BEVERLY HILLS COP (1984)

Monday, October 5, 7 pm

The film British novelist Kingsley Amis called “a flawless masterpiece.” Originally meant as a violent action vehicle for Sylvester Stallone, the picture was retooled for Murphy’s more lighthearted talents, resulting in 1984’s highest-grossing film and an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. After his childhood friend is murdered, Detroit detective Axel Foley travels to Beverly Hills to investigate the murder, discovering a crime ring operating out of the wealthy enclave. Murphy stars alongside Judge Reinhold, Ronny Cox, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Jonathan Banks and Bronson Pinchot. Directed by Martin Brest.

48 HRS. (1982)

Monday, October 12, 7 pm

Murphy was only 21 when he starred in Walter Hill’s gritty comedy that defined the “buddy action” film for decades to come. Reggie Hammond (Murphy) is doing time for armed robbery. Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) is the San Francisco inspector who is hunting Albert Ganz (James Remar) and Billy Bear (Sonny Landham), two ruthless murderers who gunned down Cates’ friends. Knowing Hammond used to work with Ganz and Bear, Cates bails the young criminal out for 48 hours to help him find the two killers. Co-starring Annette O’Toole, David Patrick Kelly, Brion James, James Keane, and Jonathan Banks.

BOWFINGER (1999)

Monday, October 19, 7 pm

The dark horse of our Eddie Murphy program is this hilarious 1999 Hollywood satire written by Steve Martin and directed by Frank Oz. Bobby Bowfinger (Martin) is a never-was filmmaker, a loser who refuses to give up on his silver screen dreams. Through a bit of chicanery, Bowfinger manages to convince Universal Pictures to distribute his sci-fi movie, Chubby Rain. The only catch? Bowfinger needs to convince hot action star Kit Ramsey (Murphy) to sign on. When Kit vanishes, Bowfinger turns to his next best option: Ramsey’s film nerd brother, Jiff (also Murphy). Joining Martin and Murphy are Heather Graham as Bowfinger’s bed-hopping opportunist girlfriend; Terence Stamp as the head of the Scientology-like cult Kit belongs to; Christine Baranski as an actor who joins Bowfinger’s guerilla shoot; and Robert Downey Jr. as the Universal exec who gives Bowfinger the chance to make his first film.

COMING TO AMERICA (1988)

Monday, October 26, 7 pm

Murphy reunited with his Trading Places director John Landis for this smash 1988 fish out of water comedy. Prince Akeem (Murphy) is a pampered, sheltered son of African royalty. When his parents arrange a marriage on 21st birthday, Akeem decides he will travel to America to meet a woman who doesn’t want him for his money. Pretending to a regular immigrant, Akeem throws himself into the wildness of 1980s New York as he searches for the love of his life. Co-starring Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Eriq La Salle, Frankie Faison, Louie Anderson, and an appearance from Samuel L. Jackson.

SHAFT (1971)

Monday, November 2, 7 pm

A crime lord hires a private eye to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.

THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE (1973)

Monday, November 9, 7 pm

After his last crime has him looking at a long prison sentence for repeat offenses, a low level Boston gangster decides to snitch on his friends to avoid jail time.

BLOOD SIMPLE (1984)

Monday, November 14, 7 pm

The owner of a seedy small-town Texas bar discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife. A chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies, and mischief ensues after he devises a plot to have them murdered.

POINT BLANK (1967)

Monday, November 23, 7 pm

After being double-crossed and left for dead, a mysterious man named Walker single-mindedly tries to retrieve the money that was stolen from him.

AMERICAN GIGOLO (1980)

Monday, November 30, 7 pm

Los Angeles escort Julian Kay is accused of a murder which he did not commit.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)

Monday, December 7, 7 pm

In 1936, archaeologist Indiana Jones is tasked by Army Intelligence to help locate a legendary ancient power, the Ark of Covenant, before the Nazis get it first.

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)

Monday, December 14, 7 pm

In 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a sacred stone stolen from them by a secret cult.

INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989)

Monday, December 21, 7 pm

In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.