Flori Bickel

Written by Flori Bickel

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

31-facts-about-the-movie-beverly-hills-cop
Source: Tvinsider.com

If you’re a fan of classic ’80s action-comedy films, then chances are you’ve heard of Beverly Hills Cop. This iconic movie, released in 1984, not only catapulted Eddie Murphy into super-stardom, but it also left a lasting impact on the genre as a whole. Directed by Martin Brest, Beverly Hills Cop follows the story of Detroit detective Axel Foley as he travels to the glamorous city of Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his best friend.

In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Beverly Hills Cop and uncover 31 intriguing facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to interesting trivia about the cast and production, get ready to take a trip down memory lane and revisit this beloved film that had audiences laughing, cheering, and singing along to “Axel F.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop, released in 1984, became a huge hit with its mix of action and comedy. His ad-libbed lines and iconic theme song “Axel F” made it a beloved classic.
  • The movie’s success led to two sequels and a TV series. Eddie Murphy’s role as Axel Foley catapulted him to stardom, and the film remains a cherished classic with timeless appeal.
Table of Contents

Beverly Hills Cop was released in 1984

One of the first things to know about Beverly Hills Cop is that it was released in This action-comedy film quickly gained popularity and became a huge success.

The movie stars Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley

Eddie Murphy plays the hilarious and quick-witted detective Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. His charismatic performance helped propel the movie to great heights.

The film was directed by Martin Brest

Martin Brest was the director behind Beverly Hills Cop. His vision and storytelling skills brought the characters and storyline to life on the big screen.

The iconic theme song, “Axel F”, was composed by Harold Faltermeyer

Harold Faltermeyer composed the unforgettable theme song, “Axel F,” which became an instant hit. The catchy tune is synonymous with the movie and is often associated with Axel Foley’s character.

Beverly Hills Cop was a box office success

The movie was a huge box office success, grossing over $230 million worldwide. It became the highest-grossing film of 1984 in the United States and cemented its place in cinematic history.

The story follows Axel Foley as he investigates the murder of his best friend

The main plot centers around Axel Foley, a Detroit detective who goes to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his best friend. This sets the stage for a thrilling and action-packed journey.

Beverly Hills Cop is known for its blend of action and comedy

The movie strikes the perfect balance between high-octane action and comedic moments. Its witty dialogue and comedic timing make it a memorable viewing experience.

The film showcases the contrasting cultures of Detroit and Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Cop explores the stark differences between the gritty streets of Detroit and the luxurious lifestyle of Beverly Hills. This clash of cultures adds depth to the story.

Judge Reinhold and John Ashton co-star as Axel’s fellow detectives

Judge Reinhold and John Ashton play the roles of Billy Rosewood and John Taggart, respectively. Their chemistry with Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley provides plenty of humorous moments.

The movie was nominated for two Academy Awards

Beverly Hills Cop received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing at the 57th Academy Awards. Though it didn’t win, the nominations were a testament to its quality.

Beverly Hills Cop has spawned two sequels

The success of the original film led to the creation of two sequels: Beverly Hills Cop II in 1987 and Beverly Hills Cop III in Both movies continued Axel Foley’s adventures.

Eddie Murphy ad-libbed many of his lines

Eddie Murphy’s natural comedic talent shines through in Beverly Hills Cop, as he ad-libbed many of his lines. His improvisation adds even more humor to the already entertaining script.

The movie features memorable action sequences

Beverly Hills Cop is packed with thrilling action sequences, including car chases, shootouts, and explosive moments. These scenes keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Lisa Eilbacher portrays Jenny Summers, Axel’s love interest

Lisa Eilbacher plays the role of Jenny Summers, a key character and Axel’s love interest in the film. Their on-screen chemistry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

The film’s budget was $15 million

With a modest budget of $15 million, Beverly Hills Cop proved that a well-crafted story and talented cast can achieve tremendous success at the box office.

It was the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time upon its release

Upon its release, Beverly Hills Cop became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, surpassing previous records. Its success further solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon.

The movie received positive reviews from critics

Beverly Hills Cop garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its blend of action, comedy, and Eddie Murphy’s performance. It has since become a beloved classic.

