Performance & Direction: Once Upon a Scoundrel Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Once Upon a Scoundrel (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Once Upon a Scoundrel features a noteworthy lineup led by Zero Mostel . Supported by the likes of Katy Jurado and A Martinez , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Once Upon a Scoundrel (1973) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Once Upon a Scoundrel
Quick Plot Summary: Once Upon a Scoundrel is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Once Upon a Scoundrel
Ending Breakdown: Once Upon a Scoundrel attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Once Upon a Scoundrel reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Once Upon a Scoundrel?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Once Upon a Scoundrel
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Where to Watch Once Upon a Scoundrel Online?
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Amazon VideoOnce Upon a Scoundrel Parents Guide & Age Rating
1973 AdvisoryWondering about Once Upon a Scoundrel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Once Upon a Scoundrel is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Once Upon a Scoundrel stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1973 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Once Upon a Scoundrel worth watching?
Once Upon a Scoundrel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Once Upon a Scoundrel parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Once Upon a Scoundrel identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Once Upon a Scoundrel?
The total duration of Once Upon a Scoundrel is 99 minutes, which is approximately 1h 39m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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