The Prince and the Pauper retell the story, other cartoons employ parody (including an episode of the animated television show "Johnny Bravo" in which Twain appears, begging cartoonists to "let this tired story die"). Film critic Roger Ebert suggested that the 1983 comedy film "Trading Places" (starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy) has similarities to Twain's tale due to the two characters' switching lives (although not by choice). A much-abridged 1920 silent version was produced (as one of his first films) by Alexander Korda in Austria entitled "Der Prinz und der Bettelknabe". The 1937 version starred Errol Flynn (as Hendon) and twins Billy and Bobby
Eddie Murphy being heavily re-written from comic relief to love interest, ultimately went to future "7th Heaven" star Catherine Hicks. By this point Murphy's near-exclusive contract with Paramount Pictures rivaled "Star Trek" as Paramount's most lucrative franchise. In 1986, Murphy starred in the supernatural comedy, "The Golden Child". Although "The Golden Child" performed well at the box office, the movie was not as critically acclaimed as "48 Hrs.", "Trading Places", and "Beverly Hills Cop". "The Golden Child" was considered a change of pace for Murphy because of the supernatural setting as opposed to the more "street smart" settings of Murphy's previous efforts.