The Red Herring Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Red Herring Ending Explained: It's 11:00 hrs on Wednseday, or is it Friday. Directed by Ari Taub, this 1988 comedy film stars Thomas Grube (Flynn), alongside Al Nazario Hunter as Stovsky, Joe Manuella as Chief, Ruben Pla as Richards. With a 9/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.

What Happens at the End of The Red Herring?

It's 11:00 hrs on Wednseday, or is it Friday? Gliding 400ft beneath the surface in the Pacific Ocean sometime in late 1942. A Japanese convoy has been spotted and the U.S.S. Herring is on the prowl. Weeks of wandering aimlessly has given the crew an energy potential that fires more than just torpedoes. With danger all around them, the perplexed Captain and his assortment of quirky seamen somersault from one misadventure into another.

Ari Taub's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Thomas Grube (Flynn)'s journey. Gliding 400ft beneath the surface in the Pacific Ocean sometime in late 1942.

How Does Thomas Grube (Flynn)'s Story End?

Thomas Grube: Thomas Grube's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Ari Taub delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 15m runtime.
Al Nazario Hunter (Stovsky): Al Nazario Hunter's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Joe Manuella (Chief): Joe Manuella's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is The Red Herring Based on a True Story?

Yes — The Red Herring draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Ari Taub has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of The Red Herring Mean?

The Red Herring concludes with Ari Taub reinforcing the comedy themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Thomas Grube leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.