Trading Places

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthorpe III: a wealthy commodities director at Duke & Duke.
• Eddie Murphy as Billy Ray Valentine: a street beggar and con man.
• Ralph Bellamy as Randolph Duke: greedy co-owner of Duke & Duke, alongside his brother Mortimer.
• Don Ameche as Mortimer Duke: Randolph’s equally greedy brother.
• Denholm Elliott as Coleman: Winthorpe’s butler.
• Jamie Lee Curtis as Ophelia: a prostitute who helps Winthorpe.
• Kristin Holby as Penelope Witherspoon: the Dukes’ grandniece and Winthorpe’s fiancée.
• Paul Gleason as Clarence Beeks: a security expert covertly working for the Dukes.

Storyline:

Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn’t commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes.

About Trading Places Movie:

Trading Places is an American comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod. The film stars Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthorpe III, a wealthy commodities broker, and Eddie Murphy as Billy Ray Valentine, a street hustler. The plot revolves around an elaborate bet made by two wealthy brothers, Mortimer and Randolph Duke (played by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche), who decide to swap the lives of Winthorpe and Valentine to test their theories on nature versus nurture.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the Dukes observing a chance encounter between Winthorpe and Valentine, which leads them to make their wager. They orchestrate a scheme that results in Winthorpe losing his job, home, and social status while simultaneously elevating Valentine into Winthorpe’s former life. As Winthorpe struggles to adapt to his new circumstances, he is aided by Ophelia (Jamie Lee Curtis), a prostitute who helps him regain his footing.

Meanwhile, Valentine uses his street smarts to thrive in the commodities market, surprising everyone with his success. The film culminates in a clever scheme where Winthorpe and Valentine conspire to take down the Dukes by sabotaging their insider trading plans related to orange juice futures.

Production Notes

The film was produced on a budget of approximately $32 million and was filmed primarily in Philadelphia and New York City from December 1982 to March 1983. The production faced challenges, particularly regarding the differing visions of director John Landis and lead actor Bill Murray, who was initially considered for one of the roles but ultimately did not participate.

Reception

Trading Places was released on June 8, 1983, and became a box office success, grossing over $90 million in North America alone, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year. Critics praised the film for its sharp humor and social commentary on class disparities, although some noted that it lacked the moral clarity typical of classic screwball comedies.

The film received several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup. It has since become a holiday favorite for many viewers, often regarded as one of the best Christmas films due to its setting during the holiday season.

Legacy

In the years following its release, Trading Places has been celebrated for its witty critique of wealth inequality and social mobility. It has garnered a cult following and is frequently included in discussions about the greatest comedy films. Despite some criticism regarding its use of racial humor and stereotypes, it remains relevant in contemporary discussions about economic disparity.

The film’s impact extended beyond entertainment; it was referenced in discussions about financial markets and insider trading reforms. Additionally, both Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy reprised their roles in Eddie Murphy’s later film Coming to America (1988), further solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Overall, Trading Places is remembered not only for its comedic elements but also for its insightful exploration of societal issues, making it a significant entry in both the comedy genre and holiday cinema.

Budget & Box Office Collection: