Beverly Hills Cop
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) is an American action comedy film directed by Martin Brest and starring Eddie Murphy. The film boosted the popularity of Eddie Murphy as he started to become a mainstream actor. The film won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Motion Picture (1985) and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical (1985).
Plot Outline
Detroit cop Axel Foley (Murphy) receives a visit from his best friend Mikey (James Russo) from California. Not long after Mikey arrives, he is killed, right in front of Axel, by a man named Zack. Foley follows the trail of the killer to Beverly Hills, California. There, he enlists the help of Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Detective Sargeant John Taggart (John Ashton) (both originally assigned to keep an eye on Axel) in investigating the murder of his friend.
They soon discover that the murderer works for Victor Maitland (Stephen Berkoff), owner of an art gallery. As they investigate further, they find that Maitland is a drug kingpin only using the gallery as a front - the team have to bring him to justice.
Film details
- Released: December 5, 1984
- Length: 105 minutes
- Directed by: Martin Brest
- Written by: Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr.
Main Cast
- Eddie Murphy - Det. Axel Foley
- Judge Reinhold - Det. William 'Billy' Rosewood
- John Ashton - Det. Sgt. John Taggart
- Lisa Eilbacher - Jeannette 'Jenny' Summers
- Ronny Cox - Lt. Andrew Bogomil
- Steven Berkoff - Victor Maitland
Soundtrack
The title tune "Axel F" is very recognisable and has since been covered by numerous artists. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (1986).
Selected items from the soundtrack:
- Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F
- Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On
- Danny Elfman - Gratitude
- Patti LaBelle - New Attitude and Stir It Up
- Pointer Sisters - Neutron Dance