Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (film)

Last updated

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Dirty rotten scoundrels film.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Frank Oz
Screenplay by
Based on Bedtime Story
by Stanley Shapiro
Paul Henning
Produced by Bernard Williams
Starring
Cinematography Michael Ballhaus
Edited by
Music by Miles Goodman
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release dates
  • December 5, 1988 (1988-12-05)(LACMA)
  • December 14, 1988 (1988-12-14)(United States)
Running time
110 minutes [1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$42 million

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a 1988 American comedy film directed by Frank Oz. It is a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story , whose co-writers Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning received screen credit for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, along with writer Dale Launer. Set on the French Riviera, the film stars Steve Martin and Michael Caine as two con men competing to swindle an heiress (Glenne Headly) out of $50,000.

Contents

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was released in theaters on December 14, 1988 to positive reviews from critics, and went on to gross $42 million at the U.S. box office.

Plot

Lawrence Jamieson is a sophisticated and affluent British con artist operating in the town of Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Aided by his manservant Arthur and amoral police official Andre, Lawrence seduces wealthy women and cons them for high-value sums by posing as an exiled prince raising money for his country's freedom fighters. While returning from a trip to Zurich, Lawrence encounters Freddy Benson, an unsophisticated American hustler who brags of conning women out of relatively meager amounts with stories of his sick grandmother.

After Freddy inadvertently interferes with Lawrence's latest target, Lawrence tricks him into leaving town. However, after meeting one of Lawrence's former victims and realizing Lawrence is a fellow con artist, Freddy returns and blackmails Lawrence into training him. Lawrence teaches Freddy his refined style of deception—with limited success—and develops a new con in which Freddy portrays his mentally disabled brother to drive away women once Lawrence has their money. Freddy quits after Lawrence refuses to pay him a share of the ill-gotten gains. Unwilling to share his territory with Freddy, the pair agree to a bet: the first to con $50,000 from a selected victim wins and the other leaves town. They choose newly-arrived tourist, the naive "United States Soap Queen" Janet Colgate.

Lawrence attempts his usual con but Freddy intervenes, posing as a U.S. Navy veteran and psychosomatic parapalegic who needs $50,000 for treatment from psychiatrist Dr. Emil Schaffhausen. In response, Lawrence poses as Schaffhausen and agrees to treat Freddy if Janet pays him $50,000 directly. The pair compete for Janet's attention, with Lawrence tormenting Freddy under the guise of treatment, and Freddy manipulating her with a fake suicide attempt. One night, in a club, Lawrence dances with Janet and taunts Freddy which upsets some nearby British sailors. Freddy convinces them that Lawrence stole Janet from him and the sailors agree to help. Later, Lawrence learns that Janet is not wealthy—having won her holiday and title in a soap company competition—yet has liquidated all of her assets to help Freddy. Touched by her genuine kindness and generosity, and adhering to his personal code of never taking advantage of the poor or virtuous, Lawrence calls off the bet. Freddy counters with a new bet: the first to seduce Janet wins. Lawrence refuses to participate but agrees that if Freddy succeeds, he wins.

After Lawrence is abducted by the sailors, Freddy returns to Janet's hotel room and demonstrates his "love" for her by walking. Lawrence, who is also in the room, declares Freddy cured, having appeased the sailors by revealing his status as a Royal Naval Reserve officer. He leaves Freddy with the sailors who haze him until the morning while Lawrence puts Janet on an airplane home. However, Janet returns to her hotel room to find Freddy waiting and declares her love for him. Andre informs Lawrence who prepares to accept his defeat until Janet arrives at Lawrence's villa in tears, revealing that Freddy stole the $50,000 she had collected for him. Lawrence gifts her a bag containing $50,000 of his own money and returns her to the airport, instructing Andre to arrest Freddy. Before her plane departs, Janet returns the bag to Lawrence, saying she cannot accept it. Andre arrives with Freddy who claims that Janet stole his wallet and clothes. Lawrence opens the bag and finds the money replaced with a note revealing that Janet is the Jackal, a prominent American con artist. Freddy is furious but Lawrence takes delight in having been so skillfully deceived.

A week later, Freddy and Lawrence contemplate their loss at Lawrence's villa. A group of wealthy tourists arrive led by Janet, who is posing as a high-value real estate agent. While the tourists head to the villa, Janet tells Lawrence and Freddy that while she made millions in the last year, taking their money was the most fun. Lawrence and Freddy assume their roles in Janet's plot as the trio prepares to scam their latest victims.

