Trading Places: Hilarious Bloopers You Never Noticed in This Classic Film
The 1983 comedy classic Trading Places, starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, remains one of the most beloved films of its era. Packed with sharp humor, social satire, and unforgettable performances, the movie has entertained audiences for decades. But even the best films aren’t immune to bloopers and filming mistakes. If you’ve watched Trading Places countless times, you may have missed some of these hilarious goofs that made it into the final cut.
A Comedy Classic with Hidden Mistakes
When Trading Places first hit theaters, it quickly became a box office hit, cementing its status as a must-watch comedy. But over the years, eagle-eyed fans have spotted numerous bloopers that slipped past the filmmakers. From disappearing props to background extras breaking character, here’s a closer look at some of the funniest mistakes in the film.
1. The Magic Cigarette Disappearance
One of the most famous bloopers in Trading Places happens during a scene with Eddie Murphy’s character, Billy Ray Valentine. In one shot, Billy Ray is holding a cigarette while talking, but in the very next cut, the cigarette vanishes completely. This classic continuity error is easy to miss unless you’re paying close attention, but once you see it, you won’t be able to unsee it!
2. The Miraculous Holiday Decor Swap
The film takes place during the holiday season, with Christmas decorations playing a big part in setting the atmosphere. However, in one scene featuring Dan Aykroyd’s character, Louis Winthorpe III, the festive decorations seem to change instantly between shots. This inconsistency might have been an oversight in set design, but it adds to the charm of spotting bloopers in classic films.
3. Background Extras Caught Off Guard
Another funny mistake happens in a scene where Billy Ray is adjusting to his newfound wealth. As he walks down a street, some background extras can be seen staring directly at the camera. It’s clear that they were real people caught in the moment rather than hired actors who were supposed to blend into the background. This accidental breaking of the fourth wall adds an unintentional comedic touch.
4. The Stock Market Scene’s Unrealistic Trading
The film’s climactic stock exchange scene is one of the most intense moments, but finance experts have pointed out that the way trading is depicted is highly inaccurate. From the unrealistic speed of transactions to how the characters manipulate the market, the entire sequence is exaggerated for dramatic effect. While it works for storytelling, it’s a blooper in terms of real-world trading.
5. A Microphone Makes a Surprise Appearance
In one indoor scene, a boom microphone accidentally dips into the frame for a brief second. This type of mistake is more common in older movies where crew equipment sometimes sneaks into the shot. If you look closely, you might catch this small but amusing error.
6. The Suitcase That Packs Itself
In one memorable scene, Billy Ray is seen packing a suitcase, yet in the next shot, the contents appear to have rearranged themselves. The position of clothes and accessories changes mysteriously between cuts, showing a clear continuity error. It’s a small but noticeable mistake that adds to the fun of rewatching this classic.
7. The Case of the Vanishing Drink
Another hilarious goof happens during a party scene where a character is holding a glass of champagne. One moment the glass is nearly full, but in the very next shot, it’s almost empty—without anyone having taken a sip. This continuity slip-up is a common one in films but still fun to catch.
8.How Jamie Lee Curtis felt about nude scene
The comedy marked Jamie Lee Curtis’ first nude scene, and she actually went on to do another topless scene later that same year in Love Letters (1983).
In a 1990 interview, Jamie Lee Curtis was pretty confident about her topless scene.
She even said, “My breasts are beautiful, and I gotta tell you, they’ve gotten a lot of attention for what is relatively short screen time,” when speaking to the Chicago Tribune.
Conclusion
Even a beloved comedy like Trading Places isn’t without its flaws, and these bloopers only add to the fun of rewatching the film. Next time you sit down to enjoy this classic, keep an eye out for these hilarious mistakes—you might just discover a new one! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the film, Trading Places remains a must-watch for its comedy, sharp writing, and unforgettable performances.
