Is Once Upon a Dead Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Once Upon a Dead Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Once Upon a Dead Man Review
Last updated: January 8, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1971, Once Upon a Dead Man enters the Mystery genre with a narrative focused on The wife of a San Francisco police commissioner drags him into a charity auction theft, which leads to a murder. Under the direction of Leonard B. Stern, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Rock Hudson, Susan Saint James, Jack Albertson. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Once Upon a Dead Man offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Once Upon a Dead Man is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Mystery, TV Movie, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Once Upon a Dead Man
- Rock Hudson – Stewart McMillan
- Susan Saint James – Sally McMillan
- Jack Albertson – Chief Andrew Yeakel
- René Auberjonois – Andre Stryker
- Kurt Kasznar – Edmond Corday
Top Highlights
Rock HudsonStewart McMillan
Susan Saint JamesSally McMillan
Jack AlbertsonChief Andrew Yeakel
René AuberjonoisAndre Stryker
Kurt KasznarEdmond Corday
Jonathan HarrisMr. Wortzel
Herb EdelmanGregory Constantine
John SchuckSgt. Charles Enright
James WainwrightJohn Patterson
Lilyan ChauvinMadame Jarnac
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Once Upon a Dead Man stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Once Upon a Dead Man movie hit or flop?
Once Upon a Dead Man is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Mystery, TV Movie movies.
Is Once Upon a Dead Man worth watching?
Yes, Once Upon a Dead Man is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Mystery, TV Movie cinema.
What genre is Once Upon a Dead Man?
Once Upon a Dead Man is a Mystery, TV Movie movie that The wife of a San Francisco police commissioner drags him into a charity auction theft, which leads to a murder....
