Where Was the Movie “The Last Detail” Filmed?

The Last Detail is a critically acclaimed 1973 American comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby, based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Darryl Ponicsan.

Key Takeaways

• The movie “The Last Detail” was primarily filmed in various locations in the northeastern United States.
• Some iconic scenes were filmed in Washington, D.C., Boston, and Norfolk, Virginia.
• The movie captures the essence of the characters’ journey throughout these locations.

In The Last Detail, two petty officers, Billy “Badass” Buddusky and Mule Mulhall, are assigned to escort a young sailor, Larry Meadows, from Norfolk, Virginia, to a naval prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where Meadows is to serve an eight-year sentence for a petty crime.

Throughout their journey, the movie showcases the characters’ experiences in a variety of settings, including Washington, D.C., where they spend a wild night on the town.

Another significant filming location for the movie is Boston, Massachusetts. The characters explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Beacon Hill, adding depth and realism to their journey.

Notably, Norfolk, Virginia serves as a starting point for the characters’ adventure. The film beautifully captures the city’s naval atmosphere, highlighting the military presence and its impact on the characters’ lives.

Interesting Data Points

The film’s unique narrative and cinematography highlight the dynamic between the characters’ personal struggles and the places they encounter.

Throughout the movie, the audience is taken on a visually captivating journey, where landscapes and cityscapes become integral parts of the storytelling.

Ultimately, the locations chosen for filming greatly enhance the overall impact of “The Last Detail”. The combination of iconic American cities with the gritty realism of Norfolk, Virginia, adds an authentic layer to the narrative.

Interesting Facts

1. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
2. Jack Nicholson’s performance in the movie is widely regarded as one of his best.

Box Office Performance

With its captivating story, memorable performances, and interesting filming locations, “The Last Detail” has become a significant film in American cinema.

The movie not only provides entertainment but also offers a unique perspective on the human experience, as reflected through various locations across the northeastern United States.

A Legacy that Endures

Over the years, “The Last Detail” has gained a cult following and continues to be appreciated by cinema enthusiasts for its nuanced portrayal of characters and their journey through different cities.

Even decades after its release, the film remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of well-chosen filming locations.

Common Misconceptions

Where Was the Movie “The Last Detail” Filmed?

The location where a movie is filmed is often an aspect that piques the curiosity of movie enthusiasts. When it comes to the movie “The Last Detail,” there are some common misconceptions about where it was filmed that need to be clarified.

• Many people mistakenly believe that “The Last Detail” was filmed in various coastal cities of the United States, such as Boston or New York City.
• Some individuals mistakenly assume that the movie was filmed on actual naval bases or ships.
• There is a misconception that “The Last Detail” was filmed on location in Vietnam.

In reality, “The Last Detail” was primarily filmed in various locations in the state of Washington, USA. The city of Seattle, known for its iconic skyline and picturesque landscapes, was one of the main locations used during the filming process.

• Several important scenes of the movie were shot in the bustling streets of downtown Seattle.
• The famous Pike Place Market in Seattle serves as the backdrop for an important confrontational scene in “The Last Detail.”
• Port Townsend, a charming coastal town in Washington, was also used as a filming location for some scenes in the movie.

Contrary to popular belief, “The Last Detail” was not filmed on actual naval bases or ships. The scenes set on naval bases were recreated using sound stages and sets specifically built for the movie.

• The naval base scenes were filmed at Studio City in California, which provided a realistic backdrop for the story.
• The interiors of the ships featured in the movie were also constructed in studios, allowing the filmmakers to have more control over the scenes.
• The attention to detail in recreating the naval environments contributed to the realistic portrayal of the characters in the movie.

Lastly, despite the plot of the movie revolving around Navy personnel, “The Last Detail” was not filmed on location in Vietnam. The portrayal of Vietnam in the movie was achieved through clever use of sets and location scouting.

• The scenes set in Vietnam were filmed in California, where the filmmakers recreated the atmosphere and landscapes through meticulous set design and creative cinematography.
• Various locations in California were chosen to represent different parts of Vietnam, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
• By employing skilled production design and cinematography techniques, the filmmakers successfully transported the audience to the Vietnam War era without actually filming in the country.

Overview

“The Last Detail” is a critically acclaimed American comedy-drama film released in 1973. Directed by Hal Ashby, the film follows the story of two U.S. Navy veterans assigned to escort a young sailor to the brig for a minor offense. As they embark on this journey, the film showcases the adventures and misadventures they encounter along the way. One of the fascinating aspects of this movie is the diverse array of filming locations used to bring the story to life. Below, we present ten tables highlighting intriguing details about where various scenes were filmed.

Table: Iconic City Locations

These are the well-known cities where key scenes were shot:

Table: Beachside Scenes

The sun-soaked waterfront destinations brought a vibrant backdrop to the film:

Table: Filming in Unique Locations

Several unconventional places were chosen to capture specific scenes:

Table: On-Set Mishaps

Despite the captivating scenes, some incidents occurred during production:

Table: Varying Filming Durations

The filming duration varied across different locations:

Table: Director’s Favorite Locations

These are some of the locations that the director particularly admired:

Table: Key Scenes Shot Indoors

Indoor settings played a significant role in portraying pivotal moments:

Table: Crew and Equipment

These details shed light on the people and resources behind the scenes:

Table: Box Office Success

“The Last Detail” achieved notable financial success upon its release:

As evidenced by these tables, “The Last Detail” utilized an array of captivating locations to bring its story to life, ranging from iconic cities and picturesque beaches to unique and unexpected settings. With its stellar cast and compelling narrative, the film achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Decades later, it continues to be celebrated as a notable entry in American cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Was the Movie “The Last Detail” Filmed?