Walter Hill‘s 1982 action-comedy, 48 Hrs, is a thrilling ride that pairs two unlikely heroes for a high-stakes adventure. Nick Nolte stars as Detective Jack Cates, a grizzled and cynical cop, while Eddie Murphy, in his first film role, delivers a breakout performance as Reggie Hammond, a street smart and quick-witted convict.
Cates needs Hammond’s help to catch dangerous criminal Albert Ganz who escaped from prison, killed a police detective after taking Cates’ service revolver and is currently at-large on the streets of San Francisco. In exchange for his assistance, Cates gets Hammond out of prison on a 48 hour pass.
As the two men embark on their mission, they must navigate the criminal underworld of San Francisco, all while clashing personalities and comedic misunderstandings.
Nolte and Murphy’s chemistry is undeniable, with their contrasting styles creating a dynamic and entertaining duo.
Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Nolte’s gruff and world-weary performance is perfectly balanced by Murphy’s energetic and comedic flair. The film is filled with memorable action sequences, witty banter, and quotable lines that have become part of pop culture.
48 Hrs is not only Murphy’s debut film, but also notable as the first film with Joel Silver credited as producer.
Reception for 48 Hrs
48 Hrs opened at No.3 at the box office, grossing $4.4 million, trailing The Toy ($6.3 million) and Airplane II: The Sequel ($5.3 million) and ahead of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, which finished at No. 4 with $2.04 million in its 27th week of release.
48 Hrs would go on to gross $78.9 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave 48 Hrs three and a half out of four stars in his review, praising Murphy “Sometimes an actor becomes a star in just one scene. Jack Nicholson did it in Easy Rider, wearing the football helmet on the back of the motorcycle. It happened to Faye Dunaway when she looked sleepily out of a screen window at Warren Beatty in Bonnie and Clyde. And in 48 Hrs., it happens to Eddie Murphy.”
Lasting Legacy
48 Hrs. is a classic buddy cop film that blends action, comedy, and drama into a thrilling and entertaining package. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, making it a true genre-defining masterpiece.
