The Last Detail 1973
"No *#@!!* Navy’s going to give some poor **!!@* kid eight years in the #@!* brig without me taking him out for the time of his *#@!!* life."
Hal Ashby's *The Last Detail (1973)* follows two seasoned Navy men, played by Jack Nicholson and Otis Young, tasked with escorting a young sailor to military prison.
Director: Hal Ashby
Cast
Jack Nicholson
Buddusky
Otis Young
Mulhall
Randy Quaid
Meadows
Clifton James
M. A. A.
Carol Kane
Young Whore
Michael Moriarty
Marine O. D.
Luana Anders
Donna
Kathleen Miller
Annette
Nancy Allen
Nancy
Gerry Salsberg
Henry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Last Detail (1973) about?
*The Last Detail* follows two Navy men who escort a rebellious young sailor to prison, only to defy orders by treating him to an unforgettable night of mischief and connection. Their journey becomes a bittersweet blend of humor, rebellion, and unlikely friendship before the weight of military discipline closes in.
Who directed The Last Detail?
Hal Ashby directed *The Last Detail*, known for his emotionally rich dramas and comedies like *Harold and Maude* and *Shampoo*.
Who stars in The Last Detail?
The film stars Jack Nicholson as Billy Buddusky, Otis Young as Mulhall, and Randy Quaid as Larry Meadows, with Clifton James, Carol Kane, and Michael Moriarty rounding out the cast.
Is The Last Detail (1973) worth watching?
Absolutely—this underrated gem is a masterclass in character-driven drama and dark comedy. Nicholson's performance is electric, and the film's themes of defiance and fleeting freedom resonate just as powerfully today. A must-watch for fans of gritty, dialogue-driven cinema.
How long is The Last Detail?
The runtime of *The Last Detail* is 104 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Last Detail (1973) — A darkly comic military odyssey with Jack Nicholson
Hal Ashby's *The Last Detail (1973)* follows two seasoned Navy men, played by Jack Nicholson and Otis Young, tasked with escorting a young sailor to military prison. Instead of delivering their charge straight to the brig, they take him on a rebellious cross-country odyssey through America's underbelly, determined to make his final hours memorable. This darkly comedic drama blends cynicism with fleeting tenderness, painting a raw portrait of camaraderie, defiance, and the absurdity of institutional rules. The film crackles with Nicholson's electric performance and Ashby's signature humanist touch, capturing the gritty, darkly humorous spirit of early '70s counterculture cinema.
A biting satire of military life, *The Last Detail* contrasts the rigid structure of the Navy with the anarchic energy of its protagonists. Randy Quaid's wide-eyed recruit becomes an unlikely catalyst for their rebellion, forcing the trio into encounters that range from drunken escapades to quiet introspection. With its razor-sharp dialogue and unflinching realism, the movie lingers as a testament to the fleeting moments of freedom in an otherwise oppressive world.
