Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Year: 1988

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Frank Oz

ComedyCrime

In this sidesplitting comedy of cons, two cunning scoundrels engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Renowned con artist Lawrence Jamieson is forced to confront his own skills when upstart Freddy Benson steals the spotlight. As their rivalry escalates, they enter a winner-takes-all competition, where the stakes are their very presence on the luxurious coastal resort's streets.

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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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