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Timeline

Once Upon a Time (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 109 min · English
Echo score 78
Directed by
Anthony LaMolinara, Xiaoding Zhao
Starring
Yifei Liu, Chun Li, Yang Yang, Alex Zhang, Luo Jin, Yikuan Yan
Budget
$90M

Three hundred years prior, a tragic parting on Zhu Xian Terrace marked the heartbreaking end of a couple's relationship, an event witnessed by a bronze mirror. Fate intervenes centuries later when they unexpectedly reunite within the mystical East Sea Dragon Palace. Their destinies are once again entwined, forcing them to confront the sorrow of their past and the challenges of a renewed connection.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Events in order (15)
  2. 2 Timeline questions answered
  3. 3 The book behind the movie
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Once Upon a Time
  6. 6 Every angle

15 events in order · contains spoilers

Once Upon a Time Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Once Upon a Time (2017) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Rick Dalton's Despair

    In February 1969, actor Rick Dalton shares his feelings of despair with his best friend, Cliff Booth. He feels that his acting career is over, especially after a discouraging lunch with his producer Marvin Schwarz.

    When
    February 1969
  2. Cliff Booth's Struggles

    Cliff Booth, Rick's former stunt double, struggles to find work due to the rumors swirling around his past, particularly the mysterious death of his wife. He lives in a trailer with his loyal pit bull, Brandy, and relies on Rick for job opportunities.

  3. The Polanski-Tate Neighbor Situation

    Rick secretly hopes to befriend his new neighbors, actress Sharon Tate and director Roman Polanski, to revive his dwindling career. This situation heightens his desire for acceptance and relevance in Hollywood.

    Where
    Rick's residence
  4. Hollywood Glamour

    Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski attend a glamorous party at the Playboy Mansion, immersing themselves in the vibrant Hollywood scene. These experiences encapsulate the glittering life that Rick yearns for.

    Where
    Playboy Mansion
  5. Booth's Reminiscence

    Cliff Booth reminisces about a sparring match with Bruce Lee, highlighting his own past accomplishments. The juxtaposition serves to emphasize his fallen status in the shadow of Rick's struggles.

    Where
    Film set of The Green Hornet
  6. Charles Manson's Arrival

    The infamous Charles Manson shows up at Tate and Polanski's home searching for record producer Terry Melcher but is turned away by Tate's stylist, Sebring. This encounter foreshadows the impending chaos in their lives.

    Where
    Tate and Polanski's home
  7. Encounter with Pussycat

    Cliff Booth picks up a hitchhiker named Pussycat and drops her off at the Spahn Ranch, a place that holds troubled memories for him. He becomes wary of the characters inhabiting the ranch, revealing layers of danger that lurk beneath.

    Where
    Spahn Ranch
  8. Dalton's Role in Lancer

    Dalton secures a new role as a villain in the series Lancer, which revitalizes his confidence. He forms a bond with his young co-star, Trudi, and begins to find hope once again in his acting career.

    Where
    Lancer film set
  9. Emotional Breakdowns

    Despite initial success, Dalton experiences emotional turmoil stemming from his struggle with alcoholism. During filming, these challenges lead to a breakdown, yet he ultimately manages to deliver a powerful performance.

    Where
    Lancer film set
  10. Off to Italy

    Casting agent Marvin Schwarz offers Dalton a role in an Italian Spaghetti Western. Although he views the genre unfavorably, Dalton accepts the offer and invites Cliff to join him on this unexpected journey.

    Where
    Italy
  11. Six-Month Journey

    Dalton and Booth embark on a six-month adventure in Italy, where Dalton films multiple movies. During this time, he finds love and even gets married, marking a significant change in his personal life.

    Where
    Italy
  12. Difficult Return to Los Angeles

    Upon returning to Los Angeles, Dalton faces the harsh reality of his finances and recognizes he can no longer afford Cliff's companionship. They reluctantly part ways, marking the end of an era in their friendship.

    Where
    Los Angeles
  13. The Attack on Tate's Home

    While Cliff is high on an acid-laced cigarette, he and Brandy are confronted by Tex Watson and his associates, who plan to invade Tate's home under Manson's orders. This moment marks a chilling turn in the narrative.

    Where
    Tate's residence
  14. Confrontation and Chaos

    Dalton hears the chaos outside and bravely confronts the intruders. This escalates into a violent confrontation, where each character struggles for survival amid the horror unfolding around them.

