Axel Foley is a Detroit cop who after the murder of his friend travels to California to investigate and track down the killer, who he believes operate an arts dealership as a cover in Beverly Hills. He teams up with two reluctant detectives from the Beverly Hills police force who were supposed to keep a watch on him, especially after seeing Foley's different approach to tackling the situations which is not acceptable by the chief of the local police.

During his tirade at the Beverly Palms Hotel, Axel pretends to be writing an article called "Michael Jackson: Sitting on Top of the World" for Rolling Stone magazine. In real life, Playboy ran an article called "Eddie Murphy: Sitting on Top of the World."

Sergeant Taggart:
Why didn't you identify yourself as a police officer when you were arrested?


Axel Foley:
'Cause I was mindin' my own business. Hey, where the fuck do you guys get off on arresting somebody for getting thrown out of a window?


Sergeant Taggart:
We have six witnesses that say you broke in and started tearing up the place, then jumped out the window!


Axel Foley:
And you guys believe that? What the fuck are you, cops or doormen?


Sergeant Taggart:
We're more likely to believe an important local businessman than a foul-mouthed jerk from out of town.


Axel Foley:
Foul-mouthed?

[Taggart nods]


Axel Foley:
Fuck you, man.


Detective Rosewood:
[Taggart stands up and draws himself to full height] Hey, Sarge...


Sergeant Taggart:
You watch your mouth.


Axel Foley:
[standing] Hey, man, don't square off on me with some bullshit.

[shoves Taggart]


Axel Foley:
You wanna start some static?


Sergeant Taggart:
Hey, don't push me!


Axel Foley:
[shoves Taggart again] Fuck you, man!

[Taggart delivers hard blow to Axel's stomach... Axel doubles over in pain]


Lieutenant Bogomil:
[witnessing from his office] Taggart!


Sergeant Taggart:
Yes, sir.


Lieutenant Bogomil:
Come here.

[Taggart enters Bogomil's office, both emerge a minute later]


Sergeant Taggart:
Sir... I apologize for striking you. I have no excuse.


Axel Foley:
[bemused] Forget about it.

Continuity: The goon in Maitland's office buttons his jacket twice.

Written by Keith Forsey & Harold Faltermeyer
Performed by Glenn Frey
Produced by Keith Forsey & Harold Faltermeyer