Trading Places is a 1983 American comedy satire film directed by John Landis and written by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod. The film tells the story of an upper class commodities broker (Dan Aykroyd) and a homeless street hustler (Eddie Murphy) whose lives cross paths when they are unknowingly made part of an elaborate test of nature vs nurture by wealthy Duke brothers, Randolph (Ralph Bellamy) and Mortimer (Don Ameche). The film also stars Denholm Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis. The storyline is often called a modern take on Mark Twain's classic 19th century novel The Prince and the Pauper.
It was released to theaters in North America on June 8, 1983, where it was distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film earned over US$90 million during its theatrical run in the United States, finishing as the fourth highest earning film of the year and the second highest earning R-rated film of 1983.
Denholm Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis won the awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively, at the 37th British Academy Film Awards. The film was nominated for several additional awards including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 41st Golden Globe Awards.
Read more about Trading Places: Plot, Themes, Cast, Soundtrack, Legacy