Beverly Hills Cop is a classic 1984 action-comedy film directed by Martin Brest and starring Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, a Detroit police detective who travels to Beverly Hills to solve the murder of his best friend. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and launching Eddie Murphy’s career as a leading Hollywood actor. One of the most memorable locations in the film is the mansion owned by the villainous Victor Maitland, which serves as the setting for the film’s climactic action sequence. In this article, we will explore the history of the mansion, its design and architecture, and its role in the making of Beverly Hills Cop.
The History of the Mansion:
The mansion used in Beverly Hills Cop is located at 656 St. Cloud Road in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. The mansion was built in 1927 by architect Gordon Kaufmann, who also designed the Hoover Dam and the Los Angeles Times building. The mansion was originally owned by the famous film director and producer Cecil B. DeMille, who lived there with his family until his death in 1959. After DeMille’s death, the mansion was sold to a series of wealthy owners, including billionaire businessman Marvin Davis and media mogul David Geffen.
Design and Architecture:
The mansion is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture, which was popular in Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s. The mansion features a red-tile roof, stucco walls, and arched doorways and windows. The interior of the mansion is equally impressive, with spacious rooms, high ceilings, and ornate details like carved woodwork and decorative tile. The mansion also features a large swimming pool and a tennis court, which were used in the filming of Beverly Hills Cop.
The Role of the Mansion in Beverly Hills Cop:
The mansion was used as the home of Victor Maitland, the film’s main villain, played by Steven Berkoff. In the film, Axel Foley and his two sidekicks, played by Judge Reinhold and John Ashton, infiltrate the mansion to rescue Foley’s love interest, played by Lisa Eilbacher. The mansion serves as the setting for the film’s climactic action sequence, which features a shootout between Foley and Maitland’s henchmen.
The mansion’s grandeur and opulence serve as a stark contrast to Foley’s working-class background and Detroit roots. The mansion represents the wealth and power of the Beverly Hills elite, which Foley must navigate in order to solve the murder of his friend. The mansion also serves as a symbol of the corruption and criminal activity that Foley must confront in order to bring Maitland to justice.
Current State of the Mansion:
The mansion has undergone several renovations and changes of ownership since its appearance in Beverly Hills Cop. In 1987, the mansion was sold to businessman Meshulam Riklis, who added a second story to the mansion and renovated the interior. In 2000, the mansion was sold to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who also made extensive renovations to the property. The mansion is currently owned by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen, who purchased the property in 2011 for $40 million.
The mansion is currently a private residence and is not open to the public. However, the mansion has been featured in several architectural publications and has been the subject of numerous articles and documentaries. The mansion is also a popular location for film and television shoots, and its stunning design and architecture continue to inspire architects and designers around the world.
Legacy of the Mansion:
The mansion’s appearance in Beverly Hills Cop has cemented its place in Hollywood history and made it an iconic location in the film industry. The mansion has been used in several other films, including The Bodyguard and The Big Lebowski, and has been featured in numerous television shows and advertisements. The mansion’s design and architecture have also inspired other buildings in Southern California and beyond, making it a cultural touchstone and a symbol of the glamour and opulence of Beverly Hills.
Conclusion:
The mansion used in Beverly Hills Cop is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture and a testament to the glamour and opulence of Beverly Hills. Its role in the film as the home of the villainous Victor Maitland adds to its mystique and allure. The mansion has since been sold to new owners and undergone extensive renovations, but its legacy as a Hollywood icon lives on. Beverly Hills Cop remains a beloved classic of 1980s cinema, and the mansion serves as a reminder of the film’s enduring popularity and cultural significance. The mansion’s design and architecture continue to inspire and influence architects and designers around the world, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone and a symbol of the glamour and opulence of Beverly Hills.
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