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Once Upon a Crime

Once Upon a Crime is a directed by . The movie features an including as a bumbling chef, James Belushi as a shady gambler, as a glamorous , as a mysterious woman, and Richard Lewis as a neurotic tourist. It is an remake of the 1961 Italian film Crimen. Set against the backdrop of and , the plot centers on a group of disparate travelers who find a lost offering a $5,000 reward and decide to return it to its owner, only to become entangled in a when the owner is found dead. The film blends elements of with intrigue through its fast-paced humor and interconnected character arcs. Levy's direction emphasizes physical comedy and verbal banter among the suspects, who must evade the persistent Inspector Bonnard, played by , while unraveling alibis and red herrings. Distributed by and released theatrically on March 6, 1992, it marked one of Levy's early forays into feature directing outside his SCTV roots, though it received mixed critical reception for its uneven pacing and reliance on star power over tight plotting. Despite its commercial underperformance at the , grossing approximately $8 million worldwide against a modest budget, Once Upon a Crime has garnered a for its nostalgic '90s ensemble vibe and memorable performances, particularly Candy's heartfelt portrayal amid the chaos. The screenplay, written by , , and Steve Kluger, adapts a loose structure to heighten comedic misunderstandings, making it a lighthearted entry in the mystery-comedy genre.

Premise and Characters

Plot Summary

In , and fellow American Peters discover a lost named with a tag indicating a $5,000 reward for its return to the wealthy Madame Van Dougen in . Stranded after her purse is stolen and eager for quick cash as a struggling , convinces the neurotic to join her on a train journey to claim the reward and split the money. En route, the pair encounters two other American couples: Neil and Marilyn Schwary, whose European vacation has soured after Neil's compulsive wipes out their funds, leaving Marilyn frustrated and focused on ; and Augie Morosco and his glamorous wife Elena, who are celebrating Augie's recent reform from after closing a business deal. Comedic chaos erupts on the train as the group bonds over mishaps, including a bumbling thief dubbed "The " who steals the mid-journey, prompting a frantic, chase involving spilled , mistaken identities, and awkward flirtations that heighten the farcical tone. Upon arriving in glamorous , the group recovers the dog but faces further complications when Neil, desperate for gambling stakes, steals an unattended suitcase from outside Van Dougen's villa, unknowingly containing the millionaire's corpse—revealing she has been by blunt force trauma. and , who had briefly entered the villa to return the dog, flee in panic after spotting a shadowy figure (later identified as Van Dougen's lover, Alfonso de la Peña) lurking in the bushes, leaving behind clues that implicate them. The stolen reward money vanishes amid the confusion, and the Americans' paths cross repeatedly in casinos and hotels, where Augie relapses into heavy gambling, Neil racks up more debts through disastrous bets, and the couples fabricate alibis—such as Augie claiming he was with Elena during the time—to cover their whereabouts, only for these lies to unravel through escalating misunderstandings and accidental evidence tampering. Inspector Bonnard, a bumbling yet persistent , interrogates the group as prime suspects due to their shared connections to the , the , and the missing money, leading to a series of set pieces: door-slamming hotel chases, forged hotel receipts as fake , and a casino showdown where characters accuse each other amid clinking slot machines and exploding bottles. Plot twists mount as Elena's with Alfonso surfaces, Neil's suitcase is traced back to the , and Julian's phone call to Van Dougen during the provides an unwitting for the group while pointing suspicion toward the unseen caller on the other end. The farcical tension peaks when Bonnard assembles everyone in Van Dougen's for a classic reveal. In the resolution, Bonnard deduces that the butler and housekeeper killed Madame Van Dougen because her will left her fortune to the dog ; they hid the body in and attempted to flee. The Americans are cleared, the dog is safely returned to Van Dougen's estate, and the group parts ways amid relieved laughter, their misadventures underscoring the film's blend of mystery and mayhem.

