill Shepherd, George Hamilton and others. After the police find out about the death, they start questioning the main characters and, of course, they have to work thru their goofy lies to figure out what really happened. None of the character actors mentioned earlier can bring this movie out of it's mediocre state despite some funny moments mostly provided by the Belushi/Shepherd couple. This isn't a horrible movie, it just isn't that good. There are plenty of average movies out there and this is just another one for the pile. Try it, maybe you'll like it, probably you won't.
Funny, light mystery akin to What's Up, Doc?
inkblot1130 October 2003
Marilyn (Cybill Shepherd) and her husband, Neil (James Belushi) are on the train to Monte Carlo to enjoy a well-earned vacation. While they are aboard, they run into businessman Augie Morosco (John Candy) as well as Phoebe (Sean Young) and Julian (Richard Lewis). Phoebe and Julian are soon ordered to leave the train, as they have a dog with them. Surprisingly, it turns out not to be their dog, but rather a canine they found and are returning to the female owner for the reward money. When they arrive at the owner's mansion, Phoebe and Julian soon discover that the owner has been murdered. Naturally, they are afraid that they will be blamed and flee the area. Meanwhile, Marilyn and Neil are experiencing different results at the gaming tables. Through various happenstances, all of the above characters will be suspects in the murder of the little dog's owner. Will police inspector Bonnard (Giancarlo Giannini) be able to nail the correct killer?
This comedic whodunit has an adorable cast (especially the quite stunning Sean Young) and a silly-but-fun plot that keeps the viewer pondering. John Candy's scenes are too few in number for him to steal the show, yet he generates chuckles, as usual. Instead, George Hamilton, in a small role, is the one who makes ample use of his screen time to charm and delight the audience. The scenery and costumes, also, are first rate. Viewers may have to search hard to find this film at the video store or library. Those who do will be rewarded with an evening of smiles and second-guessing as the film merits are unrolled.
This comedic whodunit has an adorable cast (especially the quite stunning Sean Young) and a silly-but-fun plot that keeps the viewer pondering. John Candy's scenes are too few in number for him to steal the show, yet he generates chuckles, as usual. Instead, George Hamilton, in a small role, is the one who makes ample use of his screen time to charm and delight the audience. The scenery and costumes, also, are first rate. Viewers may have to search hard to find this film at the video store or library. Those who do will be rewarded with an evening of smiles and second-guessing as the film merits are unrolled.
skip it
cherold27 October 2012
I like mysteries. I like comedies. So I thought there was a reasonable chance I would enjoy this movie. I was wrong. This comes across as a mediocre TV movie full of pseudo stars, even though it's actually a theatrical film. It is indicative of the weakness of this movie that Cybil Shepard is actually the best thing in it. The low-rent cast approaches the film with the subtlety of a Saturday Night Live sketch. The story has its moments, mainly due to those times where attempts to divert suspicion fail disastrously, but it's also a sloppy mess.
I like mysteries and comedies, but this movie is neither mysterious nor particularly funny. Don't bother.
I like mysteries and comedies, but this movie is neither mysterious nor particularly funny. Don't bother.
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