The Last Word Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Last Word
| Movie | The Last Word |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Roy Boulting |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 103 minutes (1h 43m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Last Word (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Last Word are led by Richard Harris . The supporting cast, including Karen Black and Martin Landau , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Last Word does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Last Word has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Last Word
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, The Last Word is a Comedy film directed by Roy Boulting, written by L.M. Kit Carson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Richard Harris as Danny Travis.
Ending Explained: The Last Word
The Last Word Ending Explained: When politicians try to force out a renter in a corrupt real-estate deal, the man decides to take matters into his own hands. Directed by Roy Boulting, this 1979 comedy film stars Richard Harris (Danny Travis), alongside Karen Black as Paula Herbert, Martin Landau as Captain Garrity, Dennis Christopher as Ben Travis. Rated 5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Last Word?
When politicians try to force out a renter in a corrupt real-estate deal, the man decides to take matters into his own hands. He takes a police officer hostage, hoping to expose the scam and save his home.
Roy Boulting's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Richard Harris (Danny Travis)'s journey. He takes a police officer hostage, hoping to expose the scam and save his home.
How Does Richard Harris (Danny Travis)'s Story End?
- Richard Harris: Richard Harris's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Karen Black (Paula Herbert): Karen Black's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Martin Landau (Captain Garrity): Martin Landau's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Last Word Mean?
The ending of The Last Word brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Richard Harris's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Last Word Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Last Word Based on a True Story?
No, The Last Word is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by Roy Boulting and starring Richard Harris may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Last Word?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Last Word Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about The Last Word age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Last Word (1979) is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Directed by Roy Boulting, the film runs for 103 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Last Word is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Word worth watching?
The Last Word is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Last Word parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Last Word identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Last Word (1979)?
The runtime of The Last Word (1979) is 103 minutes (approximately 1h 43m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