Cast and Roles

The film boasts an ensemble cast drawn from prominent comedic talents of 1980s television and early 1990s film, including stand-up comedian Richard Lewis, sitcom star , and sketch comedy veterans and James Belushi, who bring their signature humor to the chaotic murder mystery. Richard Lewis portrays Julian Peters, an unsuccessful actor characterized by his neurotic energy and quick-witted sarcasm; motivated by financial desperation, Julian teams up with a stranger to return a lost for a $5,000 reward, only to find himself increasingly entangled in the ensuing intrigue as his alibi unravels. Lewis's performance highlights the character's frantic improvisation during police questioning, trading rapid-fire insults that underscore his anxious personality. Sean Young plays Phoebe, a jilted and animated whose impulsive nature drives her to join in the quest for the dog's reward; her arc shifts from opportunistic adventure to bewildered suspicion amid the group's misfortunes. Young's portrayal emphasizes Phoebe's lively expressiveness, evoking silent-era comedy in her physical reactions to the escalating chaos. James Belushi embodies Neil Schwary, an ultra-materialistic American tourist and devoted but beleaguered husband whose habits propel him into the plot; motivated by a desire for quick riches, Neil's arc involves frantic efforts to cover his tracks during the investigation. Belushi infuses the role with boisterous energy, particularly in manic sequences where Neil's obsessive betting showcases his impulsive side. Cybill Shepherd stars as Marilyn Schwary, Neil's cynical and spiteful wife, a jaded seeking personal from her husband's ; her motivations stem from frustration with their faltering marriage, leading to an arc of misinterpretations and bold confrontations within the . Shepherd's depiction captures Marilyn's sharp-tongued disdain, highlighted in moments where she physically rebukes Neil amid the turmoil. John Candy takes on Augie Morosco, a bumbling yet well-meaning fortune-hunter and obsessive gambler on his ; driven by a need to sustain a lavish through his rich , Augie's arc centers on desperately fabricating alibis to evade police suspicion. Candy's shines in chase sequences and interrogation scenes, where his ridiculously suave demeanor amplifies the character's hapless charm. Ornella Muti appears as Elena Morosco, Augie's gorgeous and indulgent new wife, whose unquestioning affection for her husband motivates her support during their getaway; her involves passive entanglement in the suspicion surrounding the group. plays Inspector Bonnard, a basset-eyed, Clouseau-esque whose methodical yet comically inept drives the film's central tension; motivated by duty to solve the , Bonnard's unfolds through persistent grilling of the suspects. portrayal adds sly humor to the inspector's bungled pursuits, emphasizing his world-weary persistence. George Hamilton portrays Alfonso de la Peña, Madame Van Dougen's gigolo lover, whose suspicious behavior fuels red herrings and reveals an affair subplot with Elena Morosco.

Production

Development and Writing

Once Upon a Crime originated as an American adaptation of the 1960 Italian comedy film Crimen, directed by Mario Camerini and based on a screenplay by Rodolfo Sonego, Giorgio Arlorio, and Stefano Strucchi. The 1992 version transformed the original's lighthearted crime narrative into an ensemble mystery, emphasizing American humor through a cast of eccentric characters entangled in a European . The screenplay was written by , , and Steve Kluger, who expanded the story's farcical elements to classic tropes, such as interconnected suspects and improbable alibis reminiscent of Agatha Christie-style plots. Central to this approach was the addition of a lost named as a comedic : the dog carries a $5,000 reward, drawing characters into the investigation of its wealthy owner, Madame Van Dougan, and amplifying the film's chaotic ensemble dynamics. Eugene Levy made his feature film directorial debut with Once Upon a Crime, drawing on his experience as a performer and on the series SCTV (1976–1984) to incorporate improvisational elements that enhanced the actors' naturalistic banter and timing. This background influenced the film's loose, reactive humor, allowing the ensemble—including comedians like and James Belushi—to riff off one another in scenes set across and . Pre-production involved planning a $18 million to support international shoots in and , while assembling a star-studded comedic cast to drive the parody's energy. These efforts focused on capturing the original's European flair while infusing it with American comedic sensibilities, though logistical coordination for overseas locations posed standard challenges for a debut director like Levy.

Filming and Locations

Principal photography for Once Upon a Crime commenced on February 20, 1991, and wrapped on May 3, 1991, spanning several European countries to capture the film's international scope. The production primarily shot on location in , , and , leveraging authentic settings to evoke the story's blend of glamour and farce. Key filming sites included Rome's for early scenes involving the discovery of the lost dog, and the Italian 's train routes for the ensemble's journey to , which underscored the chaotic travel dynamics among the characters. In , the opulent Casino de served as the backdrop for the sequences, allowing the production to integrate real casino interiors that heightened the film's luxurious yet tense atmosphere. Additional exteriors were captured at Gare de Nice-Ville in , contributing to the transit motifs. These locations were selected to mirror the 1960 Italian comedy Crimen that inspired the remake, maintaining a period-inflected European elegance. Cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno, known for his work on classic Italian films, employed wide-angle shots and natural lighting to emphasize the comedic timing and spatial interplay in ensemble scenes, enhancing the visual rhythm of the mystery-comedy. The on-location shooting in and surrounding areas provided a lavish, authentic texture, with Rotunno's photography lavishly framing the Riviera's glittering locales against the plot's escalating absurdities. Coordinating the ensemble cast across these sites presented logistical demands, but the European authenticity bolstered the film's farcical energy without relying on extensive studio sets.

Release and Marketing

Theatrical Release

Once Upon a Crime was theatrically released in the United States on March 6, 1992, by distributor (). The film opened wide domestically. The release occurred simultaneously in the and on the same date, with subsequent European rollouts including on May 14, 1992, and on September 3, 1992. These international launches aligned with the film's European filming locations in and . The of America (MPAA) assigned the film a rating due to language and brief nudity. Following its theatrical run, Once Upon a Crime transitioned to home media with an initial release on September 2, 1992, by MGM/UA Home Video. A DVD edition followed on December 2, 2003. A Blu-ray edition was released on September 4, 2018, by .

