Randolph (Bellamy) and Mortimer (Ameche) Duke own a successful commodities brokerage. They disagree on most things and have opposing views on nature versus nurture. They make a wager and decide to switch the lives of their managing director, Louis Winthrope III (Aykroyd), with a homeless con man, Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy), to see what will happen. Louis lives a life of means, living in a home owned by the Duke's and has a manservant, Coleman (Elliott), at his beck and call, and is engaged to the Duke's niece. Billy Ray is a fast-talking con man, that has a run-in with Louis and ends up in jail.
The Duke's bail out Billy Ray, move him into Louis' home, and give him the managing director position. Meanwhile, Louis is arrested and loses his fiance, friends, job, and home. Ophelia (Curtis), a prostitute, allows him to live in her apartment, with the promise that he will repay her.
This is my favorite Eddie Murphy film. I love his chemistry with Dan Aykroyd (both were featured players on Saturday Night Live), and have this film in my personal collection. The film re-teams Aykroyd with director John Landis (Blue Brothers; since this film Landis has made additional films with each).
Apparently this film was originally planned to be another collaboration between Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. Pryor dropped out and was replaced with Murphy and Wilder was replaced with Aykroyd. It is difficult to imagine anyone else in these roles. Aykroyd and Murphy play off each other well and show their talent as comedians throughout. Veteran actors Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche are perfectly cast as the Duke brothers and elevate every scene they are in. Jamie Lee Curtis is endearing as Ophelia, a role that could easily go bad. Denholm Elliott is also a smart choice for his role. Pay attention for several entertaining cameos.
Everything works in the film. The story grabs you from the beginning and takes you on an entertaining ride. Definitely worth checking out.
Trading Places (1983) 116 minutes
Rating: R for language, some nudity/sexuality and drug content
Director: John Landis
Starring: Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthrope III
Eddie Murphy as Billy Ray Valentine
Ralph Bellamy as Randolph Duke
Don Ameche as Mortimer Duke
Denholm Elliott as Coleman
Jamie Lee Curtis as Ophelia
Paul Gleason as Clarence Beeks
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