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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Play trailer Poster for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels PG 1988 1h 50m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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] Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review John Ferguson Radio Times 03/13/2021
3/5
Harmless, knockabout fun. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeffrey P @vanillavoodoo1 Jun 15 Mildly entertaining but just not funny... what else is it supposed to be, clever? The end twist was too little, too late. See more Christopher C. @PapaTangooo May 18 “Ruprick” is a national treasure. See more Sérgio N @RT03383691 Apr 28 A classic, funny comedy, one of those rogue duos (Martin/Caine are great as always) and their schemes to seduce and deceive the richest "damsels" in town. But for me, what's most important about this "gem" is that it was the first film I saw in a movie theater. The fondly remembered and charming Cine Alhambra in Santos (a real, old-school, classic-style cinema). It was one of the gateways to my passion for the seventh art, which I've never stopped and which has only grown and will continue to grow until the end of my days. See more A A @Wow2026 Mar 5 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. See more maria R. @mashalisha Feb 21 One of my favorite con artist movie See more Chuck W. @RT75824444 Jan 21 Clever, funny, and engaging See more Read all reviews
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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Cast & Crew

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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

Movie Clips

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Do You Feel This? Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Do You Feel This? 1:57 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Dinner With Ruprecht Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Dinner With Ruprecht 1:31 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Janet's Return Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Janet's Return 2:12 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Walks! Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Walks! 2:12 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Ruprecht Gets Angry Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Ruprecht Gets Angry 1:53 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's Sad Story Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's Sad Story 1:55 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Meeting Ruprecht Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Meeting Ruprecht 1:59 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Goes to Jail Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy Goes to Jail 2:04 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Lawrence Meets Freddy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Lawrence Meets Freddy 2:02 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's "Suicide" Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Official Clip - Freddy's "Suicide" 2:13 View more videos

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) View more photos

Movie Info

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