Buzz
The 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels surpassed its predecessor, the 1964 comedy Bedtime Story starring David Niven and Marlon Brando, in both critical acclaim and box office success. Directed by Frank Oz, the movie stars Michael Caine as the sophisticated swindler Lawrence Jamieson and Steve Martin as the brash American hustler Freddy Benson. The duo wagers on who can first deceive Janet Colgate (Glenne Headly) out of her fortune, with the loser forced to leave the French Riviera. Discover 12 fascinating facts about this iconic con artist comedy.
1. MICK JAGGER AND DAVID BOWIE WERE INITIALLY CAST.
Following their collaboration on the "Dancing in the Street" cover, the two musicians sought to star in a film together. Mick Jagger, impressed by screenwriter Dale Launer's work on Ruthless People (1986), proposed that Launer craft a script for them. Launer adapted the premise of Bedtime Story, envisioning roles for Jagger and Bowie. He even incorporated opportunities for Jagger's character to perform musically without transforming the film into a full-blown musical. However, the project shifted when Jagger and Bowie opted for a "more serious" endeavor. Years later, Bowie expressed regret about missing out on the film, stating, "How 'bout them apples! Mick and I were a bit tweezed that we lost out on a script that could have been reasonably good," as he recounted to Movieline in 1992.
2. THE FILM WAS ONCE INTENDED FOR EDDIE MURPHY.
After watching Bedtime Story on his uncle's suggestion, Eddie Murphy's production company, Eddie Murphy Productions, approached Launer to rewrite the script, provided they secured the rights from Universal. However, it was later discovered that Universal no longer held the rights, as they had reverted to co-writer and producer Stanley Shapiro two years prior. Launer and his attorney acquired the rights and pitched the project to Paramount Pictures with Murphy attached. Surprisingly, Paramount declined, leading Murphy to withdraw from the project.
3. THE MOVIE ALMOST MARKED A MONTY PYTHON REUNION.
John Cleese revealed he was offered the role eventually played by Michael Caine but declined due to scheduling conflicts with promotional commitments for another film—a choice he later regretted. Michael Palin auditioned for the part of Lawrence and was among the final contenders.
Other notable actors considered for roles included Richard Dreyfuss and Matthew Broderick, alongside former Monty Python members.
4. STEVE MARTIN INITIALLY EYED THE ROLE OF LAWRENCE.
When director Frank Oz shared the script with Steve Martin, Launer learned that Martin was captivated by it and intended to take on David Niven's role. However, Launer envisioned Martin as Freddy, aligning with the character's boisterous nature, which mirrored Martin's comedic persona. Surprisingly, Martin eventually shifted his preference.
5. THE ENTIRE FILM WAS SHOT IN FRANCE.
As noted in the closing credits, Scoundrels was filmed entirely on location in southern France and at La Victorine Cote D’Azur Studios in Nice. Michael Caine stayed in a villa in St. Paul during production, later quipping with amusement, "It’s tough duty, but someone’s got to do it, you know?"
6. THE TEASER INCLUDED A SCENE ABSENT FROM THE FINAL FILM.
Frank Oz, feeling he lacked sufficient material for an engaging trailer, filmed an exclusive scene featuring Caine and Martin on a leisurely walk, which never made it into the final cut.
7. THE CREW REMAINED STRAIGHT-FACED.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Michael Caine cited Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as a key lesson: "If the crew laughs during a comedy, it’s not funny [laughs]. I worked with Steve Martin on this film, and not once did the crew laugh. Yet, it’s the funniest movie I’ve ever done."
8. CAINE QUESTIONED THE DECISION TO REMAKE A BOX OFFICE FAILURE.
Caine once asked Oz why they were remaking a film that had originally flopped. Oz responded that remaking a successful movie would be pointless, a rationale that satisfied the actor.
9. MICHAEL CAINE HAS A PERSONAL FAVORITE MOMENT.
"It’s one of those movies where you eagerly anticipate your favorite scenes," he remarked. "For me, it’s the part where I’m smacking Steve’s knees as Dr. Shauffhausen. (laughs) Just thinking about it makes me laugh."
10. FREDDY’S WHEELCHAIR MOMENT INITIALLY FELL FLAT.
During a test screening, the scene where Freddy rises from his wheelchair failed to elicit many laughs, surprising director Frank Oz and editors Stephen A. Rotter and William S. Scharf. Launer proposed a solution: "I suggested adding dramatic music, like Thus Spake Zarathustra or Handel’s Messiah (the 'Hallelujah' chorus). They tried it, and the audience responded with a solid laugh."
11. OZ AND THE EDITORS FACED A CRUCIAL DECISION ABOUT LAWRENCE.
Launer shared that in his original script, Lawrence Jamison was aware from the start that Janet was The Jackal. "He falls in love with her, believing her to be innocent and honest, only to be outsmarted by her. Initially, you sympathize with him, but later discover his love stemmed from admiration for her skill as a con artist. The director and editors felt the ending could work both ways, so they adjusted it. While the change is subtle, it adds a new layer to the story."
12. REBEL WILSON IS SET TO LEAD A FEMALE-CENTRIC REMAKE.
The remake will feature two female con artists, including Wilson, vying to swindle a gullible tech prodigy out of his wealth.
