The Last Detail

Main Plot

The Last Detail follows two Navy sailors, Buddusky and Mulhall, who are assigned to escort a young seaman named Meadows to a military prison. Meadows has been sentenced to eight years for a minor offense, and the two seasoned sailors decide to make the most of their time together before delivering him to his fate. As they travel from Norfolk to Portsmouth, they take Meadows on a series of adventures, introducing him to the pleasures of life outside the confines of military discipline. Along the way, they confront their own views on duty, freedom, and the harsh realities of military life. The journey becomes a poignant exploration of camaraderie, the burdens of responsibility, and the fleeting nature of youth, as the sailors grapple with the implications of their mission and the impact it has on Meadows' life.

Characters

• Jack Nicholson plays Billy "Badass" Buddusky, a Navy officer tasked with escorting a young sailor to prison, forming a bond during their journey.
• Randy Quaid plays Larry Meadows, a young sailor being escorted to prison by two Navy officers, highlighting themes of friendship and authority.
• Otis Young plays Gunner's Mate First Class Richard "Mule" Mulhall, who assists in escorting a young sailor to prison, forming a bond during their journey.

Ending Explained

In The Last Detail, the ending culminates in a poignant resolution to the journey of the three main characters. After a series of misadventures and moments of camaraderie, the two sailors, Bud and Mule, are faced with the reality of their mission to escort the young sailor, Meadows, to prison. As they approach their destination, the emotional weight of their journey becomes evident. In a final act of defiance against the rigid military system, Bud and Mule decide to give Meadows a taste of freedom before he faces his punishment. They take him on a series of escapades, allowing him to experience life outside the confines of his impending incarceration. This act of rebellion highlights the themes of friendship, the burdens of duty, and the harsh realities of life. Ultimately, the film ends with Meadows being taken to prison, but not before he has had a brief glimpse of joy and camaraderie. The contrast between the fleeting moments of happiness and the grim reality of his fate underscores the film's exploration of the human spirit in the face of institutional constraints. The ending leaves viewers reflecting on the complexities of life, freedom, and the bonds formed in adversity.