Page One: ‘Trading Places’ (1983)

Written by Timothy Harris, Herschel Weingrod

The movie version of the opening including credits:

If someone were to ask me, “Hey, what is the most 80s eighties movie,” I more than likely respond with Trading Place. This is about as high concept as you can get: A snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires. The leads, Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy, were at the top of their game. Jamie Lee Curtis was well known for Halloween and some other films. Don Amiche and Ralph Bellamy represent Old Hollywood. Directed by John Landis (Animal House, American Werewolf in London, The Blues Brothers).Hijinks and mayhem ensue in Trading Places. Check out this ridiculous scene:

Here is Dan Aykroyd on the 30th anniversary of the movie:

John Landis also directe the famous 80s Michael Jackson video Thriller:

Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.

For more Page One posts, go here.

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