For decades, Sir Michael Caine has been at the centre of British cinema history, from gritty crime dramas to Oscar-winning turns.
But among his wide-ranging career, one comedy gem still stands out – a film that not only showed off his impeccable timing but paired him with another comic legend for a partnership that audiences still talk about more than 35 years later.
1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a a glamorous Riviera-set comedy that has held onto an impressive 89% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Frank Oz, the film sees Caine star as the suave, sophisticated Lawrence Jamieson, a seasoned con artist who makes his living scamming wealthy women along the French Riviera.
His carefully constructed world is disrupted when he encounters the brash and less refined Freddy Benson, played by Steve Martin. Freddy, who has been running smaller-time cons, decides to challenge Lawrence on his own turf.
What begins as rivalry soon develops into a full-blown battle of wits as the pair wager who can swindle a young American heiress, portrayed by Glenne Headly. The loser must leave the Riviera for good.
The secret to the film’s lasting success lies in the chemistry between Caine and Martin. Rotten Tomatoes’ audience reviews are full of praise for their partnership.
One viewer wrote: “Caine and Martin work wonderfully together in this romp which had a cinema audience howling with laughter when I first saw it on release. It looks fabulous, has pace, charm, a fantastic score and is played with a real twinkle in the eye. It’s clear the cast had as much fun making it as I still do watching it on replay after all these years.”
Another praised the way the two leads balance each other perfectly: “One of my absolute favorites. What a combination these two amazing actors make. I’m on the floor laughing every time.”
Caine, often known for his sharp-edged dramatic work, proved he could handle light comedy with the same ease, while Martin – then one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars – delivered one of his most memorable roles.
The film itself is a remake of 1964’s Bedtime Story, which starred David Niven and Marlon Brando. But Dirty Rotten Scoundrels managed to arguably eclipse its predecessor, thanks in part to Dale Launer’s witty screenplay and Oz’s sharp direction.
Another Rotten Tomatoes user summed up the enduring charm: “One of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. Clever and original script. You can’t beat Michael Caine for acting ability. It’s entertaining and a feel-great-after movie. I’ve watched it more than once and still laugh out loud in spots. Wish there were more like this.”
The film was both a box office and critical hit on release, praised for its combination of glamour, intelligence, and sheer silliness. It has since inspired a stage musical adaptation on Broadway and even a modern remake, The Hustle (2019), with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) is available for streaming on Apple TV.