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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a wonderful '80s comedy, the type we don't see any longer. Today the humor, for the most part, is vulgar. For some reason, in the '80s, comedies were actually funny.

Michael Caine and Steve Martin are two con man who wind up competing on the Riviera. Caine is a classy con man, Lawrence Jamieson, targeting rich widows as he sports different accents claiming he's funding a revolution for his country, helping the poor, the hungry, etc. Martin is Freddy Benson, lower class but after the same targets.

Freddy asks Lawrence to tutor him in the art of the high-class con. Freddy doesn't want him around as he feels the Riviera isn't big enough for both of them.

Freddy, however, isn't leaving. So they agree on a bet. The first one to strip a young heiress (Glenne Headly) of $50,000 stays, and the other leaves.

What follows is hilarious. Both men are at the top of their game here. Steve Martin can make you laugh with a facial expression. The scene where he attempts to "walk" after being in a wheelchair is a riot.

Caine as Lawrence is brilliant as a suave sophisticate, and his getting the better of Freddy in several scenes is a delight. The end has a neat twist.

This film was adapted into a successful Broadway musical, and it is opening in London starring Robert Lindsay ("My Family"). It's a fun story. Wish today we had more like this.

Director Frank Oz landed the dream team from comedic heaven when Steve Martin and Michael Caine signed on to star in this hilarious comedy of manners and mannerisms, `Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,' a film that manages to be entertaining without being offensive in any way, and features some terrific performances and-- filmed on location in the French Riviera-- some beautiful cinematography by Michael Ballhaus. Made in 1988, this film not only holds up well, but seems so refreshing after a decade of `American Pies' and other such fare featuring one witless, forgettable `talent' after another. It's a reminder that true comedy can have sophistication without necessarily being sophisticated, and that real humor is timeless. This is stuff that was good when it was made, is even better today, and will have you laughing even harder at it twenty, thirty or fifty years from now.

Freddy Benson (Martin) is a small time American con man/aspiring gigolo traveling abroad with his sights set on the Riviera, specifically Beaumont Sur Mer, which he understands is easy pickings for a talent such as his. Why, on the train into town alone, he bilks a compassionate young woman out of dinner and twenty dollars, using the old I'm-saving-up-for-my-dear-old-grandmother's-operation ploy. On that same train, however, observing Freddy's operation from across the aisle, is Lawrence Jamieson (Caine), a big time con artist/gigolo, who as it happens, lives in Beaumont Sur Mer. And instantly, Jamieson looks upon Freddy with disdain; after all, this is a man who has perfected the art of bilking rich young women for sums that fall into five and six digits by successfully masquerading as a Prince or some such Nobility, who needs vast sums of money in order to `save' his country from the Communists, an unspecified opposition, or whatever else will work. Furthermore, it's taken a lot of time and effort to get to where he's at, and he's not about to let the unseemly Freddy Benson cut into his act.

So with the help of his associate ( a local policeman), Inspector Andre (Anton Rodgers), Jamieson sets out to `discourage' Freddy from attempting to get a foothold in Beaumont Sur Mer. But Freddy, it turns out, may not be the unwitting amateur Jamieson presumed him to be-- Andre has just received word that an elusive con artist has arrived in the area; a professional known only as `The Jackal.' And so, the game is afoot; a game that will ultimately bring Jamieson and Freddy closer together, and involve them with a wealthy American named Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly), who will become the focus of more than just a little attention before it's all over. it becomes a contest between the suave Lawrence Jamieson and the unruly Freddy Benson. And the winner? Well, by the end it's clear who the real winner is here-- and without a doubt, it's the audience.

Oz must have had a good time making this movie, because he had all the tools available to him from the best of both worlds. There's the broad, physical humor employed and perfectly delivered by Martin, and the subtle, studied approach that Caine uses. Their styles contrast wonderfully, and Oz certainly makes the most of it. He's put together some scenes that are beyond hilarious, like the one in which Lawrence attempts tutoring Freddy in the art of being suave and sophisticated; or when-- as part of a scam-- Freddy takes on the role of `Ruprecht,' Lawrence's incorrigible, moronic brother. It's in these scenes that Oz seems to give Martin, especially, some free reign, and the rewards are substantial. And it's definitely a joint effort on the part of the two stars; Martin is funny, but it's Caine's response to him that really makes it work. It also demonstrates that Oz knows his territory, and proceeds accordingly.