  15. Unexpected Reunion

    In a surreal twist, the intertwined fates of all characters lead to an unexpected reunion at Tate's home. Former strangers become allies in a shocking climax, encapsulating the chaotic nature of Hollywood during the era.

    Where
    Tate's residence

Last updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:32

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Timeline questions answered

Once Upon a Time Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Once Upon a Time (2017): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Rick Dalton feel like his acting career is over?

Rick Dalton believes his career is finished because he has been reduced to playing guest villain roles in new television shows, which he sees as a definitive sign that he has become a 'has been.' A discouraging lunch with his producer Marvin Schwarz reinforces this feeling, as he recognizes he is no longer getting leading roles and is only being cast as a cameo villain.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes showing Dalton's declining status and his longing for relevance hint at his deep insecurity about his fading Hollywood career.

  • rick dalton
  • career decline
  • hollywood
  • has been
  • bounty law
Q2

What happened to Cliff Booth's wife and why can't he find work?

Cliff Booth's wife died under mysterious circumstances, and although never explicitly confirmed, rumors about his involvement have tarnished his reputation. These rumors have effectively blacklisted him from finding work in Hollywood, forcing him to rely on his old friend Rick Dalton for job opportunities as a stuntman.

Foreshadowing: The mysterious death is mentioned early in the film, creating an undercurrent of suspicion around Booth throughout the narrative.

  • cliff booth
  • wife death
  • rumors
  • blacklisted
  • stuntman
Q3

Why does Charles Manson show up at Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski's house?

Charles Manson appears at Tate and Polanski's home searching for record producer Terry Melcher, who he believes can help him secure a recording contract. He is turned away by Sebring, Tate's hairstylist and companion.

Foreshadowing: This scene establishes Manson's connection to Hollywood's music industry and sets up the tragic events that will later unfold at the residence.

  • charles manson
  • sharon tate
  • terry melcher
  • record producer
Q4

Why does Cliff Booth go to Spahn Ranch and what happens there?

Cliff Booth drives a young hitchhiker named Pussycat to Spahn Ranch, a location he knows from his past work filming 'Bounty Law' with Rick Dalton. Upon arriving, he becomes wary of the dangerous individuals squatting there, particularly when he sees they are taking advantage of the elderly ranch owner, George Spahn. Despite Squeaky's protests, Booth insists on checking on Spahn's wellbeing.

Foreshadowing: The visit to Spahn Ranch foreshadows the Manson Family's presence and establishes Booth's familiarity with the location that will become central to the film's climax.

  • cliff booth
  • spahn ranch
  • bounty law
  • manson family
  • george spahn
Q5

Why does Rick Dalton agree to do a Spaghetti Western in Italy?

Rick Dalton accepts the role in an Italian Spaghetti Western because casting agent Marvin Schwarz offers him a chance to star in the film, giving him a legitimate acting job during a period when his career is otherwise stagnant. Although Dalton personally views the genre as the lowest point in cinema, he reluctantly agrees, viewing it as his only viable option at the time.

Foreshadowing: This decision sets up the six-month journey to Italy that becomes a pivotal turning point in Dalton's personal and professional life.

  • rick dalton
  • spaghetti western
  • italy
  • marvin schwarz
  • actor role
Q6

Why do Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth separate when they return to Los Angeles?

After their six-month adventure in Italy where Dalton films multiple movies and even gets married, they return to Los Angeles facing harsh financial realities. Dalton can no longer afford to keep Booth as his companion and stunt double, so they reluctantly part ways, ending their long-standing working relationship.

Foreshadowing: The financial strain was established early when Booth depended on Dalton for job opportunities, and the Italy journey has clearly altered their dynamic.

  • rick dalton
  • cliff booth
  • parting
  • los angeles
  • finances
  • friendship
Q7

What triggers the Manson Family attack on Sharon Tate's house?

The Manson Family attacks Tate's home under direct orders from Charles Manson, who had previously been turned away when looking for Terry Melcher. The group, consisting of Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, and Linda Kasabian, invades the residence to commit murder, carrying out what they believe was Manson's directive.

Foreshadowing: Manson's earlier visit to the house establishes the connection between him and the residence, while his followers' presence at Spahn Ranch connects the various character threads.

  • manson family
  • sharon tate
  • tex watson
  • attack
  • murder
  • charles manson
Q8

How does Rick Dalton end up at Sharon Tate's house during the attack?

Rick Dalton hears the chaos outside his home as the Manson Family attempts to flee after their vehicle breaks down. He bravely confronts them, which prompts Susan Atkins to change plans and target Dalton instead. In the ensuing violent confrontation, Dalton retrieves a flamethrower from a previous film shoot to defend himself and Booth against the intruders.

