stanistreet Review of Bedtime Story

Bedtime Story (1964)

I think that catcha22 was a little kind in his comparison with the 1988 remake.

[28 March 2005]

David Niven was the quintessential English gentleman. Dapper, suave, without ever being pushy. He glided through his many roles with consummate ease. I can understand Marlon Brando's reactions. The whole film depended on the viewer believing that Niven could get away with the confidence trickery. And, of course, he could, just as Brando as the brash American, was the perfect foil. In the 1988 travesty, the viewer could never believe in Michael Caine being an aristocrat. A barrow boy, yes; a gangster; yes - but a smooth confidence trickster, able to con his targets in the South of France - never. Sorry.

I would give "Bedtime Story" 9 +

I would give "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" zero -.

Both titles are inept & the former is confusing. I wonder whose idea it was?

It was rather like renaming Les Valseuses ('Balls' in French argot) "Going Places".