Once a Thief (1965) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

• Amazon Video Rent $1.99 · SD

Streaming availability powered by

1. 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.

   When

   present day

   Where

   San Francisco

2. 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.

   When

   present day

   Where

   San Francisco

3. 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.

   When

   present day

   Where

   San Francisco

4. 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.

   When

   present day

   Where

   Walter's gang location

5. 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.

   When

   evening

   Where

   Nightclub

6. 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.

   When

   before the heist

   Where

   Planning sessions

7. 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.

   When

   before the heist

   Where

   Pre-heist meeting spot

8. 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.

   When

   during the heist

   Where

   Unspecified location / on the road

9. 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.

   When

   immediately after the heist

   Where

   Highway / roadside

10. 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.

    When

    after the kidnapping

    Where

    Meeting place

11. 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.

    When

    appointment time

    Where

    Meetup site

12. 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.

    When

    final confrontation

    Where

    Near the meetup site / truck area