Foreshadowing: The earlier scene showing Dalton with the flamethrower props creates the opportunity for this climactic weapon choice.

  • rick dalton
  • manson family
  • confrontation
  • flamethrower
  • attack
  • self defense
Q9

What is the purpose of the Bruce Lee scene with Cliff Booth?

The scene shows Cliff Booth reminiscing about sparring with Bruce Lee on the set of 'The Green Hornet,' highlighting Booth's own accomplished past as a stuntman and fighter. This moment serves to contrast Booth's current fallen status while also demonstrating his genuine combat skills that become relevant later during the confrontation with the Manson Family.

Foreshadowing: The demonstration of Booth's fighting ability foreshadows his capability to defend against the attackers in the film's climactic sequence.

  • cliff booth
  • bruce lee
  • the green hornet
  • stuntman
  • fight
  • sparring
Q10

Does Sharon Tate survive in the movie and what is the ending about?

In this film, Sharon Tate survives the Manson Family attack, unlike the real historical events. The movie presents a revisionist ending where Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth arrive at Tate's residence during the attack and help defend the home. This unexpected reunion transforms former strangers into allies, offering a bittersweet and cathartic conclusion that diverges from actual history.

Foreshadowing: The earlier scenes establishing Dalton's desire to befriend Tate and Polanski create the narrative groundwork for this protective intervention.

  • sharon tate
  • survival
  • ending
  • revisionist
  • manson family
  • alternate ending
Q11

Why is Cliff Booth on acid during the Manson Family attack?

Cliff Booth is high on an acid-laced cigarette when the Manson Family members, Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, and Linda Kasabian, confront him and his dog Brandy outside their trailer. The acid heightens the surreal and terrifying nature of the attack, but despite his impaired state, Booth manages to fight back alongside his loyal pit bull.

Foreshadowing: This scene combines Booth's established drug use with the escalating danger, creating a tense moment where he must defend himself while mentally compromised.

  • cliff booth
  • acid
  • lsd
  • manson family
  • attack
  • brandy
  • dog

Movie threads

More Movies Like Once Upon a Time, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Once Upon a Time tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with Dark Historical Revisionism like Once Upon a Time

Stories that reimagine famous events with a tense, violent, and melancholic twist. For viewers who enjoyed the dark, speculative retelling of history in Once Upon a Time. This collection features movies that reimagine famous events and eras, blending fact with suspenseful fiction to create tense, melancholic, and often violent narratives similar to this film.

  • suspenseful
  • melancholic
  • nostalgic
  • violent
  • anxious
  • reflective
  • Tone: dark, tense, melancholic
  • Pacing: variable, building suspense
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread are built around a central 'what if' premise set against a real historical backdrop. They follow characters, both fictional and real, as they navigate a world where the known past is subtly or dramatically altered, often leading to high-tension confrontations and emotionally heavy, bittersweet resolutions.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here based on their shared core concept of revising history with a dark, tense tone. They evoke a similar feeling of anxious reflection, blending nostalgic settings with a violent, melancholic undercurrent and a pacing that builds suspense towards a climactic, often costly, reinterpretation of events.

Movies with Bittersweet Retrospective Violence like Once Upon a Time

Violent confrontations set against a backdrop of fading glamour and melancholic reflection. If you liked the blend of 1960s Hollywood nostalgia and brutal home invasion violence in Once Upon a Time, explore these films. They share a similar pattern of contrasting a wistful, reflective mood with high-intensity, violent action, resulting in a bittersweet and emotionally heavy viewing experience.

  • violent
  • nostalgic
  • melancholic
  • suspenseful
  • anxious
  • reflective
  • Tone: melancholic, dark, bittersweet
  • Pacing: variable, reflective to frantic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories often begin with a sense of loss or nostalgia for a better past. This reflective, sometimes claustrophobic mood is shattered by a sudden, high-stakes violent conflict. The narrative arc involves surviving this violence, but the resolution is bittersweet, carrying the scars of the trauma and the permanent loss of the idealized past.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their distinctive emotional mix: a heavy, melancholic reflection on a fading world, punctuated by bursts of high-intensity violence. The pacing is typically variable, moving between slower, nostalgic scenes and fast, anxious action, all leading to a conclusion that is both cathartic and deeply sad.

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Movies Like Once Upon a Time

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Every angle

Once Upon a Time (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Once Upon a Time in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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