79Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) – TIE

Screenwriter Dale Launer updated the 1964 comedy Bedtime Story, written by Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning, which co-starred David Niven and Marlon Brando as con artists on the French Riviera seducing women out of their clothes and money. “Launer reorganized the story, mostly,” director Frank Oz told The Chicago Tribune at the time of the film’s release. “The funny stuff is still mostly Henning and Shapiro's. I made it more elegant, sophisticated, stylish. Launer's version had more flat-out comedy.” Co-stars Steve Martin and Michael Caine were the cons, with Glenne Headly in the role originated by Shirley Jones: “I wanted some juice between the lines so the actors could have fun performing,” Oz said. “That's what I got from Steve and Glenn and Michael. I wanted some warmth and caring.”