The Last Detail

The Last Detail (1973) is an American comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and based on the novel of the same name by Darryl Ponicsan. Starring Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, and Randy Quaid, the film tells the story of two U.S. Navy petty officers, Buddusky (Nicholson) and Mulhall (Young), who are assigned to escort a young sailor named Meadows (Quaid) to a naval prison.

Meadows has been sentenced to eight years of incarceration for a minor offense—stealing $40 from a charity box. As the trio embarks on their journey from Virginia to the naval prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Buddusky and Mulhall take it upon themselves to show Meadows a good time before his imprisonment. They introduce him to various experiences, such as drinking, fighting, and visiting a brothel, all in an effort to give the naive and inexperienced sailor a taste of real life.

Throughout the journey, the three men form a strong bond and develop genuine affection for one another. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of military life. The Last Detail is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Jack Nicholson, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Buddusky. The film is a mix of humor and pathos, offering an insightful look at the human side of those serving in the military.