The original: 

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) 

​

Directed by: 

Frank Oz (Little Shop of Horrors, What About Bob?, HouseSitter, Bowfinger, Death at a Funeral, The Dark Crystal, The Muppets Take Manhattan)

 

Starring: 

Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly, Anton Rodgers, Ian McDiarmid, Barbara Harris. 

 

What’s it about? 

A tale of two master conmen who set out to prove who is the best huckster, winner takes all. 

 

With a script as economical as it is crafty, an insanely high joke rate, fantastic zingers, deft characterisation for both main and side characters, and perfect pacing, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a masterpiece, as charming and wily as its leads. 

 

Martin displays perfectly constructed zany mania and slapstick genius, while blending in a deep confidence that his other characters rarely 

showcase. 

 

Caine is a revelation.  A deeply subtle and rich performance that more than holds its own with Martin.  Together the pair seem to elevate the other, creating lived-in characters that are wonderful, gleeful and most impressively, real. 

 

With supporting characters played to perfection, and a wildcard in the shape of Headly, this film continues to delight, thrill and tickle. 

 

Eyepatches optional. 

 

“‘Sorry for breaking your VHS, Coleman. You give me the name, make and serial number, and I’ll send you a cheque as soon as I get settled.’ 

‘Oh shut up.’” 

 

“‘She caught me with another woman! C’mon, you’re French, you understand that!’ 

‘To be with another woman, that is French. To be caught, that is American.’” 

 

“Not mother?”