Promotion and Distribution

The marketing campaign for Once Upon a Crime centered on trailers that showcased the film's star-studded , including , James Belushi, , and , while parodying classic mystery tropes through the chaotic plot involving a lost and a in . These trailers, including TV spots, highlighted the comedic tone and international settings to appeal to audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment. The official tagline, "Monte Carlo can be hard on tourists. This weekend it's !", was prominently featured in promotional materials to evoke the film's blend of humor and suspense. Distribution was handled by () for the North American theatrical release on March 6, 1992, with the studio securing international partnerships to expand reach. In , where the film was shot on location in and , emphasized targeted promotion leveraging the authentic settings, including releases through local distributors such as in under the title Banco pour un crime. The theatrical distribution was managed by , facilitating a broader European rollout. Asian markets received limited distribution, reflecting the film's primary focus on Western audiences. Promotional events included behind-the-scenes interviews with key cast members like Cybill Shepherd, John Candy, and James Belushi, aired as previews to generate buzz ahead of the release. Posters prominently displayed the ensemble cast against glamorous European backdrops, reinforcing the film's allure as a ensemble-driven comedy.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its release, Once Upon a Crime received largely negative reviews from critics, who found its blend of and lacking in cohesion and humor. Janet Maslin of The New York Times described the film as unfunny and overplotted, noting that while the cast performed energetically, "most of the time it is not" funny, and the plot's complications around a lost dog offered little comic inspiration. The Los Angeles Times echoed this sentiment, praising the cast's gusto—particularly John Candy's portrayal of an obsessive gambler—but criticizing the film for attempting clever twists without fully succeeding, resulting in a lack of classic comedic savoir-faire. Aggregate scores reflected this critical disdain, with reporting a 0% approval rating from six reviews, highlighting the film's failure to deliver on its promising ensemble. Audience reception was somewhat more forgiving, scoring around 43% on the site's Popcornmeter, though the film also earned a for as Worst Supporting Actress at the 13th . Common themes in the criticism centered on the film's convoluted plot, which critics argued undermined its comedic potential, often comparing it unfavorably to more successful mystery spoofs like Clue for lacking sharp wit and pacing. However, reviewers frequently praised the visual gags and the ensemble's energetic chemistry, with Metacritic aggregating scores at 35/100 based on 12 reviews that noted its frothy, quickly paced entertainment value despite the absence of big laughs. In retrospective assessments during the and beyond, the film gained some appreciation for John Candy's performance, viewed as a highlight amid his career peak, with later commentators noting his manic energy as a redeeming factor in an otherwise overlooked ensemble comedy. This modest reevaluation underscores the film's appeal for fans of Candy's work, even as its overall critical standing remained low.

Box Office Performance

Once Upon a Crime had an estimated of $18 million. The film opened in the United States on March 6, 1992, earning $3.25 million during its first weekend from 1,101 theaters. Over its entire theatrical run, grossed $8.67 million domestically, which represented its total worldwide earnings with no significant international reported. This performance fell well short of recouping the , marking as a commercial disappointment for . Home video releases, including in 1992 and later DVD and Blu-ray editions, generated modest additional revenue, estimated at around $23,000 from domestic Blu-ray sales alone, but did not substantially offset the theatrical losses.

Adaptations and Remakes

The primary adaptation of Once Upon a Crime (1992) is the 2006 Bollywood film 36 China Town, directed by Abbas-Mustan and produced by Ratan Jain under Venus Records & Tapes. This Hindi-language mystery comedy serves as an official adaptation, transposing the original's ensemble plot involving a reward for a lost item and a murder mystery from Europe to the Indian coastal town of Goa, while retaining the core narrative of interconnected suspects racing to clear their names. Starring Shahid Kapoor as a gambler, Kareena Kapoor as a lounge singer, and Akshaye Khanna as the lead detective, 36 China Town changes the inciting incident to the kidnapping of a child with a 25 lakh rupee reward and amplifies the musical elements absent in the 1992 film by incorporating Bollywood-style song-and-dance sequences to heighten the comedic farce. The remake achieved commercial success in India, grossing over ₹37.29 crore (approximately $8 million USD in 2006) worldwide, making it a semi-hit and boosting the careers of its young leads. Beyond , no further official remakes or direct adaptations of the 1992 film have been produced, though its structure of interlocking alibis and mistaken identities has loosely influenced subsequent Bollywood mystery comedies, such as elements in (2008), which echo the ensemble suspicion dynamics without direct replication. The 1992 film's adaptation into underscores its role in facilitating international remakes of ensemble farces, bridging Western comedy tropes with Bollywood conventions and contributing to the cross-cultural popularity of lighthearted formats in the 2000s.

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