Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

1988 110 min ★ 7.1 Comedy, Crime

Con artist Lawrence Jamieson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the lavish fruits of his deceptions -- that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy's lowbrow tactics impinge on his own sophisticated work and believing him to be the infamous conman 'The Jackal', Lawrence resolves to get rid of him. Confident of his own duplicitous talents, he challenges Freddy to a winner-takes-all competition: whoever swindles their latest mark, American heiress Janet Colgate, out of $50,000 first can stay, while the other must leave town.

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Cast

Steve Martin

Freddy Benson

Michael Caine

Lawrence Jamieson

Glenne Headly

Janet Colgate

Anton Rodgers

Inspector Andre

Barbara Harris

Fanny Eubanks

Ian McDiarmid

Arthur

Dana Ivey

Mrs. Reed

Meagen Fay

Lady from Oklahoma

Frances Conroy

Lady from Palm Beach

Nicole Calfan

Lady in Dining Car

Details

Director

Frank Oz

Tagline

"Nice guys finish last. Meet the winners."

Status

Released

Original Language

EN

Budget

$6,500,000

Revenue

$42,000,000

Production

Orion Pictures

Reviews

J

John Chard

September 26, 2014

★ 8/10

Do you ever have a single thought that originates from above the waist? Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is directed by Frank Oz and written by Dan Launer, Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning. It stars Michael Caine, Steve Martin, Glenne Headly and Anton Rogers. Music is by Miles Goodman and cinematography by Michael Ballhaus. Two con-men from different ends of the spectrum, prey on women's good nature ...

D

DougG_YVR

June 7, 2023

★ 10/10

Sometimes I’m just looking for a laugh. That’s when a movie like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is the perfect fit. Through a series of hilarious cons and misadventures, Michael Cain and Steve Martin keep me laughing throughout their entire adventure. This is one of my go-to movies if I’m looking for some hearty laughs while not having to think too deeply.

K

kevin2019

August 23, 2024

★ 8/10

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is terrific fun all round and the luscious locations look absolutely gorgeous - the sun kissed French Riviera has never looked more inviting. The humour is genuinely funny and Michael Caine in particular is obviously enjoying himself tremendously in the guise of Doctor Emil Schaffhausen - he takes great pleasure in torturing a wheelchair-bound Steve Martin, especially du...