There Once Was a Cop

  • 1972
  • Not Rated
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
6.0/1043
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: There Once Was a Cop Review

Last updated: January 25, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 25, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is There Once Was a Cop (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and There Once Was a Cop features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Lonsdale . Supported by the likes of Michel Constantin and Mireille Darc , 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 There Once Was a Cop (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, There Once Was a Cop stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: There Once Was a Cop

Quick Plot Summary: There Once Was a Cop is a Crime, Comedy film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: There Once Was a Cop

Ending Breakdown: There Once Was a Cop concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of There Once Was a Cop reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

There Once Was a Cop Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

There Once Was a Cop incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, comedy film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: There Once Was a Cop adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch There Once Was a Cop?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: There Once Was a Cop

All Cast & Crew →
Michael Lonsdale
Michael LonsdaleCommissioner Lucas
Michel Constantin
Michel ConstantinCommissioner Campana alias Louis Lopez
Mireille Darc
Mireille DarcChristine alias Françoise
Robert Dalban
Robert DalbanCommissioner Chauvet, Superintendent in Nice
Venantino Venantini
Venantino VenantiniFelice, killer
Hervé Hillien
Hervé HillienBertrand, Christine's son
Henri Guybet
Henri GuybetPJ inspector
Robert Castel
Robert CastelRodriguez, Manoni's man
Giuliano Esperanti
Giuliano EsperantiSecond killer
Charles Southwood
Charles SouthwoodNarcotic Bureau agent
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Where to Watch There Once Was a Cop Online?

Streaming Hub

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🏷️ Buy on

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There Once Was a Cop Parents Guide & Age Rating

1972 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about There Once Was a Cop age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

There Once Was a Cop has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Comedy), it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of There Once Was a Cop is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, There Once Was a Cop is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for There Once Was a Cop. Rating: 6.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Once Was a Cop worth watching?

There Once Was a Cop is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find There Once Was a Cop parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for There Once Was a Cop identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of There Once Was a Cop?

The total duration of There Once Was a Cop is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.

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movieMx Verified

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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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.0
There Once Was a Cop
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