Caine gives a performance that presents Jamieson as the epitome of charm and experience, in the grand tradition of the likes of David Niven and Cary Grant. This is one smooth operator, and the fact that he lives by a personal `code' that only allows him to bilk the very rich (and only if they `deserve' it), enables you to like him for who and what he is. He's not a guy who's going to let a mark sell the family furniture and car to invest in one of his schemes; call him a con man with scruples. And Caine plays him to perfection.

Martin, however, is the one who really gets to cut loose in the role of Freddy, and without question, he does physical comedy better than anyone since Buster Keaton or Chaplin. Martin can get a laugh just by walking into a room. He invests Freddy with a less than retiring manner, and takes it over the top in his guise as Ruprecht, using his entire body as a vehicle through which he expresses this particular bit of lunacy. And seeing him in action is an absolute riot. As he did so successfully in his stand-up days, Martin parlays a facial expression combined with the most erratic movements of his arms and legs into a visual image that can be indescribably funny. He's one of the select few actor/comedians with a true and innate sense of real comedy, and moreover, he knows how to sell it to his audience.

As the seemingly hapless Janet, Headly does a good job, but it's a role that may have been more conducive to the likes of Melanie Griffith or even Diane Keaton, either of whom would've given the character a decidedly different spin.

The supporting cast includes Barbara Harris (Fanny), Ian McDiarmid (Arthur) and Dana Ivey (Mrs. Reed). Funny and thoroughly entertaining, `Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,' with it's contrasting comedic styles and polished presentation, is a minor classic in it's own right. A winner from the Land of Oz, wherein Caine and Martin are the reigning Royalty, this is one comedy that will definitely continue to withstand the test of time. 8/10.

I cannot believe that the first time I saw this - one of my favorite comedies - I was not enamored of it. Subsequent viewings have given it an honored place on my roster of great comedies. What fun Caine and Martin must have working with each other on this one; their enthusiasm certainly shows in the results. Best line: "One must know one's limitations, Freddy. You are a moron." Definitely a must-see for comedy aficionados.

How on earth did this movie get a 6.7 on the ratings scale? Read the comments, this is one of the funniest and most intelligent comedies ever, remake or not. When you can watch a film 20, 30 times and still find it funny 15 years after it was first released how is that not a classic?

What a film! "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" has a really clever plot, in which Lawrence, a high-class playboy (Michael Caine), and Freddy, a petty con man (Steve Martin), make their living by seducing and cheating rich ladies. However, the little French town is too small for both, so they decide to set up a bet in which the loser has to clear the area. Pretty and naive Janet (Glenn Headly) is the object of their contest, and each one of them engages in ever-more ingenious tricks to try to rip her off and win the bet, yet with unpredictable results.

The movie is hilarious, and despite its 15 years' of age, it is as fresh as it has been when it was first produced. Steve Martin of course is the funniest character of all, with his fantastic "Ruprecht" performance being unforgettable. Go ahead and enjoy this film. It is worth it! 9/10.

There is occasionally a balletic elegance to the duelling interplay between Steve Martin's brash hustler and Michael Caine's sophisticated con artist in this 1988 remake of Bedtime Story directed by Frank Oz. The perpetual and borderline exhausting nature of the setup is alleviated by well-placed shifts in rhythm and power balance, which allow the film to stay one step ahead every time you think it has become too predictable and repetitive. Michael Caine's performance is surprisingly accomplished for such lightweight material. And Steve Martin delivers his expected routines, which will no doubt please his fans.

This film made an impression on me before I even saw it. I was in a theater, and a trailer for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" came on. While a voice-over talked about the value of movies promoting morality and civility, you saw Martin and Caine strolling along a beachfront, smiling beneficently as they greet passers-by. Then Caine shoved cotton candy into a kids face while Martin pushed a woman off a ledge.