Cast

Production

Pre-production

The 1988 version underwent casting changes. It started as a possible vehicle for Mick Jagger and David Bowie, who approached Dale Launer to write a screenplay for them. Launer suggested a remake of Bedtime Story. Launer acquired the rights for the remake, but Bowie and Jagger dropped out to do a movie with Martin Scorsese. According to Bowie, they were "a bit tweezed that we lost out on a script that could have been reasonably good." [2] According to Splitsider, Eddie Murphy was considered for the role of Freddy Benson. [3] John Cleese was also approached for the role of Jamieson, but declined. He admitted in a 2008 interview that he regretted doing so. [4]

Richard Dreyfuss was also sent a script. Though he was intended for the part of Benson, a misunderstanding resulted in him preparing the part of Jamieson, so Steve Martin (who had also been asked to play Jamieson) read Benson's part instead. Oz was excited by Martin's version of Benson, and settled on this choice. Michael Caine was eventually chosen to play Jamieson. Michael Palin, who had also been considered for the role, wrote in his diary that Caine was "probably the nearest he (Oz) will get in an English actor to the effortless charisma of Niven." [5]

Filming

Several scenes were filmed at the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat Cap-Ferrat - Avenue de la Corniche - View NNW on Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat.jpg
Several scenes were filmed at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

Production of the film began on June 6, 1988, and lasted through early August, finishing "six days ahead of schedule." [6] Filming locations included Antibes, Cannes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer (depicted in the film as "Beaumont-sur-Mer"), Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was visited by the leading characters in a scene. The estate belonging to Lawrence is a private villa (Villa Hier) located at the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. [7]

Release

Theatrical

Prior to the film's December 14, 1988 theatrical release in the United States, it premiered at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on December 5. The studio held test screenings of the film in early October, one for a blue-collar audience and one for "more upscale", with both receiving high marks. [6]

Home media

In a DVD extra providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, Frank Oz discusses a teaser trailer he directed for the studio, which he wanted to use for promotion before there was enough actual footage to assemble a trailer. An entire day was spent filming a scene (which in the end never made the final cut of the movie) in which Freddy and Lawrence stroll along the promenade, politely moving out of the way of other people, until Freddy casually pushes an elderly woman into the water and Lawrence nonchalantly shoves a little boy's face into his cotton candy. [8]

Reception

Box office

The film grossed $3.8 million from 1,466 theaters in its opening weekend, finishing fifth at the box office. In total it grossed $42 million in the US. [9]

Critical response

According to the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of critics gave the film a positive review based on 44 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The site's critics consensus called the movie "buoyant [and] clever" and praised Caine and Martin's chemistry. [10] At Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 68 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. [11] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale. [12]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that while the film was predictable, Martin and Caine's chemistry was enjoyable and "Headly provides a resilient foil." [13] Variety called it "wonderfully crafted" and "absolutely charming" and praised the editing and music. [14] Echoing other critics, Vincent Canby of The New York Times commended Caine and Martin's partnership and the film's divergence from "mistimed and misdirected comedies" from that time. [15]

Musical adaptation

Remake

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced The Hustle in 2019, a remake starring Rebel Wilson, Anne Hathaway, and Alex Sharp. [16] [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Caine</span> English actor (born 1933)

Sir Michael Caine is an English retired actor. Known for his distinctive Cockney accent, he has appeared in more than 160 films over a career spanning eight decades and is considered a British film icon. He has received numerous awards including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. As of 2017, the films in which Caine has appeared have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide. Caine is one of only five male actors to be nominated for an Academy Award for acting in five different decades. In 2000, he received a BAFTA Fellowship and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

<i>A Fish Called Wanda</i> 1988 film by Charles Crichton

A Fish Called Wanda is a 1988 slapstick farce heist black comedy film directed by Charles Crichton and written by Crichton and John Cleese. It stars Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. The film follows a gang of diamond thieves who double-cross one another to recover stolen diamonds hidden by their jailed leader. His barrister becomes a central figure – and jealousies rage – as femme fatale Wanda seduces him to locate the loot.

<i>My Cousin Vinny</i> 1992 film directed by Jonathan Lynn

My Cousin Vinny is a 1992 American comedy trial film directed by Jonathan Lynn, written by Dale Launer, and produced by Launer and Paul Schiff. It stars Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei, Mitchell Whitfield, Lane Smith, Bruce McGill, and the final film appearance of Fred Gwynne. The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox and released on March 13, 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Villefranche-sur-Mer</span> Commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a resort town in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and is located south-west of the Principality of Monaco, which is just west of the French-Italian border.

<i>Get Carter</i> (2000 film) 2000 film by Stephen Kay

Get Carter is a 2000 American action thriller film directed by Stephen Kay, written by David McKenna, and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Cumming, Mickey Rourke, John C. McGinley, Rhona Mitra, and Michael Caine. Based on the Ted Lewis' novel Jack's Return Home, the film is a remake of the 1971 film of the same name, in which a younger Caine played the title role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gregory Jbara</span> American actor (born 1961)

Gregory Jbara is an American film, television, stage actor and singer. Best known as DCPI Garrett Moore in Blue Bloods (2010-2023), and his Tony Award winning performance as Jackie Elliot in Billy Elliot the Musical (2009).

