Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

PG

1988

1h 50m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

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

03/13/2021

3/5

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

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Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

03/13/2021

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.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

03/13/2021

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.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

07/07/2022

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

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

03/13/2021

2.5/4

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.

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John Ferguson

Radio Times

03/13/2021

3/5

Harmless, knockabout fun.

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A A

@Wow2026 5d

First off, I think this show about De. Phil is ignorant. I am so f sick of reporters judging mental health and drug abuse and make those people victims. This is coming from a family member who actually helps a sibling who deals with both. You have no idea the people he is helping or the struggles. Addict lesson 101- they are all victims!!!!! Why don't you deal with how there is no detox due to laws. Or how hospitals don't even care to help anymore. I would rather have Dr. Phil help her than what she gets now. Which is nothing. I have sued hospitals, rehabs and now trying the courts. For allowing someone rights who is so far mentally gone that she will hurt someone. But, keep making everyone a victim. Keep giving addicts human rights who take and steal from others. And if anyone has something to say. Good luck. I haven't given up. I have gone over and beyond to help my siblings. I bet more than most. I am sick of a world playing a victim.This is just sad and pathetic.

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maria R.

@mashalisha Feb 21

One of my favorite con artist movie

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Chuck W.

Jan 21

Clever, funny, and engaging

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Paully

@Paully77 Jan 15

So funny.. Even on multiple viewings.. All 3 leads kill..

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Bob L

@TheHumanOracle Sep 29

Classic comedy, one of the greats!

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Taiga B

@Taiga Sep 20

What an absolute brilliant and hilarious movie. The difference in comedy of Steve Martin and Michael Caine works to perfection as their chemistry is off the charts. The situational and physical comedy was on point. The twist at the end should've been predictable, yet it was unexpected. This is how comedies should be made!

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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

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

1:57

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Dinner With Ruprecht

1:31

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Janet's Return

2:12

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Walks!

2:12

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Ruprecht Gets Angry

1:53

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's Sad Story

1:55

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Meeting Ruprecht

1:59

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Goes to Jail

2:04

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Lawrence Meets Freddy

2:02

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's "Suicide"

2:13

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Frank Oz
Producer: Bernard Williams
Screenwriter: Dale Launer, Stanley Shapiro, Paul Henning
Production Co: Orion Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $40.9M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround

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