Trading Places: A Comedy Classic

Randolph Duke and Mortimer Duke manipulate events to conduct a "scientific experiment". They take Billy Ray Valentine, a bum, make him a successful executive, and destroy Winthorp Lewis III's life. They do this for a one dollar bet.

Billy Ray receives a beautiful home, a job with a very generous salary and a servant. He shares his good fortune with the people that he knew; only they take advantage of his generosity. While he is groomed at his new job, he displays good common sense; he is earning his salary.

Winthorp had a life of luxury. His "friends" turned their back on him when he was faced with trouble, he had his bank accounts frozen, house taken away from him, servant taken away from him, and job taken away from him. He was horribly down on his luck.

At this time, Winthorp met Ophelia. She agreed to support him while he got his life going once again. Little did she know that during this time Winthorp and Billy Ray would meet and figure out a plan of revenge against Randolph and Mortimer.

The plan they came up with had the Dukes losing large sums of money while Billy Ray and Winthorp gained an obscene of money.

The enjoyment level of this movie is high. However, it can be seen that what each character does and what happens to them, could also happen to us. The Dukes manipulate - they get misfortune heaped on them. Billy Ray and Winthorp have their lives messed with - they learn the true meaning of friendship, and they fight against the dishonest with dishonesty. Ophelia lends support to Winthorp and is paid back - literally!

The moral is: We reap what we sow - so be careful what you do.