Review of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) by Stuart K — 10 Mar 2013

Directed by Frank Oz, who was trying to shed his image of working with the Muppets, took on this old fashioned comedy, which is a loose remake of Bedtime Story (1964). It's a very funny film, with some stunning locations in the south of France, and two brilliant leads, both hilarious and it has a touch of The Sting (1973) about it, although it's played for silly laughs along the way, and all the better for it.

In the French town of Beaumont-sur-Mer, British con-man Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) has been doing this for a number of years, with the help of manservant Arthur (Ian McDiarmid), and corrupt local policeman Andre (Anton Rodgers), he goes about conning women and stealing their money along the French Riviera.

However, he finds he has competition with small time American hustler Freddy Benson (Steve Martin), who isn't that experienced, they end up waging each other that the first one to con their way to $50,000 will stay in France, the other one leaves Their latest sighting is American heiress Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly), who seems like an easy target.

It's a very entertaining and funny film, Martin is his usual self, and he was at his best around this time, while Caine oozes oily, smarmy charm, it's a great double act too. It also has a twisty plot as well, which pulls the rug out from under the viewers feet more than once.