The Last Word

The talent of Richard Harris at using widely differing dialects is the most compelling aspect of this highly manipulative and tritely written film wherein Harris portrays Danny Travis, a visionary but failed inventor who, despite widowerhood, has raised three children, albeit in a state of genteel poverty with their home being a Los Angeles apartment building that has been condemned by State officials in order to erect a massive mixed purpose complex upon the site. Urban renewal in this case translates into large monetary profit for the responsible insiders, and when a County Marshal attempts to dislodge Danny and his brood, Travis takes him prisoner and becomes a national celebrity due to contrivances arranged by a television reporter, played by Karen Black, and in the face of the best efforts of a former neighbour (well-played by Martin Landau) of Danny, the police captain in command of the hostage situation. A self-described Irish immigrant, Travis has virtually no accent and this noteworthy acting skill of Harris possesses far more interest than a plot that has only the most tortured connection with credibility and is further marred by an extraordinarily poor depiction of L.A.P.D. Swat tactics; the title refers to uncertainty as to which will have the final word: government, media, or an individual; curiously, a rushed ending leaves any answer in doubt.

I'd watch anything with the fabulous Karen Black, so I was more than a little excited to catch up with this forgotten film. The plot deals with an "absent-minded" professor who battles civil hall in an attempt to halt the demolition of his apartment complex. On an impulse he takes a U.S. Marshall as a hostage. The situation is exacerbated by a desperate female TV News reporter who becomes embedded with the professor and his family.

Suspend your disbelief at the door for this one, as the motivations of the characters are murky at best. The reason for the professor's obsession for holding on to his apartment isn't clear, although the audience is subjected to a few standard scenes establishing that the building houses some friendly but struggling neighbors.

Richard Harris as the professor is engaging enough, although the dialog is plenty dull at points. And Karen Black as the reporter seems surprisingly restrained, although she does have a couple of moments of histrionics. Quirky Dennis Christopher as Harris's son steals a few scenes with his great yellow mop of 70's styled hair and a pouty expression.

The best reason for taking this one in, is of course the wonderful and wacky fashions and decor of the era. Karen Black's character is enamored of hats and berets, and the clingy flame-red track suit worn by Charles Siebert is a sight to behold!