 This film originated as a project for Mick Jagger and David Bowie,  after the success of their popular "Dancing in the Street" video in  1985. Studio bosses were anxious to put them in a movie together.  Screenwriter Dale Launer was brought in based on the success of  Ruthless People and asked to submit ideas. Launer had seen the  original film, "Bedtime Story" (which starred Marlon Brando, David  Niven, and Shirley Jones) on TV once before and suggested a remake.  During development, however, Jagger and Bowie dropped out of the  project. Steve Martin and Michael Caine were brought in as  replacements.