Seat for Two is a 1983 film directed by John Landis. The film is a comedy that tells the story of two men, Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and Billie Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), whose lives are turned upside down due to a bet made by two wealthy bankers.
Louis is a successful broker, while Billie Ray is homeless. The two meet for the first time on Christmas Eve, when Louis is arrested for a crime he didn't commit.
In reality, Louis was framed by Mortimer and Randolph Duke, two banker brothers who bet on which man, Louis or Billie Ray, would be more successful in a week.
The Dukes, with the complicity of Coleman, one of their employees, and Clarence Beeks, a government official, exchange the lives of the two men.
Louis is left homeless and penniless, while Billie Ray is hired as a broker by Mortimer and Randolph.
Initially, Louis is shocked by his new situation. However, with the help of Ophelia, a prostitute who feels guilty for having framed him, Louis begins to rebuild his life.
Meanwhile, Billie Ray proves to have a natural talent for finance. In just one week, he manages to earn millions of dollars for Duke.
At the end of the week, the Dukes discover that Billie Ray has won their bet. However, the two men are forced to pay Louis, who has also earned a fortune.
The success of the film
An Armchair for 2 was a great success with audiences and critics. The film grossed over $115 million at the box office and received two Oscar nominations, for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
The film is considered a cult for its comedy, its satire of the world of finance and its message of hope.
The cast
The film has a stellar cast, which includes:
- Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthorpe III
- Eddie Murphy as Billie Ray Valentine
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Ophelia
- Ralph Bellamy as Mortimer Duke
- Don Ameche as Randolph Duke
- Denholm Elliott as Coleman
- Paul Gleason as Clarence Beeks
The film in Italy
In Italy, An Armchair for 2 has become a cult film. The film is broadcast on television every year during the Christmas holidays and is always a great success with the public.
The film has also been the subject of numerous parodies and homages, including on the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air .