It's a great sequence, and is featured on the DVD with its own commentary from director Frank Oz (when has that ever happened before?) but a little misleading. Actually, while both men are scoundrels, neither is quite that vile. Caine's Lawrence Jamieson is actually a bit of an altruist, as we find out, with a code of only taking in people who can afford to be taken, and finding ways of spending the money that are not entirely self-serving. Martin's Freddy Benson is less disciplined and more small-time in his cons; he'll steal candy from a baby and tell you it's for his poor sick Gram-Gram if caught, but he is likeable, too, an underdog with little idea how the game is played at the highest levels, but eager to learn.

The fact you can like these characters is a compliment to Martin and Caine, as well as director Oz and the team of writers. Tone is everything with a film like this, and as Oz says in his commentary, so important in making the comedy work. He notes he was going for a 1950s feel in the picture, I'm guessing with Hitchcock's "To Catch A Thief" in mind. The great score by Miles Goodman is solid enough to deserve its own CD reissue, with an air of light sophistication that buoys the proceedings on screen. Most importantly, since much of the comedy involves people taking advantage of one another, having everything put forward in such a gossamer manner helps you digest the story without leaving a bad taste.

Martin shines in many scenes, especially when playing Ruprecht the idiot man-child and when stuck in jail trying to remember the name of the only man he thinks can bail him out ("James Lawrenceton...no, wait, James Jesterton....no, no, it's definitely, um...") I knew Martin could be funny, and with the exception of "All Of Me" this is probably his best comedic performance, but Caine is a revelation. A straight man, yes, but with delicate timing and some clever characterizations that he pulls out of a bag, like an Germanic psychiatrist with some unusual ideas about curing lameness. You forget how good Caine is in comedy, despite his performances in films like this, "Blame It On Rio," and "Without A Clue." Glenne Headly is a revelation as the woman caught in the middle of Jamieson and Benson's scheming, every bit as good as her male counterparts, but say no more.

Great actors, great tone, but the plot is the best thing this film has. It's a remake of a 1964 film "Bedtime Story," which teamed Marlon Brando and David Niven for what should have been a dream team but went flat instead. This time, the script is helped by actors who can not only deliver funny lines but make them funnier, and by an ending (according to Oz in his commentary, one worked out over several long dinner meetings with Martin) that is simply perfect.

Finally, Oz needs to be recognized. He was only making his second non-Muppet film here, but the result in my view is one of the best comedies anyone has ever done. He manages to get the best from everyone, including the actors and cinematographer Michael Ballhaus (some amazing night shots of the French Rivera waterfront you never tire of looking at), and delivers a rare jewel of a film, a laugh-out-loud comedy that leaves you with a warm feeling inside.

Ian McDairmid plays Arthur the butler in this, teaming him with Oz yet again. Almost titled this review "Yoda And Palpatine On The French Riviera;" it's interesting McDairmid plays the one guy in "Scoundrels" who's really on the level.

Everything clicks in this laugh-out-loud gem. Steve Martin and Michael Caine are in top form as Freddy Benson and Lawrence Jamieson, two con men who agree that this town (on the French Mediterranean coast) ain't big enough for the both of them. To solve the problem, they agree upon a solution - the first man to swindle $50,000 from a naive young woman gets to stay. The competition brings out the very best of their very worst, with Martin posing as a paraplegic and Caine as a psychiatrist eager to help convince him it's all in his head. Glenne Headly, as the target of the cons, deserves special mention for her brilliant performance.

