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 Fells. Lawrence Feings. Forest Lorenston. Low. Lars. LARS. Lawrence. Lawrence. Luch. Lawrence. Tuh. His name is James Jesenthon. Lawrence Fell. Lawrence Jesterton. LAWRENCE JESTERTON!”
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
Video
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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.
