Answers to some questions about Beverley Hills Cop.

I saw this when it first came out, and always liked it just as a fun cop movie that didn't take anything too seriously. got an anniversary edition of this, and the behind the scenes stuff answered some questions and also made the movie cooler for me.

First off, the original lead in this was going to be Sylvester Stallone. That would have been tragic, but whatever- he didn't take the role as he was busy doing something else (probably Cobra, but I don't recall for sure.) I believe the producers were mostly against using Eddie Murphy, and don't recall what turned them around on that opinion, but it was obviously a great choice. The concensus amongst the directors and actors interviewed is that Eddie Murphy played a cop like no one had played it before, and basically redefined the cop movie for the next ten years. They also expected it to fail, but in the first week lines were literally around the block.

Also they put Bronson Pinchot, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Damon Wayans in it and let them just roll with it. That was a stroke of genius, and began a trend for letting great improv performers play small supporting roles. Bronson Pinchot and Damon Wayans stole it, but Judge Reinhold played the dumb rookie so well he worked perfectly off of Eddie Murphy's wisecracking street-smart character. John Ashton was just creme on the top.

One item I have always noticed but never mentioned to anyone- did anyone else notice how incredibly low-budget the Detroit cop cars were? I noticed that in the first showing I saw, but rationalized that maybe that is what detroit police cars look like. They literally are like used rental cars with huge lights on top and stickers that say "Detroit PD" on the doors. I find that hilarious. Cheers- T.