One of the strongest assets of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is that the story is interesting enough, with its various twists and turns, that it would work great even without being funny. The laughs - and there are many of them - are a sort of gut-hurting bonus. The scene in which Caine tests the nerves in Martin's legs must rank as one of the most uproarious in film history. This one from director Frank Oz (certainly no slouch in the comedy department) is not to be missed.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is remake of great old comedy "Bedtime Story", from director Frank Oz. Lawrence (Michael Caine) and Freddie (Steve Martin) are charlatans; and they realize that one town (Beaumont sur Mer) is small for both of them. So they decide to make a bet: the first one who gets $50.000 from a young lady wins, loser leaves town. Soon they find perfect target, young and rich Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly). This kind of comedy works because of actors and Oz managed to pick the right people. Caine and Martin are as good as Brando are Niven were. And I also have to praise Glenne Headly. There are so many jokes that makes this movie memorable and very good remake too. Frank Oz showed that he is capable of making great comedies ("What About Bob?", "In & Out"... to his newest "Death at a Funeral"). I wish that all comedies were funny like this one and all directors should learn from this movie. Cause this is recipe for successful comedy: good actors, great plot, capable direction and twist at the end. What more can you ask from a movie that is meant to entertain you?

Michael Caine runs confidence games. He's so long-con that he he lives on a magnificent estate on the Riviera and has the local police chief on retainer. Steve Martin scams women out of a hundred francs in railway carriages. When Martin discovers what a pro Caine is, he blackmails him into teaching him the craft. Caine keeps trying to get rid of him, and they settle on Glenne Headley as the bet.

There aren't many remakes that are better than the original. There's a tendency to remake hits, and mechanically apply the techniques. In truth, great movies come along at great moments, and once that moment is gone, it's impossible to replicate it. Perhaps The Maltese Falcon is the best example of a remake that's better than the original. Whatever you may think of the two earlier versions -- and there's no doubt they have their strengths -- John Huston's first movie, Bogart's film that turned him into a true star, Mary Astor in one of her best roles, and Sidney Greenstreet in his screen debut, offer the audience something that had never been seen before Like first love, you can imitate it, but never recapture it.

Remakes of failures. are another matter. There's no need to recapture lightning in a bottle. Just get it right. The first version of this movie, BEDTIME STORY, has a big problem: Marlon Brando has no comedy chops. It also has an issue with the lingering effects of thirty years of the Production Code weighing on what is essentially a pre-code movie.

This movie suffers no such issues, and director Frank Oz lets his two stars drag their scams into peribathos. Caine makes a fine, impatient straight man to Martin's shenanigans -- although Dana Ivey, as one of their marks, gets some wonderful reaction shots -- and Miss Headley gives a wonderful two-toned performance. Some of the gags may be drawn out past the viewer's patience, but this is a wonderful comedy.

This crime comedy, released when I was only two years old, didn't catch my attention until VERY recently, around the time I watched "Bowfinger" for the first time in years this month. That film was directed by Frank Oz and features Steve Martin as one of the two co-stars, just like this one. That was how I discovered "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", a remake of a 1964 film called "Bedtime Story", which I've never seen. In fact, I watched this 1988 film not knowing it was based on any picture that was made before it. I was expecting this movie to be at least slightly better than "Bowfinger", even though that 1999 comedy is pretty funny, but my expectations may have been a little too high. For a while, I was getting disappointed, but fortunately, this didn't last.

Freddy Benson and Lawrence Jamieson are two con artists who make a living out of swindling rich women. After a successful operation, Lawrence is on a train on his way back to Beaumont-sur-Mer, France, where he currently resides. It is during this train ride when he first meets Freddy, after watching him bilking a woman by making up a story about having a very sick grandmother. Freddy happens to be on his way to Beaumont-sur-Mer, and Lawrence thinks he might have competition if the two of them are in the same town together, so at the station, he tricks Freddy into staying on the train. However, it isn't long at all before Lawrence sees his rival in town again, and Freddy soon learns that the two of them have the same profession. He gets Lawrence to agree to teach him his conning skills by threatening to expose him if he doesn't. Their rivalry continues to the point where they make a bet. They will see which one of them will be to first to cheat a certain woman out of $50,000, and the loser will leave town.

