User:NonsuchDan

''Current project: creating a plot summary for The Last Detail. Feel free to offer comments as it progresses.''

The Last Detail is essentially a road movie chronicling the journey of three sailors, “Bad-Ass” Buddusky, “Mule” Mulhall and Larry Meadows from the naval base at Norfolk, Virginia to the Portsmouth Naval Prison. The film opens with Chief Petty Officers Buddusky and Mulhall being given the assignment, or "detail," of escorting Seaman Larry Meadows to prison, where he is to serve an eight-year sentence for rifling $40 from a charity donation box. The severity of the punishment shocks both men ("I thought they only pulled that shit in the Army," says Mulhall). Buddusky immediately decides to make the most of the assignment, suggesting to Mulhall that they deliver Meadows quickly and spend the rest of their alloted time (and expense money) at their leisure.

Shortly after setting out on the train, Buddusky and Mulhall notice stolen food hidden in Meadows’ coat and realize that their young prisoner is a kleptomaniac. They confront him and Meadows goes berserk, becoming so agitated the officers decide to take him from the train to let him cool down. While walking through Boston, Buddusky begins exhibiting sympathy for Meadows, determined to at least buy him a beer before taking him to prison. The sailors end up checking into a hotel for the night where, growing increasingly drunk, they begin to let down their guard. Buddusky teaches Meadows flag semaphore, then later tries to goad the placid Meadows into hitting him.