The script was originally written as a serious action thriller

Interestingly, the script for Beverly Hills Cop was initially written as a serious action thriller. However, Eddie Murphy’s unique comedic style influenced the direction of the film and transformed it into a comedy.

The movie was shot on location in Beverly Hills and Detroit

To bring authenticity to the story, Beverly Hills Cop was filmed on location in both Beverly Hills, California, and Detroit, Michigan. The settings add to the overall visual appeal.

Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe for his performance

Eddie Murphy’s outstanding performance in Beverly Hills Cop earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. It solidified his status as a comedic superstar.

The film’s success led to a television series

The popularity of Beverly Hills Cop led to the creation of a television series of the same name. Although it only aired for one season, it further expanded the franchise’s reach.

Beverly Hills Cop features a memorable opening chase sequence

The movie starts off with a thrilling chase scene through the streets of Detroit, setting the tone for the action-packed adventure that follows.

The film’s soundtrack became a best-selling album

The soundtrack for Beverly Hills Cop, featuring the iconic “Axel F” theme song and other memorable tracks, became a best-selling album. It further solidified the movie’s cultural impact.

Damon Wayans and Bronson Pinchot have small roles in the film

Damon Wayans and Bronson Pinchot, both known for their comedic talents, have brief but memorable appearances in Beverly Hills Cop. They add to the overall comedic atmosphere of the movie.

The film tackles themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice

Beyond its action and comedy elements, Beverly Hills Cop explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. It gives the movie depth and resonance.

The movie has influenced other action-comedy films

Beverly Hills Cop’s success and unique blend of action and comedy have influenced and paved the way for other films in the genre. Its impact can still be felt in movies today.

George Lucas was initially considered to direct the film

George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Star Wars franchise, was initially considered to direct Beverly Hills Cop. However, the role ultimately went to Martin Brest.

Steven Berkoff portrays the main antagonist, Victor Maitland

Steven Berkoff delivers a formidable performance as Victor Maitland, the main antagonist of the film. His portrayal adds tension and suspense to the story.

Beverly Hills Cop was a career-defining role for Eddie Murphy

Beverly Hills Cop catapulted Eddie Murphy to super-stardom and established him as one of the most talented comedians of his generation. His portrayal of Axel Foley remains one of his most iconic roles.

The film’s success led to a theme park attraction

Such was Beverly Hills Cop’s popularity that it inspired a theme park attraction called “Beverly Hills Cop: The Live Action Show” at the Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Orlando, Florida.

Beverly Hills Cop remains a beloved classic

Decades after its release, Beverly Hills Cop continues to be cherished by audiences around the world. Its unforgettable characters, memorable quotes, and timeless blend of action and comedy ensure its place as a beloved classic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beverly Hills Cop is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its perfect blend of action, comedy, and thrills. Eddie Murphy’s performance as Axel Foley is iconic and unforgettable, and the movie’s memorable characters, thrilling plot, and catchy soundtrack only add to its appeal. With its unique blend of humor and intense action sequences, Beverly Hills Cop remains a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering it for the first time, this film is sure to entertain and leave you wanting more. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to the wild and glamorous world of Beverly Hills Cop.

FAQs

1. When was Beverly Hills Cop released?

Beverly Hills Cop was released on December 5, 1984.

2. Who directed Beverly Hills Cop?

The movie was directed by Martin Brest.

3. What is the plot of Beverly Hills Cop?

Beverly Hills Cop follows the story of Axel Foley, a Detroit police detective who travels to Beverly Hills to solve the murder of his friend. Along the way, he uncovers a web of corruption and crime.

4. Who stars in Beverly Hills Cop?

Eddie Murphy plays the lead role of Axel Foley. The movie also stars Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood and John Ashton as Sergeant Taggart.

5. Is Beverly Hills Cop a comedy or an action movie?

Beverly Hills Cop is a perfect blend of comedy and action. It combines hilarious moments with thrilling action sequences.

6. Are there any sequels to Beverly Hills Cop?

Yes, there are two sequels: Beverly Hills Cop II released in 1987 and Beverly Hills Cop III released in 1994.

7. What is the iconic theme song of Beverly Hills Cop?

The iconic theme song of Beverly Hills Cop is “Axel F” composed by Harold Faltermeyer.

8. Has Beverly Hills Cop received any awards?

Yes, Beverly Hills Cop was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and received a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.