Freddy is the character Steve Martin plays, and Lawrence is played by Michael Caine. Lawrence is the first of the two leads to appear in the film. The beginning, showing this character just before he meets the other con artist, is not hilarious but sometimes mildly amusing, and Caine already shows his acting talent. Freddy then makes his first appearance on the train, and the first really funny part is here, with the character telling the story of his sick grandmother and then making a massive order of food which his victim has promised to pay for. After this, the movie is not always that funny, but often is, especially with the antics of Martin, in scenes such as the jail cell one, in which his character struggles to try and remember Lawrence's name. I didn't care much for the scene showing Lawrence talking to one of his victims before he introduces her to Freddy posing as Ruprecht, though I did find the part where Freddy's mentally challenged alter ego is introduced funny, even if some are bound to find it offensive. There also might be a lot of subtle humour which I didn't get. Still, there are lots of funny parts, and it gets better later on, with Freddy posing as a traumatized soldier and Lawrence posing as a psychiatrist. At this point, it gets funnier and also a bit more exciting.

I already mentioned that I haven't seen "Bedtime Story", the 1964 comedy starring Marlon Brando and David Niven, which this 1988 film is based on. Even though remakes are often inferior to originals, I obviously don't know how these two in particular compare, but I guess I'm not the only one who has seen "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" but not "Bedtime Story", since this film seems to be more widely recognized today. I'm sure I will see the original someday, but in the meantime, I will say that overall, this remake is a funny crime comedy, and the two leads actors, Steve Martin and Michael Caine, are both very impressive in their roles, even if Martin is the one who provides most of the humour. The supporting cast is mostly good as well. A lot of people probably like this movie better than "Bowfinger", and I can't say I'm one of them, but I would say both of them are pretty funny and worth watching if you're a fan of the co-stars.

This movie is a remake of 60's comedy with Marlon Brando and David Niven. I haven't seen the original , so I don't have any comparison . I don't know is it better or worse . I'm sure that Michael Caine and Steve Martin are worthy successors . The movie however ? Hmmmmm… I don't know . I think it's overrated . I was expecting a lot more.

The screenplay pretends to be clever , but it isn't . Most of the jokes are forced and I felt like the movie was wasting the talents of both Caine and Martin . Still , they both give solid performances despite the lack of true chemistry between them. The story itself doesn't have any twists that you could expect from a movie about con-artists . It also lacks heart , despite writers intentions to send some morality message.

I was surprised by Glenne Headly as Janet Colgate . In some ways she steals the show from Caine and Martin . Her character is very natural , good , and delicate . She has some charm that makes her different from stereotypical naive woman.

"Dirty rotten scoundrels" tries to imitate the feel of 60's movie . In my opinion it's a fruitless attempt. It simply didn't felt like a 60's movie . It also doesn't feels like a 80's movie . "DRS" lacks soul.

It's not a bad movie . It was quite pleasant ride for me . Unfortunately , aside from Ruprecht I wasn't laughing out loud . I was more like grinning from time to time . I think they could do more with this movie . I give it 5/10.

It brings tears to my eyes seeing the resolve of "Freddie" (Steve Martin), the jilted-paralyzed vet, getting whacked on the run by Con Man-buddy "Dr. Schuffhausen" (Michael Caine). You can hear the swooshing of the silky satin suit as the Dr. backs up, antelopes towards Freddie, and positively cracks his shins with the sting of a whip-like stem. The look on Steve Martin's face as he fights the tears to preserve his character is priceless!

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" turned out to be a very good comedy of two rivalling swindlers in the French Riviera. Caine and Martin are excellent actors who play together superbly, supplementing each other. Beautifully filmed locales and the nice mood of the film add to the pleasant easiness of watching this smart and well-written movie.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Such two opposite types of actors, and characters, for a scamming grifter type of movie you'll never see again. And I think that's what supposed to hold the movie up throughout, and it survives itself pretty well, despite some uneven acting and an air of chummy ease among all the actors, as if they know they're making a disposable movie in some posh locations.

I thought I would like this movie more. Steve Martin is such a funny actor and he gets to play a zany American type in his own way really well. Michael Caine is a hugely versatile actor and one of my favorites, and he's a sort of restrained cad in a fun way. But they don't really make any magic happen together, and the plot, which depends on being clever and full of twists, isn't all that clever or twisty.

Yes it's fun. It's enjoyable. But leave it at that.

