Once Upon a Crime... (1992) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Phoebe Arrives in Rome

An American woman named Phoebe arrives in Rome after her Italian boyfriend, Marcello, invited her to move there. To her dismay, she finds that Marcello refuses to take her phone calls, leaving her heartbroken and alone in a foreign city.

Where

Rome, Italy

The Lunch Snatching

As Phoebe wanders the streets of Rome, a dachshund wearing a stylish plaid coat snatches her lunch. After shoos the dog away, she sees a newspaper ad offering a $5,000 reward for the lost dog, setting her on a new path.

Where

Rome, Italy

Encounter with Julian

Phoebe meets Julian Peters, who has also spotted the dachshund. After a brief confrontation, the two agree to work together to claim the reward for returning the dog to its owner in Monte Carlo.

Where

Train Station

Train Journey to Monte Carlo

Phoebe and Julian travel to Monte Carlo by train, during which they encounter various other American travelers, including Neil and Marilyn, who discuss gambling. Tensions rise over the ownership of the dachshund as they discuss their plans.

Where

Train to Monte Carlo

The Dog's Encounter with Augie

While on the train, Phoebe encounters Augie, who claims he purchased the dachshund. Frustrated, she presses Julian to retrieve the dog, but complications arise leading to Julian reluctantly agreeing to sell the dachshund.

Arrival in Monte Carlo

Upon their arrival in Monte Carlo, excitement abounds, though Phoebe is still furious with Julian's actions. Their plans to return the dog to Madame Van Dougen take an unforeseen turn as they cannot find her villa.

Where

Monte Carlo

Discovering Madame Van Dougen

Phoebe and Julian stumble upon Madame Van Dougen's villa only to discover her lifeless body. Panic sets in as they realize they may be implicated in the mystery surrounding her death.

Where

Madame Van Dougen's Villa

Call to the Police

After a close call with some police officers, Phoebe and Julian opt to call the authorities anonymously. Things spiral as the police start tracing their movements and suspect them of foul play.

Where

Cafe

Neil and Marilyn's Gambling Woes

Meanwhile, Neil is losing all their vacation money at the casino while Marilyn wins big. Neil's gambling spirals out of control, causing further strain in their relationship.

Where

Casino, Monte Carlo

Mistaken Identity

The authorities catch up with Phoebe and Julian, thinking they are connected to the murder. With Julian arrested and police accusations mounting, Phoebe must find a way to prove their innocence.

Where

Police Station

Julian and Phoebe's Arrest

Julian and Phoebe are taken in for questioning by Inspector Bonnard, who suspects their involvement in the murder of Madame Van Dougen. Tension mounts as they struggle to maintain their innocence.

Where

Police Station

Augie's Alibi

Augie, who is also being questioned by the police, desperately tries to clear his name. His connection to the murder unfolds as the investigators gather more information from him.

Where

Police Station

The Real Culprits Identified

Inspector Bonnard uncovers evidence that leads directly to Madame Van Dougen's housekeeper and butler as the real murderers. The revelation clears the remaining suspects and sets the stage for their release.

Where

Madame Van Dougen's Villa

A Celebration and New Beginnings

With the truth revealed, the group celebrates their release and newfound friendships. As they toast to the dachshund, the unexpected twists of their journey bring them closer together and leads to new beginnings.

Where

Restaurant, Monte Carlo

Final Twist

In the final moments, it’s revealed that Madame Van Dougen left her fortune to the dachshund. Alfonso is seen enjoying a luxurious celebration with Napoleon, hinting at further twists still to come.

Where

Yacht