Last Night at the Alamo

I think the same elements that have made "King Of The Hill" a hit comedy are present in this cult film masterpiece. Just as there are everyday-life characters that closely resemble Hank Hill, Dale, and Boomhower, there are real people much like Cowboy, Claude, Ichabod, and the rest of the gang who like to hang out at the Alamo. It is this realism of the characters that makes "Last Night At the Alamo" so good.

This film brilliantly plays more like a documentary than a feature film, and it is shot in black & white. The use of live sound as opposed to overdubs also lends to this documentary-type feel. "Last Night At the Alamo" is very unique in that regard.

The acting was superb, especially Lou Perry as Claude. Sonny Carl Davis, most well-remembered as the jerk businessman who demands a refund from Brad Hamilton in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High", was excellent as the charismatic Cowboy Regan. Furthermore, Steve Mattila turned in a memorable performance as the annoying Ichabod.

Eagle Pennell may have captured the most realistic portrayal of blue-collar Texas ever. Because of this in my opinion, this film ranks right up there with greatest Texas films of time like "Giant", "the Alamo", "Urban Cowboy", and "the Last Picture Show".

Having not watched "Last Night at the Alamo" in about fifteen years, I decided to revisit it last night. My remembered impression of the movie was quickly confirmed. This is perhaps the most realistic, true to life film I have ever seen. The seedy bar characters and their character development is terrific. You have the henpecked husband, the immature boyfriend, the veteran drunk, the bar bully, the quiet guy, a few bar trollops, and the legendary "cowboy" who everyone seems to idolize. The beauty of all this is everything is played out in real time, so it is like you are really there, sitting on a barstool, watching the goings on. - MERK

This hard-to-find gem is more than a slice of Texas, it's a slice of America. It's the final night of the local loser hangout, shot as if you just walked in the place and hung out for an hour and a half. I really wonder how much of the film's dialogue was actually scripted and how much was adlibbed. There are some truly funny one-liners early on (Mostly by "Claude"). The non-stop profanity does get a little unrealistic and the ending was sort of unsatisfactory, however, what we have is a film containing most of the elements of a truly classic independent film. Sort of a po' man's "Last Picture Show". Seek it out.

I have often sat in a bar, as depicted in this film, just to observe the action (I'm the quiet guy at the end of the bar with his back to the wall, nursing his drink). The wonderful thing about this movie is it's realism. It takes you there without actually being there. You become that voyeuristic 'fly on the wall'. I will often come to imdb after watching a film to read member comments. At present there are 5 listed. I couldn't agree more with all of them. Well said. How gratifying when you find others that share your view. The characterizations and acting are superb. A wonderful ensemble production with both the writer and director appearing. Thanks for a great film. Somebody is missing the boat by not having this film out on dvd/vhs. Watch for it on IFC and be prepared to tape, you might want to share.

The Last Night At the Alamo is a GREAT movie. It took me forever to find it but when I did I was not disappointed. I have heard and read about it and many people have said that its a Texas classic. I had to buy it off EBAY and I had tried 3 times before only to outbid by 100$. That shows you how bad some people wanted this rare treasure. This movie had a very simple plot that anyone who has ever stepped foot in a bar can relate to. Its in black and white to give you that old western kind of a feel. Overall a great movie I just wish there was a way the video could be more distributed. If I am correct this movie is out of print and can only be bought or located by people who are willing to sell the video. If you stumble upon it buy it.