I really don't watch this movie often enough. The few times I've seen it over the years provide superior entertainment, but it's a film I seem to forget about. That shouldn't be the case: it's a terrific movie.

I've never met anyone who did NOT like this movie. It seems to appeal to a lot of people, young and old. The three leads - Steve Martin, Michael Caine and Glenn Headley - were all in top form, on top of their "game," so to speak.

Martin's facial expressions and physical humor are terrific and Caine played his part magnificently, too. I enjoy Caine much more in here than Martin (and in most films) but Steve seems to have the funniest moments in this movie. At any rate, both are superb as antagonists "Lawrence Jamison" (Caine) and "Freddie Benson" (Martin). The two men have the talent to pull off slapstick as well as subtle comedy. Headley, as "Janet Colgate," meanwhile, is a joy to watch and to listen to, with that sweet voice of hers. I can't say more about her without giving away too much but she is not only the objection of attention in the movie, but the key character. These three combine for almost a laugh-a-minute.

This also is a good example of how to make a modern-day comedy without all the sleaze and profanity. There is some in here, but not much. Why most comedies do not follow this lead is a sad question. It's still an adult movie about con men, not a film teens and below would enjoy. Frank Oz, who directed other pretty clean-and-funny movies, directed this one.

Highly recommended.

For me, it's difficult to disassociate the name of Frank Oz with arguably his most famous role, the vertically-challenged Jedi master Yoda. Despite a career directing movies since the early Eighties, Oz will forever conjure up images for me of the wizened green whatever-it-is sitting in a director's chair screaming "Action, you will!". Fortunately, it would appear as though the Force is strong with this which feels like an old-fashioned screwball comedy but played for as many laughs as possible.

Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) has carved himself a lucrative lifestyle on the French Riveria, conning the rich and the gullible of their cash along with the help of local policeman Andre (Anton Rodgers) and Lawrence's faithful butler Arthur (Darth Sidious himself Ian McDiarmid). But when brash American huckster Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) comes to town, Lawrence senses a threat and tries every trick in the book to get rid of him. Clearly, only one can operate on this particular patch so they devise a bet - the first to scam $50'000 from the beautiful Janet Colgate (Glenn Headly) stays while the other leaves town for good. And so the con is on...

The plot might seem a little old-fashioned but "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" remains a solidly entertaining comedy that has a decent enough story at its heart to keep you interested. Caine isn't the strongest comic actor but channelling David Niven is pretty much all that required of the role and he does this perfectly. Martin is also on top form, being much more animated than I remember and is just brilliant in some scenes - the point where he is pretending to be a paraplegic while Caine batters his legs with a cane to "test" his nerves is simply hilarious! Headly does a fine job too of being blonde enough to appear vulnerable but stubborn enough to resist their ill-placed charm. My only real concern is the ending which, whilst performed as well as the rest of the film, is signposted fairly early on and doesn't really surprise as well as it should.

Although it looks and feels much older than it is, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is still a highly enjoyable comedy caper. It looks pretty, as you'd expect on the Riveria, and Martin and Caine make a decent double act. The script has plenty of comic moments to savour and although the ending isn't disguised enough, it still provides a wonderfully fitting climax to proceedings. Assuming you're not put off by the thought of Yoda being behind the camera, you'd do well to track down this genteel but bitingly funny film.

This film brings me so much happiness. From the story to the comedy to the soundtrack, I enjoy all of it. It's the kind of silly movie you need to watch every now and then. It's amazing to me that, after having not watched it for many years, I can still quote almost every line. Steve Martin and Michael Caine make a fantastic duo, and Glenne Headly plays so well opposite them. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a master class in con artist movies.

Frank Oz directed this clever comedy that stars Steve Martin & Michael Caine as two con artists on the French Mediterranean Coast who continuously bump into each other, interfering with each others plans. They then decide to settle things by making a bet: the first one to make a successful con on tourist Janet Colgate(played by Glenne Headly) will be the winner, and the loser will leave the country. They still team up to fool her with various disguises and schemes, but not everything is as it seems, leading to a memorable twist ending. Both Martin and Caine give funny performances, and work well together. Viewer may be uneasy rooting for these crooks, but it all works out well in the end.

