Appearing on nearly every list of best Christmas movies, including our most recent, sits the 1983 comedy “Trading Places.” The movie stars a pair of SNL powerhouses, and in a way akin to the action thriller “Die Hard” it doesn’t focus on Holiday merriment though occurs with a backdrop of the Christmas season .
You would be hard pressed to find two bigger names in comedy in the early 80s than Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. The pair are polar opposites in every physical way, and this contrast is on display as the focal point of “Trading Places.”
Here, Akroyd plays Louis Winthorpe III, a high end commodities broker with a pampered life of luxury. Winthorpe is a manager for prestigious brokerage firm and Akroyd owns this type of role from a sheer mannerism standpoint. His skills as an actor and comic shine through in the role of a man who, while clearly a well mannered and articulate aristocrat, is not someone who mistreats the every day people he encounters.
Far from the lavish butler-equipped estate that Winthorpe resides in is Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy) a homeless street hustler who feigns being a crippled Vietnam Vet to swindle change from every passerby. In full disclosure I have never been a fan of Murphy’s comedy or on-screen roles. While I find his jokes crass and unfunny, Murphy does do a great job in the role of Billy Ray Valentine. Its interesting that “Trading Places” would be sandwiched between Murphy’s two biggest roles; “48 Hours” and “Beverly Hills Cop” though is by far not nearly as lauded.
Winthorpe and Valentine cross paths on the street, and have their distinct lives reversed at the hands of a wager made by the Duke brothers who own the brokerage firm. Men who make millions of dollars with the ease of a phone call yet still complain about the pesky minimum wage laws.
“Trading Places” is the type of movie that could only work in 1983. It reeks of 80s comedy and nostalgia, both of which work in cohesion to make it funny and enjoyable. One scene shows Winthorpe being removed from a meeting after erroneous theft charges are levied and his exit is shown under the watchful and disapproving eyes of the historic paintings on the wall. On a nostalgic side, we see physical paychecks being handed out, stock trades occurring via phone call, and a random advertisement on the back of a newspaper for an Apple II.
I loved the hysterical and cartoonish behavior of the upper class Duke brothers (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche) who are over-the-top with their wealth, absurd and thoroughly perfect names (Randolph and Mortimer) and stinginess. The brothers serve in almost Scrooge-like roles, at one point offering a “generous” $5 Christmas bonus to a waiter who comically replies “maybe i’ll go to the movies. By myself.”
While the story itself isn’t one of traditional Christmas fare, the holiday season is present throughout. I loved the opening which depicts the lights and decorations of the Christmas season in downtown Philadelphia, where the story takes place. Other festive scenes include a Holiday party and Winthorpe disguising as a disheveled Santa Claus.
Its easy to feel for the character of Louis Winthorpe III, who has his life of wealth and success quickly snatched from under him. Likewise, the Duke brothers make for perfect antagonists in a truly comical way. “He’s a negro.” One says to the other upon first meeting Billy Ray Valentine. “Probably been stealing since he could crawl.” There’s no question who the viewer will be rooting for and against in this one.
Supporting the SNL stars is Denholm Elliot as the Winthorpe butler ,Coleman and legendary Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis as a hooker who helps Winthorpe get his life back. Paul Gleason fills in as the Duke brothers sinister henchman Clarence Beeks. Gleason is easily recognizable for his roles in “The Breakfast Club” and the aforementioned “Die Hard.”
“Trading Places” is a comedy that deserves to be included in your December movie rotation. It’s funny and festive, and one with definite replay value.
by – Matt Christopher
