Once a Thief may be a well-used storyline, but it tells that story with a frankness and grip in a refreshing setting. The acting is fine, the cinematography and direction are compelling. The bad guys are pretty degenerate; Van Heflin as the rogue cop is nicely cast against type. Ann-Margret likewise.
As this movie wrapped, it really seemed like the conclusion of an episodic cops and robbers drama, and I immediately thought of the Streets of San Francisco which debuted only a couple of years later. It also had a good bit of the edge and style of Bullitt, which also debuted one or two years after this.
As this movie wrapped, it really seemed like the conclusion of an episodic cops and robbers drama, and I immediately thought of the Streets of San Francisco which debuted only a couple of years later. It also had a good bit of the edge and style of Bullitt, which also debuted one or two years after this.