Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 1988

Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is a smooth, elegant European con artist who preys on rich tourists in the Riviera. He does not waste his time and talent on small scams, working elaborate schemes that may take more effort but will pay off big in the end. One day Lawrence meets Freddy Benson (Steve Martin), an American whose occupation is similar, although Freddy works on a considerably lower level. Freddy wants to learn from Lawrence, so they team up. However, very soon Freddie gets tired of doing only what he is told to do and receiving a small portion of the profits. He breaks the partnership and starts working on his own. Lawrence does not want competition, but he can't just kick Freddy out of the Riviera, so he offers a solution: a con match between the two of them. Whoever gets $50,000 out of the newly arrived American soap heiress first, wins; the loser leaves. Freddy agrees.

I have watched this movie several times, alone and with friends; it never fails to give some good laughs. With two excellent comedy actors in the leading roles, plus a clever script, it is a treat throughout. Steve Martin is so good as Freddy, I just love seeing the look on his face when he gets outsmarted by Michael Caine's character over and over again. There is a scene where Freddy pretends to be a cripple, and Lawrence immediately reacts by posing as the only doctor who can help him... It's priceless.

The movie is 110 minutes long. Special features of this DVD come down to a mildly interesting commentary by the director, Frank Oz.