Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Year: 1988

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Frank Oz

ComedyCrime

Two con artists, the seasoned Lawrence Jamieson and the young, ambitious Freddy Benson, find themselves competing for the same mark in this hilarious comedy. Lawrence, a refined trickster, is challenged when Freddy arrives and attempts to steal his territory. Their escalating rivalry leads to a competition to see who can successfully con a wealthy heiress, with the loser being forced to leave the glamorous resort town. The battle of wits and elaborate schemes provides plenty of comedic moments.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Trace every key event in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lawrence's Charming Schemes

In the sun-drenched locale of Beaumont-sur-Mer, British con artist Lawrence Jamieson captivates wealthy women with his charm and cunning tales. Assisted by his manservant Arthur, he skillfully swindles these affluent targets, claiming to support the freedom fighters of his homeland.

Beaumont-sur-Mer
2

Freddy's Entrance

The tranquility of Lawrence's con work is disrupted by the arrival of brash American hustler Freddy Benson. Freddy boasts of his own meager conning successes, catching the attention of the sophisticated Lawrence, who is unimpressed with Freddy’s unrefined methods.

Beaumont-sur-Mer
3

A Rivalry Begins

After attempting to remove Freddy from Beaumont, Lawrence's plans are thwarted when Freddy unintentionally sabotages his target. Realizing Freddy is also a con artist, Lawrence decides to mentor him, teaching him the intricacies of deception.

Beaumont-sur-Mer
4

The Deception Scheme

As Freddy begins to grasp the art of conning, he and Lawrence devise an elaborate plan involving Freddy's mentally challenged brother. This ruse aims to dissuade potential romantic interests, taking advantage of the naïveté of their unsuspecting targets.

Beaumont-sur-Mer
5

The High-Stakes Wager

Tensions rise between Lawrence and Freddy when Lawrence refuses to split the profits from their cons. They agree on a wager: the first to con $50,000 from a selected mark wins, while the loser must leave town, escalating their competition.

Beaumont-sur-Mer
6

Targeting Janet Colgate

Their target becomes Janet Colgate, the 'United States Soap Queen'. Both Lawrence and Freddy set their sights on her unsuspecting nature, each determined to outsmart the other while vying for her affection and wealth.

7

The Dual Deception

As Lawrence applies his usual strategies on Janet, Freddy steps in, posing as a U.S. Navy veteran seeking financial aid for treatment. He manipulates the situation by faking a condition, while Lawrence plays the role of the doctor involved in the supposed treatment.

8

Hilarious Pranks Emerge

An escalating series of hilarious pranks ensues as Lawrence and Freddy try to outdo each other in their con artist roles. From mock treatments to fake suicide attempts, the stakes rise with every comical ploy that unfolds.

9

Complications Arise

As Lawrence’s antics anger a group of British sailors, he finds himself in a sticky situation. Unbeknownst to him, Janet has drained her resources to aid Freddy, revealing her own surprising compassion as she aids their antics.

10

Unexpected Alliances

After observing Janet's generosity towards Freddy, Lawrence abandons the wager, choosing to support Freddy's efforts instead. The emotional shift complicates the relationships between the trio, adding layers to their interactions.

11

Revelation of True Identities

Lawrence reveals his true identity as a Royal Naval Reserve officer, shocking Freddy. Meanwhile, he sends Janet back, oblivious to her own hidden agendas, thus turning the tide of the con games.

12

Janet's Confession

Upon returning to her hotel room, Janet confesses her love for Freddy, defying expectations and further complicating the trio's dynamic. The tension builds as secrets and emotions intertwine.

13

The Real Twist

It is eventually revealed that Janet is actually the infamous con artist Jackal, infuriating Freddy but delighting Lawrence. This twist turns the table, igniting a newfound camaraderie between Freddy and Lawrence based on shared humiliation.

14

Freddy and Lawrence's Reflection

Seven days later, Freddy and Lawrence sulk at their villa, lamenting their misfortunes. Unexpectedly, they encounter Janet again, now presenting herself as a high-stakes real estate agent, reigniting their competitive spirits.

Villa
15

The New Con Game

Janet shares that she has earned a fortune from her latest ventures, but the thrill of duping Lawrence and Freddy remains her true passion. Unwittingly, they fall back into the cat-and-mouse game with her, setting the stage for more humorous and chaotic escapades.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:14

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Movies about Con Artists and Deceptions like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Clever swindlers engage in witty battles of one-upmanship and elaborate schemes.Find more movies like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels that feature clever con artists, elaborate scams, and witty rivalries. If you enjoyed the playful deception and competitive schemes, you'll love these similar comedy and crime stories about master swindlers.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow one or more charismatic con artists as they plan and execute elaborate scams. A central conflict often arises from a rival con artist, a suspicious mark, or an authority figure, leading to a series of escalating deceptions and a final twist that reveals the ultimate trickster.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core focus on the art of the con. They celebrate cleverness and wit, often featuring charismatic anti-heroes, a lighthearted tone despite the criminal activity, and a narrative structure built around the setup and execution of a clever scam.

Frenemy Comedies with Rivals Becoming Partners like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows two strong-willed individuals who are initially at odds, often competing for the same goal. Their conflict drives the plot through a series of escalating challenges and comedic set-pieces. A turning point forces them to recognize each other's strengths, culminating in a collaboration where their combined skills lead to success.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared character arc pattern: the journey from rivalry to partnership. They excel at delivering humor from conflict while providing a heartwarming payoff through character development, creating a satisfying blend of comedy and camaraderie.

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

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