Today’s quick review: Once Upon a Time in London. Sensing an opportunity at the outbreak of World War II, London mobster Jack “Spot” Comer (Terry Stone) makes a series of bold moves that puts him at the top of the city’s criminal hierarchy. But he sows the seeds of his own downfall when he hires Billy Hill (Leo Gregory), a small-time thief, to help run his empire. As Billy’s ambition grows, the two men turn from staunch allies to bitter rivals.
Once Upon a Time in London is a crime drama about two of London’s most successful gangsters during the 30s, 40s, and 50s. The movie follows the linked careers of Jack Comer and Billy Hill as they struggle to the top, work to stay there, and ultimately fall prey to infighting. This rich subject matter gives Once Upon a Time in London plenty of material to work with, but the movie’s flawed storytelling keeps it from capitalizing on the drama.
Once Upon a Time in London’s main problem is that it doesn’t flow well. Events follow one after another without the proper setup or resolution, robbing the movie of tension and anticipation. What should be a darkly compelling look at the lives of two powerful criminals is instead reduced to a rote checklist of brawls, arrests, and betrayals. The storytelling style also makes it hard to track important details like names and the passage of time.
Still, for all of its faults, Once Upon a Time in London does a serviceable job of laying out its subject matter. The pacing issues are a byproduct of the two decades of accomplishments and setbacks the movie has to cover, and although the movie isn’t always graceful in its presentation, the lives of Comer and Hill are interesting enough to give it some basic appeal. Fans of the crime genre for its own sake will get the most out of its story.
Ultimately, though, Once Upon a Time in London is outclassed by its peers. The movie has just enough quality to be wortha a watch for anyone interested in the lives of its two subjects, but its flaws make it less gratifying experience than other biographical crime dramas with a similar scope. Critical viewers will find that they can do better. For a historical crime drama based on related events, try Legend.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for mediocre execution of an interesting story.