In Norfolk, Virginia, Navy lifers Signalman First Class Billy “Badass” Buddusky and Gunner’s Mate First Class Richard “Mule” Mulhall are assigned a shore patrol detail escorting 18-year-old seaman Larry Meadows to Portsmouth Naval Prison near Kittery, Maine. Meadows has been court-martialed, dishonorably discharged, and sentenced to eight years in the brig for attempted robbery of $40 from a charity donation box, which happened to be run by the wife of the Norfolk Naval Base Commander.
Badass and Mule are given one week to accompany Meadows to the brig. Despite their initial resentment of the detail and Meadows’ habit of stealing, they come to like the young man, who is timid, naive, and resigned to his fate. Out of sympathy for what they feel is Meadows’ unjust sentence and wanting to show him a good time, the pair make stops along their route to provide bon-voyage adventures for the young man.
The group’s activities include bar-hopping, brawling with Marines, and other misadventures. They stay overnight at a hotel, drinking and watching TV after missing their train. Badass teaches Meadows some flag semaphore signals and tries to get the young prisoner to stick up for himself by provoking him into a fight, but is unsuccessful.
In New York City, the men encounter a group of chanting Nichiren Buddhists who teach Meadows how to pray. One of the Buddhists invites the trio to a house party, where she offers to help Meadows flee his imprisonment and find refuge in Canada. Meadows declines, reasoning he does not want to cause trouble for his “best friends”.
In Boston, Badass and Mule take Meadows to a brothel so he can lose his virginity. When alone with a young prostitute, Meadows immediately ejaculates, but Mule and Badass pay for Meadows to have a second chance. While waiting, Badass and Mule make conversation about their lives outside of the Navy.
Just as they are about to leave for Portsmouth, Meadows makes a final request for a picnic. The senior sailors buy some hot dogs and attempt a frigid barbecue in the snow at a local park, where Badass confides in Mule about his concern for Meadows and the potential abuse that he will face in prison.
As the detail comes to an end, Badass and Mule complete their mission with Meadows. If you want to see how this journey unfolds, watch “The Last Detail” online today. Don’t miss this tale of friendship, adventure, and unexpected twists. Enjoy the movie and discover the lasting impact of “The Last Detail” on these characters’ lives.