<i>Dirty Rotten Scoundrels</i> (musical) 2004 musical

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a 2004 musical comedy, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Jeffrey Lane; it is based on the 1988 film of the same name. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and ran for 626 performances despite mixed reviews. It has since received tours and international productions. The Australian production opened in 2013 to rave reviews and was called the "best musical to hit Sydney this century" by The Sydney Morning Herald. A West End production opened in 2014 to generally warm reviews.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels may refer to:

<i>A Nightmare on Elm Street</i> 1984 American slasher film by Wes Craven

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American supernatural slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven and produced by Robert Shaye. It is the first installment in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise and stars Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, and Johnny Depp in his film debut. The film's plot concerns a group of teenagers who are targeted by Krueger, an undead child killer who can murder people through their dreams, as retribution against their parents who burned him alive.

Dale Launer is an American screenwriter, film director and producer, best known for his work in comedy films. His films include Ruthless People, Blind Date, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and My Cousin Vinny.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beaulieu-sur-Mer</span> Commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur, France

Beaulieu-sur-Mer, commonly referred to simply as Beaulieu, is a seaside commune on the French Riviera between Nice and the Principality of Monaco. Located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it borders the communes of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer, not far from Èze to the northeast. In 2018, Beaulieu-sur-Mer had a population of 3,731. Its inhabitants are called Berlugans (masculine) and Berluganes (feminine).

Denis George Mahan, better known as Deney Terrio, is an American choreographer and hosted the television musical variety series Dance Fever from 1979 to 1987.

<i>Bedtime Story</i> (1964 film) 1964 film

Bedtime Story is a 1964 American comedy film starring Marlon Brando, David Niven and Shirley Jones. It was made by Brando's company, Pennebaker Productions, directed by Ralph Levy, produced by Stanley Shapiro, with Robert Arthur as executive producer, from a screenplay by Shapiro and Paul Henning. The music score was by Hans J. Salter and the cinematography by Clifford Stine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stanley Shapiro</span> American film producer

Stanley Shapiro was an American screenwriter and producer responsible for three of Doris Day's most successful films.

This is a list of fictional portrayals of confidence tricks found in television and the movies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jac Schaeffer</span> American screenwriter and producer (born 1978)

Jacqueline Schaeffer is an American screenwriter and producer best known for her 2009 feature film debut TiMER and for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe creating the Disney+ television miniseries WandaVision and co-writing the initial story to the film Black Widow.

Ruprecht is both a surname and a masculine given name, a variant of Robert. People with the name include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Epstein</span> Canadian actor, producer and writer

Josh Epstein is a Canadian actor, producer and writer. He produced, co-wrote and acted in Public Schooled starring Judy Greer, Russell Peters, Grace Park and Daniel Doheny which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017. He received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 4th Canadian Screen Awards in 2016, as cowriter with Kyle Rideout of the film Eadweard; he also had a supporting role in the film as Thomas Edison.

<i>The Hustle</i> (film) 2019 film directed by Chris Addison

The Hustle is a 2019 American comedy film directed by Chris Addison, starring Anne Hathaway, Rebel Wilson and Alex Sharp. It was written by Stanley Shapiro, Paul Henning, Dale Launer, and Jac Schaeffer. It is a female-centered remake of the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which is a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story. The film follows two women who set out to con an Internet millionaire.

The Villa Hier at 374 Avenue Mrs L-D Beaumont is a house in Cap d'Antibes. It was designed by the American architect Barry Dierks for the British arms manufacturer Anthony Edgar Somers. It is listed on the Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel.

References

  1. ↑ "DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (PG)". British Board of Film Classification . January 25, 1989. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  2. ↑ Campbell, Virginia (1992), "Bowie at the Bijou", Movieline, III (7): 83
  3. ↑ Evans, Bradford (April 7, 2011). "The Lost Roles of Eddie Murphy". Splitsider. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  4. ↑ Rabin, Nathan (February 5, 2008). "John Cleese". The A.V. Club . Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  5. ↑ Palin, Michael (2009). Michael Palin Diaries 1980-1988 Halfway to Hollywood . St. Martin's Press. pp.  560–565. ISBN   978-0-312-68202-6.
  6. 1 2 "Catalog - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". American Film Institute . Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  7. ↑ Bremner, Charles; Bennetts, Marc (November 23, 2017). "Russian anger as Nice police hold oligarch". The Times. p. 43. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  8. ↑ Trailer Chan (June 12, 2017). "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 1988 Trailer". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021 – via YouTube.
  9. ↑ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Box Office Mojo Amazon.com
  10. ↑ "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango . Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Find CinemaScore" (Type "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in the search box). CinemaScore . Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  13. ↑ Roger Ebert (December 14, 1988). "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". Chicago Sun-Times.
  14. ↑ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Variety, December 31, 1987
  15. ↑ Canby, Vincent (December 14, 1988). "A Way With Wealthy Women" . The New York Times . p. C21. ISSN   0362-4331. OCLC   1645522. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  16. ↑ Kroll, Justin (August 4, 2016). "Rebel Wilson to Star in 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Remake (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  17. ↑ Galuppo, Mike (August 24, 2017). "Alex Sharp Joins Rebel Wilson in 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Remake". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved August 24, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.