The words `starring Eddie Murphy' and `directed by John Landis' may now induce shivers, but back in 1983 their names spelled `ker-ching!' Murphy had just scored with comedy 48 Hrs and Landis with gross-fest Animal House. Trading Places is miles better than both of these. Much of this is down to veteran stars Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche who, as the avaricious Duke brothers, vow to solve the nature-versus-nurture debate by pushing Dan Aykroyd's Harvard grad into the gutter and elevating Murphy's grifter to company chief. They're magnificently venal and unexpectedly profane and, while the two-hour running time overstretches the material, there are plenty of laughs - as well as sly digs at the racism and greed of the American establishment. Oh, and Denholm Elliott is great value as long-suffering butler Coleman.
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