Directed by
Alan Myerson
Made by
Warner Bros.
Discover the intricate plot of Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The cynical Captain Harris and his dim-witted assistant, Lt. Proctor, are eager to find a way to eliminate Commandant Eric Lassard from the Police Academy. To their delight, they discover that Lassard is a year overdue for mandatory retirement. However, just before his retirement, he is honored as the “Police Officer of the Decade” and decides to take his cherished graduates—Sgts. Hightower, Jones, Tackleberry, and Hooks, along with Lt. Callahan and the new recruit, Officer Thomas “House” Conklin—to the National Police Chiefs Convention in sunny Miami Beach.
As fate would have it, Harris and Proctor scheme to discredit Lassard again, fully intending to seize control of the Academy for themselves. Their plans, however, take an unexpected turn when they unknowingly book a flight on an antiquated cargo plane while the rest of the police academy group travels comfortably in first class aboard a 747.
Upon arriving in Miami, the misfit officers encounter Lassard’s nephew, Sgt. Nick Lassard, who is part of the Miami Police Department. Yet, the situation quickly escalates when Nick accidentally grabs a bag that belongs to some jewel thieves, filled with stolen loot.
As the jewel thieves pursue the bag, Captain Harris scrambles to impress Commissioner Hurst and prove his worth as Lassard’s successor. This leads to the typical comedic chaos fans have come to expect, especially when Lassard attempts to guess the annual procedural demonstration.
During the awards ceremony, things take a wild twist when the jewel thieves kidnap Commandant Lassard. Oblivious as ever, he mistakenly believes it to be part of the demonstration. The ensuing negotiation quickly spirals out of control, leading to Harris being captured as well. A thrilling chase across the Everglades kicks off, with the ultimate goal of rescuing the absent-minded Commandant. At one point, Harris faces disaster when he falls overboard and almost becomes an alligator’s meal—until Hightower heroically intervenes, saving him and neutralizing the reptile.
As the thrilling chase comes to its climax, Lassard finds himself at gunpoint, still blissfully unaware that it’s not a demonstration. When Nick attempts to clarify the dire situation to his uncle, the elderly Commandant surprises everyone by single-handedly taking down the jewel thief.
In a heartwarming conclusion, during the presentation of his “Police Officer of the Decade” award and an announcement about his retirement, a loophole revealed by Nick indicates that Lassard’s mandatory retirement is actually optional. Overwhelmed with joy, he decides against retiring, much to the delight of everyone present who bursts into applause.
Track the key events of Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Captain Harris's Scheme
Captain Harris and his dim-witted assistant, Lt. Proctor, devise a plan to eliminate Commandant Eric Lassard from the Police Academy. Their eagerness is fueled by the discovery that Lassard has been overdue for mandatory retirement for a year.
Commandant's Honor
Just before retiring, Lassard receives the prestigious title of 'Police Officer of the Decade'. This accolade is a significant moment for him, prompting him to take his cherished graduates to the National Police Chiefs Convention in Miami Beach.
Flight to Miami
Harris and Proctor's plans to discredit Lassard go awry when they accidentally book a flight on a dilapidated cargo plane. Meanwhile, Lassard and the rest of the crew travel comfortably in first class aboard a 747, setting the stage for comedic mishaps.
Encounter with Sgt. Nick Lassard
Upon arriving in Miami, the group meets Lassard's nephew, Sgt. Nick Lassard, who is serving in the Miami Police Department. The reunion is cut short when Nick inadvertently picks up a bag belonging to jewel thieves, which contains stolen valuables.
Thieves on the Trail
The unexpected grab puts the misfit officers in danger as jewel thieves pursue Nick for the stolen bag. This twist introduces a comedic urgency, as Harris tries to impress Commissioner Hurst by showcasing his capabilities as a leader.
Demonstration Gone Awry
During the annual procedural demonstration, confusion reigns as Lassard mistakenly believes a kidnapping is simply part of the act. The genuine chaos unfolds as the jewel thieves kidnap him, leading to a wild turn of events.
Harris Gets Captured
As the situation escalates, Harris is also captured while trying to negotiate for Lassard's release. This leads the group into a chaotic pursuit of the thieves across the scenic Everglades.
Thrilling Chase
In a high-stakes chase through the swamps, Harris finds himself nearly becoming an alligator's meal. Hightower makes a heroic entrance, saving him and neutralizing the threat posed by the hungry reptile.
At Gunpoint
The thrilling chase reaches a climax as Lassard is held at gunpoint, completely oblivious to the danger surrounding him. Nick desperately tries to explain the severity of the situation to his uncle, adding to the tension.
Lassard's Heroic Moment
In a surprising twist, Lassard, despite his cluelessness, takes down the jewel thief single-handedly. His unsuspecting bravery becomes a pivotal moment in the comedic chaos, shifting the tide of the encounter.
Award Presentation
As the scene shifts back to the convention, Lassard is presented with his 'Police Officer of the Decade' award. The ceremony is filled with celebrations, though tensions from the earlier events still linger.
Loophole Revealed
During the award ceremony, Nick uncovers a loophole in the mandatory retirement rule which suggests that Lassard can continue to serve if he chooses. This revelation injects new energy into the gathering, leaving everyone hopeful.
A Joyful Decision
Overwhelmed with emotion and joy, Lassard decides against retiring after all. The audience erupts into applause, celebrating his decision and solidifying his status as a beloved leader of the Police Academy.
Meet the characters that bring Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Captain Harris (G.W. Bailey)
Captain Harris is a cynical and ambitious character focused on eliminating Lassard to take over his role. His desperate attempts to achieve authority often lead to humorous, misguided plans that backfire, demonstrating a blend of arrogance and comedic ineptitude.
Commandant Eric Lassard (George Gaynes)
Commandant Lassard is an endearing and oblivious leader whose lack of awareness often propels much of the film's humor. His genuine nature and well-meaning disposition fly in the face of the chaos surrounding him, ultimately revealing his heroic instincts when it matters.
Officer Thomas 'House' Conklin (Matt McCoy)
Officer Conklin is the new recruit who embodies enthusiasm and determination as he joins the misfit crew. His character symbolizes the fresh energy needed to navigate the absurdity around him, contributing to both comedic moments and valuable teamwork.
Uncover the settings of Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the culture and social dynamics of the 1980s. This period is characterized by a mix of comedic storytelling and slapstick humor that captures the spirit of light-hearted escapism.
Location
Miami Beach, Everglades
Miami Beach is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, art deco architecture, and lively nightlife. The Everglades, on the other hand, is a vast wetland home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators and exotic birds, making it a unique natural paradise.
Explore the core themes of Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Comedy
The film revolves around comedic elements arising from miscommunication and misunderstandings among a group of bumbling police officers. Their attempts to thwart the jewel thieves while executing their duties create a humorous narrative filled with absurd situations and relentless chaos.
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Redemption
Themes of redemption play a significant role as characters strive to prove their worth, particularly Captain Harris, who seeks to portray competence to take over Commandant Lassard's position. The ultimate conclusion highlights the importance of recognizing one's true value and the joy of camaraderie.
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