Trading Places (1983)
John Landis's razor-sharp comedy pits a Wall Street blue blood against a street hustler in a ruthless millionaires' wager that upends both their worlds.
Trading Places - Movie Information
- Original Title: Trading Places
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: John Landis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 7, 1983 (Canada), June 7, 1983 (United States - R), December 9, 1983 (United Kingdom - 15), December 16, 1983 (Germany - 16), November 16, 1983 (France), May 13, 1986 (India), January 26, 1984 (Australia - M), April 12, 1984 (Brazil - 14), May 24, 1984 (Mexico), January 19, 1984 (Italy - T), October 26, 1983 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: Их поменяли местами (RU), Їх поміняли місцями (UA), Entre pillos anda el juego (ES), Die Glücksritter (DE), Trocando as Bolas (BR), Polithrona gia dyo (GR), Zengin ve Sefil (TR)
- Production Companies: Cinema Group Ventures, Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Trading Places - Plot
A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.
Trading Places - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the comedic chaos unfold:
They're not just getting rich... They're getting even.
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Trading Places - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Landis
Main Cast
- Dan Aykroyd
- Eddie Murphy
- Ralph Bellamy
- Don Ameche
- Denholm Elliott
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Paul Gleason
- Frank Oz
- Jim Belushi
- Kristin Holby
Writers
- Timothy Harris
- Herschel Weingrod
Producers
- Irwin Russo
- Aaron Russo
- Sam Williams
Trading Places - FAQs
Where can you stream Trading Places (1983)?
Trading Places is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential, Starz, AMC+, and Kanopy. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on YouTube Free and Hoopla.
What is the famous bet in Trading Places?
The Duke brothers — Randolph and Mortimer — wager a single dollar on whether environment or heredity determines a person's success. They ruin Louis Winthorpe III and install street hustler Billy Ray Valentine in his place, using both men as unwitting pawns in their cruel social experiment.
Who are the main actors in Trading Places?
The film stars Dan Aykroyd as privileged commodities broker Louis Winthorpe III and Eddie Murphy as streetwise con-artist Billy Ray Valentine. The supporting cast includes Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, Denholm Elliott, Paul Gleason, Frank Oz, Jim Belushi, and Kristin Holby.
Is Trading Places based on a true story?
Trading Places is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod. However, the film's depiction of commodities market manipulation was considered so realistic that it reportedly influenced the Commodity Futures Modernization Act, making certain trading practices depicted in the film illegal.
What is Trading Places rated and why?
Trading Places is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects adult language, brief nudity, drug references, and mature comedic content throughout the film. It is not suitable for younger audiences despite its broadly comedic premise.
How long is Trading Places?
Trading Places has a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes (116 minutes). The film moves at a brisk pace, balancing its satirical social commentary with physical comedy, character development, and a climactic New Year's Eve commodities market sequence.
Did Trading Places win any awards?
Trading Places earned strong critical praise and was a major box office hit, grossing over $90 million against a $15 million budget. Composer Elmer Bernstein received a BAFTA Award nomination for his score. The film is widely regarded as one of the finest comedies of the 1980s.
What movies are similar to Trading Places?
Fans of Trading Places often enjoy Coming to America (1988), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and Spies Like Us (1985), all featuring Eddie Murphy or a similar comedic sensibility. The Holiday (2006), School of Rock (2003), and Meet the Parents (2000) also share the fish-out-of-water comedic premise.
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