Once a Thief

Once a Thief

Year: 1965

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: Ralph Nelson

ThrillerDramaCrimeCrime

Always a target for both law‑breakers and police, ex‑convict Eddie tries to rebuild his life with his wife Kristine and their daughter Kathy in San Francisco. However, relentless cop Mike Vido is determined to send Eddie back to prison, pulling the family into a dangerous cat‑and‑mouse game.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Once a Thief (1965)

Trace every key event in Once a Thief (1965) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ex-con Eddie tries to go straight in San Francisco

After his release from prison, Eddie Pedak aims to rebuild a normal life with his wife Kristine and their daughter. Detective Mike Vido remains bitter, convinced Eddie was the shooter from six years ago, and continuously harasses him. Eddie loses his job after a prison-linked arrest related to a shopkeeper's murder.

present day San Francisco
2

Vido's vendetta over the old shooting intensifies

Vido is bitter over the six-year-old shooting and remains sure Eddie is the culprit. He harasses Eddie, causing him to lose multiple jobs and strain his family life. The investigation into the shopkeeper's murder becomes a personal crusade for him.

present day San Francisco
3

A new robbery deepens the frame-up theory

A shopkeeper is killed in a robbery, and a witness insists Eddie did not pull the trigger. Despite the testimony, Vido stays convinced of Eddie's guilt. Eddie's professional life continues to be wrecked by the arrest tied to the case.

present day San Francisco
4

Walter pitches a final heist to Eddie

Eddie's brother Walter, head of a crime gang, offers him $50,000 for a one-night job. Eddie initially refuses, but the lack of legitimate work and the family pressure push him toward the plan. The lure of quick money and inside information grows stronger.

present day Walter's gang location
5

The Kristine bombshell hits Eddie

Walter tells Eddie that Kristine works at a sleazy nightclub, shocking him. He finds her at the nightclub in a fury, which fuels his desperation. This revelation helps push Eddie toward participating in the heist.

evening Nightclub
6

Inside knowledge becomes essential to the plan

The group plans to rob Eddie's former employer, relying on Eddie's inside knowledge of the company. It becomes clear that Sargatanas and Shoenstein framed Eddie for the earlier murder, sowing mistrust among the thieves. The heist starts to feel personal and unstable.

before the heist Planning sessions
7

Vido offers Eddie a chance to confess

Vido approaches Eddie and confirms he knows Eddie was framed for the murder. He offers to help if Eddie confesses before the heist and returns the stolen platinum. Eddie refuses to come clean, choosing to proceed with the plan anyway.

before the heist Pre-heist meeting spot
8

The heist yields platinum and a tense escape

The thieves pull off the robbery and escape with $1 million in platinum. During the getaway, Sargatanas kills another member and Eddie and Walter flee, hiding in a truck. The crew's unity fragments as danger closes in.

during the heist Unspecified location / on the road
9

Walter is killed and Eddie's daughter is kidnapped

Sargatanas and Shoenstein catch up with Eddie and Walter, killing Walter and abducting Eddie's daughter to force the return of the platinum. The stakes are raised as the loot becomes a bargaining tool for life and family.

immediately after the heist Highway / roadside
10

Eddie seeks Vido's help and reveals the kidnapping

Eddie locates Vido and tells him about his daughter's kidnapping. Vido agrees to help in exchange for Eddie's confession and the return of the platinum, shifting the balance of risk and trust between them.

after the kidnapping Meeting place
11

The meetup: remaining thieves, loot, and daughter converge

The remaining thieves, the kidnapped daughter, and the platinum gather at the arranged meetup. Eddie and Vido prepare to secure both the girl and the loot while the others watch for any betrayal. Tensions run high as old scores surface.

appointment time Meetup site
12

Final confrontation ends in tragedy

A shootout erupts as Sargatanas orders lethal action. Shoenstein is killed, and Eddie is wounded in the crossfire while approaching Vido. Vido's partner arrives late, misreads the scene, and kills Eddie, leaving Vido devastated by the loss.

final confrontation Near the meetup site / truck area

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:29

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Once a Thief Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Once a Thief, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Once a Thief Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Once a Thief

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