Once Upon a Scoundrel
Once Upon a Scoundrel

Movie spotlight

Once Upon a Scoundrel

1974
Movie
99 min
English

After falling for Alicia, greedy and powerful Mexican landowner Carlos has her fiancé thrown in prison on a bogus charge. To trick Carlos into releasing her man, Alicia teams up with her Aunt Delfina and tries to convince Carlos that he's a ghost.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Lyès SalemGenres: Comedy

Plot Summary

A wealthy and eccentric nobleman, haunted by a past indiscretion, becomes entangled with a young woman who seeks to uncover his secrets. As their lives intertwine, a complex game of manipulation and revelation unfolds, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.

Critical Reception

This Italian-French comedy-drama received a mixed reception upon its release, with praise often directed at the performances of its lead actors but criticism leveled at its pacing and narrative coherence. It's considered a lesser-known work from the period, often overshadowed by more prominent films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the acting, particularly Michel Serrault's nuanced performance.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot that doesn't always land its comedic or dramatic intentions.

  • Seen as an interesting, albeit flawed, exploration of morality and deception.

Google audience: Audience reception is scarce for this film, making it difficult to ascertain specific likes or dislikes. However, available comments suggest a divided audience, with some appreciating the film's unique style and performances, while others found it confusing or unsatisfying.

Fun Fact

The film's original Italian title is 'Sesso in confessionale', which translates to 'Sex in the Confessional', hinting at some of the controversial themes explored within the movie.

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