Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Amazon.com

Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) is a crass, loud American. Laurence Jameson (Michael Caine) is a suave, urbane European. Their common ground is that they both are confidence men, and they meet in a train compartment as Benson is scamming his way across Europe, taking advantage of womens generosity. The two are forced into a rivalry, which culminates in a wager to see who can be the first to bilk $50,000 out of American heiress Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly). Their game of one-upmanship is, of course, brought to ridiculous heights as things progress. Written by Paul Henning (the mind behind such TV shows as Green Acres and The Beverly Hillbillies), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an uneven but funny mix of Martins physical comedy and Caines oily charms. Martins first role as cohort is to assume the persona of Ruprecht, the "special" younger brother intended to scare off potential brides. As Ruprecht, he comes off as a cross between The Andy Griffith Shows Ernest T. Bass and Jerry Lewis hilarious as it is, it doesnt quite fit with the rest of the film. Once the wager is on, though, Martin slips into his overly earnest mode as an American military man suffering from hysterical paralysis, with Caine as a psychologist who takes on his case. All in all, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (a loose remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story with David Niven and Marlon Brando) is a droll, intelligent comedy, short on knee slappers but long on comic situations and characterizations. --Jerry Renshaw

Description

Ones got a sophisticated, suave and debonair con act. The others got...well, an act. Together, Steve Martin and Michael Caine are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and theyre absolutely ruining the Riviera in this "hilarious battle of wits and double-crosses" (Boxoffice) that "couldnt be more delightful" (The Wall Street Journal)! Martin is Freddy Benson, a smalltime conman sleazing his way through Europe on whatever handouts he can scam. Caine is Lawrence Jamieson, an impeccably dressed and high-minded artiste who thinks Freddy is giving himand all con mena bad name. At first, Lawrence agrees to help Freddy spruce up his talents and his wardrobe. But when it becomes apparent that the Riviera isnt big enough for the both of them, they make awinner-take-all wager over the fortunes of a naive American soap heiress (Glenne Headly): the firstone to "clean her out" can make the other clear outand keep the Riviera and its unsuspecting tourists to himself!
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Brand :TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
Label :MGM (Video & DVD)
Manufacturer :MGM (Video & DVD)
MPN :MGMD1002729D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :MGM (Video & DVD)
Publisher :MGM (Video & DVD)
UPC :027616869272
EAN :9780792851530
Price :$14.98USD
Lowest Price :$5.99USD
Customer ReviewsClassic movie
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
What can I say? This movie is a classic. I probably should have waited for BluRay, but I had a relative who wanted it on DVD for Christmas. Awesome movie. Watch it.

In A Word: Hilarious!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
I really dont watch this movie often enough. The few times Ive seen it over the years provide superior entertainment, but its a film I seem to forget about. That shouldnt be the case: its a terrific movie.

Ive never met anyone who did NOT like this film. 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.

Martins 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 cant 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. Its highly recommended.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels review
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
So funny, so good. You cant go wrong with Steve Martin & Michael Caine. My favorite character is Ruprect.

A Classic Comedy
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
An American con-man who strives for the quick cash, a Suave European con artist who prefers the more organized and high paying con.What do you get when these two men collide?, you get one of the most treasured comedies to date. Steve Martin plays an American con artist who has his sights on Europe. While traveling by train he meets the greatest con artist in all of Europe ,who is played by Michael Caine.Michael Caines character appears to con by a strict set of rules, as he plans every detail and he never cons anyone who cant afford it. Upon running into the latest victim of Caines sceems, Steve Martin uses his knowledge of the crime to black-mail Michael Caine into teaching him the art of the Big Con.What follows are some of the most hilarious scenes of comedy in film history.After performing in several con jobs and recieving nothing but knowledge Steve Martin decides that it is time to up the stakes the two men agree on a wager to steal an enourmous amount of money from a wealthy woman whoever loses must leave Europe for good.Steve Martin decides to portray a wounded war veteran "Freddy", whos mother needs an opertation and whos fiancee has left him, While Caine decides to portray the good doctor "Emil Schuafhousen", who is just the man to treat Freddys symptoms.Slowly each man begins to fall for the lovely "Janet", and soon the wager changes from money to Love. The ending of the film is a shocking conclusion that leaves the veiwer gasping.In conclusion, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an absolutely wonderful comedy that all can enjoy, with an excellent cast and story such as this, you cant go wrong. Thank you for your time.

Always fun
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :1
We have seen this at least 5 times now and its a film you can still laugh at each and every time. Michael Caine was great.

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