Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

1988

1h 50m

Comedy

List

89%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

84%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

Con artist Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions -- that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson (Steve Martin), shows up. When the new guy's lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jamieson resolves to get rid of him. Confident of his own duplicitous talents, Jamieson challenges Benson to a winner-takes-all competition: whoever swindles their latest mark first can stay, while the other must leave town.

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Critics Consensus

A buoyant, clever update of the conman flick Bedtime Story, with plenty of comedic jousting resulting from a winning chemistry between Michael Caine and Steve Martin.

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John Mount

Empire Magazine

Steve Martin does his shtick to perfection and Michael Caine unveils some adroit comic timing in this charming but mediocre comedy.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 13, 2021

Full Review

Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

Blithe, reasonably witty, with as many story twists as a Riviera roadway, its greatest assets are its glorious look (courtesy of Michael Ballhaus' exceptional camera work) and Michael Caine, his hair full of Dippety-Doo, his heart full of larceny.

Mar 13, 2021

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

The various twists seem needlessly spun out and implausible, although Martin is allowed to show off his brand of very physical comedy to some advantage, and Miles Goodman contributes a pleasant score.

Mar 13, 2021

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is much less sadistic, and much more inventan than Bedtime Stories. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 7, 2022

Full Review

James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Unfortunately, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels isn't quite clever enough to justify the full 110-minute running length. There's a point at which it starts to feel like it has overstayed its welcome.

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 13, 2021

Full Review

John Ferguson

Radio Times

Harmless, knockabout fun.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 13, 2021

Full Review

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alan g

I don't see the charm in this movie. Yes it is an updated take on, "Bedtime Story" but I still think the original was better.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/02/24

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Chris H

One of the best comedies ever made.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/09/24

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Avalon T

One of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Clever and original script. You can't beat Michael Caine for acting ability.It's entertaining and a feel-great-after movie. I've watched it more than once and still laugh out loud in spots. Wish there were more like this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

david r

I first watched this movie in 2018.... that is sad because I missed decades of rewatching it. This is freakin hilarious.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/13/24

Full Review

ed m

Funny movie. Good cast.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/01/24

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Alec B

I've never been able to shake the feeling that, given the talent involved, the film should be a lot better than it is. However it does have it's moments (Ruprecht is an inspired comic creation) and Caine and Martin make a great duo.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/13/23

Full Review

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Frank Oz

Director

Steve Martin

Freddy Benson

Michael Caine

Lawrence Jamieson

Glenne Headly

Janet Colgate

Anton Rodgers

Inspector Andre

Barbara Harris

Fanny Eubanks

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Do You Feel This?