Anarene, Texas, 1951. Nothing much has changed…|Oct. 03, 1971|United States|119 Min.|R
Genre: Drama
Description: “The Last Picture Show,” released in 1971, is a classic film set in 1951 in the small, declining oil town of Anarene, northern Texas. The story follows high school seniors Sonny Crawford and Duane Jackson, close friends navigating the complexities of young adulthood. Duane is in a relationship with Jacy Farrow, the wealthiest and most beautiful girl in town, while Sonny ends his relationship with Charlene Duggs.
Sonny becomes involved in an affair with Ruth Popper, the emotionally troubled wife of his high school coach. During Christmas, Jacy is invited to a party by Lester Marlow, where she meets Bobby Sheen, a wealthy young man who appears to be a more promising match than Duane. Meanwhile, Sonny and Duane find themselves in trouble after a disturbing incident involving their mentally disabled friend, Billy. When they take Billy back home, local businessman Sam criticizes them for their recklessness and bans them from his establishments, which are central to the town’s social life.
In an attempt to escape their troubles, Sonny and Duane embark on a road trip to Mexico during New Year’s Eve, funded by Sam, who expresses a sense of nostalgia for his younger days. Upon their return, they discover that Sam has passed away unexpectedly. In his will, Sam leaves his movie theater, café, and pool hall to various townspeople, with Sonny inheriting the pool hall.
The film explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the passage of time in a fading small-town community.
Cast director: Peter Bogdanovich
Cast actor: Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Eileen Brennan, Clu Gulager, Sam Bottoms, Sharon Ullrick
Original name: The Last Picture Show