This was such a funny and most clever of comedies. Each scene is is like a jigsaw puzzle and made up of pieces of supreme comedy. Michael Cain and Steve Martin play rivals in a game to be the winning (ultimate) conman, where the loser has to pack-up and leave town. After all of these years it's incredibly fresh and even if you know the inventive ending twist, this movie can be revisited many a time.

Lawrence Jemison (Michael Caine) is a professional seducer who, using well-studied techniques, operates on the French Riviera, swindling women with a series of businesses that never turn out well. Jameson poses as an exiled prince and not only gets women to share his bed but also to bestow their jewels on him for the sake of the counter-revolution. However, Jemison soon has a strong competitor: Freddy Benson (Steve Martin who has some of his best physical comedy ever n the wheelchair scenes), an upstart who puts his quiet, pleasant and easy way of earning a living at risk. Both of them are confidence tricksters in very different circles, Caine being an upper-crust devil and Martin Martin's upstart learns fast. Soon the rivals are battling it out for the rogues' kingdom of the Riviera, Then they make a twisted bet. From that moment on, the two men will try to compete with each other and live the craziest adventures and the most ridiculous situations, while trying to thwart each other's plans. The first one to con $50,000 out of a selected mark will be allowed to stay, while the other must leave and never return to Beaumont-Sur-Mer. The two select Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly), a naive and wealthy American heiress . Nice guys finish last !. Meet the winners !. But isn't there a name for men who get money from women?. The Funniest story ever put Between bed covers !. They conned the sexiest chicks on the Riviera...until they lured a lamb who refused to be fleeced!. The Sin-tillating Capers of Two Cunning Con Men who Fleeced the Sexiest Chicks on the Riviera...until each decided to become the king !

Remake of the film directed by Ralph Levy in 1964: 'Bedtime story'. Behind the camera is Frank Oz, a filmmaker whose filmography combines fantasy and high comedy. Both stars, are very good, laughs come at regular intervals, the storyline is almost too sphisticated to contain swear-word and you may be surprised at how it all results. This time it features the terrific Michael Caine and Steve Martin, recreating the roles of Marlon Brando and David Niven. Both of whom give magnificent interpretations in this pleasant, polished comedy that's agreeable without being uproarious and and shot by cameraman Michael Ballhaus in terrific color on location in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, Côte d'Azur, Villa Ile-de-Frances, Cap Ferrat, French Riviera, Alpes-Maritimes, Gironde, France .There's enjoyable musical score by Miles Goodman and some gleaming barbs in the duel of wits , standing out Steve Martin's lunatic sense of humour, he's especially funny as the idiot. They're well accompanied by the deceased Glenne Headly who's charming as the prey who's always one step ahead of them. Along with a good plethora of fine secondaries, such as: Barbara Harris, Anton Rodgers, Ian McDiarmid, Dana Ivey, Meagen Fay, Frances Conroy, among others.

The motion picture was decently directed by Frank Oz. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of best comedy actor for Michael Caine. Frank Oz has a succesful career as puppeteers responsible for the development of Jim Henson's films .And he was the man who brought us the voice of Yoda in ¨The Empire strikes again¨. Frank began a career of behind-the-camera puppet and live action filmmaking by co-directing Dark Crystal (1982) with Henson. He went on to direct The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), The little shop of horrors (1986), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), What about Bob? (1991), The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) , Bowfinger (1999), The Score (2001), The Stepford Wives (2004) and Death at a funeral (2007). This is a nice stuff , recommended for Michael Caine and Steve Martin fans. Rating : 6.5/10 . Acceptable and almost notable film, nor extraordinary , but decent.

Didn't think it was that funny. It took forever to get going. Keep in mind, I'm watching this movie for the first time in 2021 and I'm more accustomed to Steve Martin being less of a cad... So maybe his previously seen successes in everything from The Jerk to Father of the Bride to The Only Murderers in the Building have jaundiced my view of his earlier works.