Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (MOVIE) directed by Frank Oz

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. A tale of two con men who have
very different styles.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS.
Directed by Frank Oz
Notable Actors: Michael Cain as Lawrence Jameson, Steve Martin as Freddy Benson, Glenne Headly as Janet Colgate, and Anton Rogers as Inspector Andre.

Rating: 6 out of 10.

SPOILERS.
Lawrence Jameson is a refined English gentleman who fancies himself rather cultured...that is while he's not swindling money out of the clutches of rich, corruptible women. Freddy Benson makes his cash by telling a few sob stories and living off whatever money he get from someone right away, regardless of how much they own. What happens when they meet? Lawrence is on the look out for the 'Jackal' a con-artist whose renowned for being the sleuthiest. Lawrence thinks its Freddy and want to get him to leave town, since he's messing up his game. Freddy admires Lawrence at first because he goes for large quantities of money and has the police on his side, Andre. Lawrence agrees to teach Freddy, but makes it so that Freddy gets angry and wants to leave. Playing an invalid brother to a prince, being taught to be a gentleman, and told his money should be invested in the arts and culture, Freddy is damn well sick of Lawrence and his bloody English ways. They both agree this town is too small for the both of them and that one has to get out, but who? They leave it up to a wager. Janet Colgate, a soap opera star from the US, and they have to extract $50,000 out of her. Freddy pretends to be handicap due to the fact that his ex-girlfriend emotionally scarred him, while Lawrence pretends to be the psychologist helping him out. There is a run-in with sailors, falling down steps to the beach, and everything you can imagine that these guys have to do to get the other out of the picture. The bet changes as Lawrence finds out Janet isn't rich, she is just famous and her money doesn't exist, she's in the town due to winning a soap opera actress contest. The two men change the objective of their bet. Instead of money, Freddy says he can get her into bed and Lawrence can get her to leave town. As it looks like Freddy's winning, Lawrence is dismayed. Janet comes to him saying that her and Freddy had sex and that he took her for all she was worth. Lawrence gives her back $50,000 and puts her on a plane, while sends word for Freddy to be arrested. Janet boards the plane, just as Andre pulls up with Freddy. Turns out, Janet stole his clothes and a few thousand francs and left. The bag that Lawrence gave to Janet with the money was returned to him....only to open it up to find Freddy's clothes and a note that says 'It was fun boys, -The Jackal'. Janet comes back later, enjoying her time with the guys and scamming them so much, she forms a team with them.

Ruprecht, brother of the king. Freddy's dimwitted persona.
He just can't let go of his trident at dinner.

This movie was so interestingly awesome, but also....very predictable. The plot itself was really boring and not very interesting, but was made up for when the men themselves would plan their next trick to extract the money from her. Everything from Ruprecht, to the Australian sailors kidnapping Lawrence to put him on a plane to Honduras, to the 'love will help me walk again' scam, I know I couldn't think on my feet as these two did throughout the whole story.

If your looking for an 80's classic that is comical and a wee bit smarter than your average movie, check out Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.