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The End (1978/I) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.1/10   1,345 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 23% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Burt Reynolds
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Writer:
Jerry Belson (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The End on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
10 May 1978 (USA) more
Genre:
Comedy more
Tagline:
Are there laughs before death? more
Plot:
Slapstick black comedy about a man (Reynolds) who finds that he hasn't much longer to live and has bungled his attempts at suicide. full summary | add synopsis
NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Dom DeLuise Has Died
 (From EmpireOnline. 6 May 2009, 2:33 AM, PDT)

Dom DeLuise Dead at 75
 (From CinemaSpy. 5 May 2009, 3:30 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
The Darkest of Comedies more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Burt Reynolds ... Wendell Sonny Lawson

Dom DeLuise ... Marlon Borunki

Sally Field ... Mary Ellen
Strother Martin ... Dr. Waldo Kling

David Steinberg ... Marty Lieberman

Joanne Woodward ... Jessica Lawson
Norman Fell ... Dr. Samuel Krugman

Myrna Loy ... Maureen Lawson
Kristy McNichol ... Julie Lawson
Pat O'Brien ... Ben Lawson
Robby Benson ... Father Dave Benson

Carl Reiner ... Dr. James Maneet
Louise LeTourneau ... Receptionist
Bill Ewing ... Hearse Driver
Robert Rothwell ... Limousine Driver
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Additional Details

Runtime:
100 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
Iceland:L | USA:R | Singapore:PG

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Sally Field's one and only feature film appearance with step-father Jock Mahoney more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: When Wendell Lawson slams on his brakes next to the funeral procession in front of the Church, the shadow of the Church steeple and crucifix appear on his forehead. However in the cutaway to the Church, we clearly see there are no shadows anywhere on the face of the Church, indicating that the sun is in front of the Church and not behind it, thus unable to produce a shadow on Wendell. more
Quotes:
Wendell Sonny Lawson: I'm talking about dying.
Marty Lieberman: What do you mean?
Wendell Sonny Lawson: I mean lying in the ground with dirt on your face and holding your breath forever.
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Movie Connections:
References Love Story (1970) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful:-
The Darkest of Comedies, 7 February 2009
9/10
Author: WisdomPersona from United States

Burt Reynolds is an acquired taste. The man's high-pitched laugh, obnoxious crying, hammy acting, and large crumb catcher can be a lot to swallow, even for the boldest movie goers. Though the film is consistently funny, one can not help but notice, that had the pacing been just a bit tighter, it could have been much better. Reynolds, who directed the film, takes just a little bit too long transitioning in just about every scene. As a result, there's a lot of unnecessary meandering.

The film begins with Sonny Lawson (Reynolds) finding out from his doctor that he has a toxic blood disease, and has about a year to live. In light of this tragic news, Sonny decides he's going to leave the world on his terms and kill himself. We watch as Sonny selfishly burdens his parents (Myrna Loy and Pat O'Brien), his ex-wife (Joanne Woodward), his girlfriend (Sally Field), his best friend (David Steinberg) and daughter (Kristy McNichol). The true standout scene in the first half of the film is Sonny's "last confession" to a young priest named Dave (Robby Benson). Aside from that, there are a few solid gags in these scenes, but like I mentioned earlier, the pacing may leave you with a sour taste in your mouth.

It's not until an hour in that something amazing happens. This thing? The introduction of Dom DeLuise's Marlon Joseph Borunki. The manner in how, or why this character is introduced is best left unsaid, let's just say it's one of the finest comedic performances in the history of film.

Ultimately, "The End" is a pitch black comedy with a touch of genius, it's awkward pacing and oddball performances have left many flat, but if given the right approach, viewing this film can be an immensely enjoyable, hilarious experience.

Rating: 9/10 One of the funniest films I've ever seen.

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Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Carl Reiner bruisemeister
Funny Story About This Movie! (Mild Spoilers) jbartelone
Who sang 'Here's Another Fine Mess?' xjritter
Under-rated Masterpiece! Turnbull_AC_68
One of My Favorites jasonsiques
A great dark comedy tryager
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