Trading Places, the 1983 comedy classic directed by John Landis, remains a timeless favorite among audiences even after four decades. Starring the iconic duo of Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, this hilarious film not only provided endless laughter but also played a significant role in catapulting its lead stars to household-name status. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, let’s delve into some fascinating and lesser-known facts about this beloved movie.
1. A Tennis Game Sparks an Idea
The concept of Trading Places sprang from the heated arguments between two competitive brothers who happened to be doctors. Screenwriter Timothy Harris drew inspiration from their constant debates on the nature versus nurture theory and pitched the idea to his writing partner Herschel Weingrod.
2. Drunk Traders Influence the Film
For research purposes, the screenwriters immersed themselves in the world of stock trading and spent time with inebriated traders in Los Angeles. The traders’ happy-hours, which began early in the day due to the time difference with New York, provided intriguing insights for the script.
3. Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder Were the Original Choices
Before the Murphy-Aykroyd duo, the film was envisioned as a vehicle for Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. However, due to an unfortunate incident where Richard Pryor set himself on fire, the project took a different direction.
4. Eddie Murphy’s Rise to Fame
At the time of casting, Eddie Murphy was still an up-and-coming talent, and director John Landis was unfamiliar with him. Murphy’s breakout role in 48 Hrs. had not been released yet. However, after witnessing his talent, Landis was convinced he had found a future star.
5. The Surprising Resurrection of Don Ameche
Ray Milland was initially chosen to play Mortimer Duke, but due to health reasons, he had to step down. John Landis then sought out Don Ameche, who had not appeared in a movie for 13 years. Fortunately, Ameche was alive and well and eventually returned to the big screen, even winning an Oscar two years later.
6. Unfamiliar Faces
Despite their iconic status, Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche admitted they were not familiar with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd’s work. Similarly, Murphy and Aykroyd were not well-acquainted with Bellamy and Ameche.
7. Jamie Lee Curtis Breaks the Mold
Casting Jamie Lee Curtis for the role of Ophelia proved to be challenging, as she was primarily known for her work in horror films. However, Landis fought for her, and Curtis delivered a standout performance, proving her versatility as an actress.
8. G. Gordon Liddy’s Almost-Cameo
Infamous personality G. Gordon Liddy was considered for the role of Clarence Beeks but declined after reading the controversial final scene involving his character and a gorilla. The role eventually went to Paul Gleason.
9. The Film’s Diverse Filming Locations
Trading Places was shot in various locations, including Philadelphia, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Philadelphia was chosen for its historical significance and connection to American ideals.
10. Jamie Lee Curtis’ Quirky Living Situation
During the filming, Jamie Lee Curtis stayed in an apartment owned by Marlene Dietrich’s grandson, J. Michael Riva, to whom she was engaged.
11. Giancarlo Esposito’s Early Appearance
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his role as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad, made a brief appearance as one of Eddie Murphy’s cellmates in the film. Esposito was in awe of Murphy’s talent and later became friends with him.
12. A Star-Studded Cast
Trading Places featured several interesting cameos, including Bo Diddley as a pawnbroker, Jim Belushi in a gorilla costume, Al Franken and Tom Davis as baggage handlers, and Frank Oz as a police officer.
13. Al Franken’s Ongoing Royalties
Comedian Al Franken still receives royalties for his cameo appearance as a baggage handler in the film.
14. Aykroyd and Murphy Cause Trading Havoc
During the filming at the World Trade Center’s commodity exchange, Aykroyd and Murphy were meant to perform amidst real stock traders and extras. However, their presence caused such a distraction that $6 billion of trading had to be halted, leading to a rescheduling of the shoot.
15. The “Eddie Murphy Rule”
The film’s plot involving insider information from a USDA report prompted the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to introduce the “Eddie Murphy Rule” in 2010. The rule banned the use of misappropriated government information for commodity markets trading.
Trading Places remains a timeless classic that not only delivered laughs but also left a lasting impact on the careers of its talented cast. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we can’t help but cherish the hilarity and brilliance this film continues to bring to audiences worldwide.
