Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

This proficient remake of the old David Niven/Marlon Brando screwball comedy Bedtime Story (1964) attempted to cruise by on star power alone.

Michael Caine played Lawrence Jamieson, a veteran con-man making a comfortable living on the Riviera convincing wealthy American widows that he’s a deposed prince and reluctantly accepting money to support freedom fighters.

Lawrence takes brash aspiring con-man American Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) – who uses his angelic face and a heartbreaking story to hoodwink women into buying him meals – under his wing.

However, the pair fall out when they compete to take soap heiress Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly) to the cleaners to the tune of $50,000.

Caine more than held his own against the manic Martin, and, if the script offered few surprises, the South of France looked great and director Frank Oz ensured the action slipped along smoothly.

The result was harmless, knockabout fun.

Lawrence Jamieson
Michael Caine
Freddy Benson
Steve Martin
Janet Colgate
Glenne Headly
Inspector André
Anton Rodgers
Fanny Eubanks
Barbara Harris
Arthur
Ian McDiarmid
Mrs Reed
Dana Ivey
Krista Knudsen
Aina Wallé
Marion
Nathalie Auffret

Director
Frank Oz

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