The role reversal premise was an old one, even if it was refreshed by casting a black actor and a white actor in the lead roles. But Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd were sure-fire box-office bets, and the film helped Murphy take another step up the ladder of comic stardom. It was one of the choicest film roles for Aykroyd, whose career has had its share of dim parts, and director John Landis knew how to mix the ingredients into box-office gold. The supporting performance of veterans Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, and Denholm Elliott give the comedy surprising depth.