Although it has been six years since "Eddie Pedak" (Alain Delon) has been released from prison, a police detective named "Inspector Mike Vedo" (Van Heflin) still believes that he is somehow involved in criminal activity. So every time something suspicious happens Inspector Vedo's first hunch is that Eddie had something to do with it. The harassment instituted by Inspector Vedo eventually results in Eddie losing his job causing his wife, "Kristine" (Ann-Margret) to get a job as a cocktail waitress to make ends meet. If that wasn't bad enough, Eddie's big brother "Walter" (Jack Palance) is planning a daring robbery and wants Eddie to help him out. Although Eddie wants to stay straight and doesn't particularly care for the men Walter has working for him, as his financial situation becomes worse Eddie begins to rethink his position-and Inspector Vedo is waiting for him to get out of line. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film had some good talent to work with but the story was much too slow developing. Additionally, with his constant outbursts and fits of violence it was hard to have any concern for the lead character as well. Again, this movie had some good talent but the director (Ralph Nelson) didn't really take advantage of it. Because of that I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.
Review of Once a Thief
