The Last Man on the Moon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old guy who was literally the last person to walk on the moon comes back to Earth and talks about how hard it was, but mostly how hard it was for his wife.

🍿 The Last Man on the Moon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Naval Aviator to Astronaut

The documentary introduces Eugene ‘Gene’ Cernan, tracing his path from a decorated Naval Aviator to becoming a NASA astronaut. It highlights the demanding training and competitive environment of the early space program in the 1960s. Cernan recounts the intense preparation required, from desert to water survival, forging strong bonds with fellow aspiring astronauts.

Early Space Missions and Tragedies

Cernan details his experiences on early missions, including Gemini 9, and the inherent risks of space travel during this pioneering era. The film covers the significant tragedies that impacted the astronaut community, such as the Gemini 9 crash and the Apollo 1 fire. These events profoundly affected Cernan, bringing the dangers faced by the astronauts and the sacrifices made by their families into sharp focus.

Reaching for the Moon

The film builds towards the Apollo missions, highlighting Cernan’s selection for Apollo 10, a critical test flight for the lunar module. This mission took him closer to the moon than anyone before him. His journey culminates with Apollo 17, the final mission of the Apollo program.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eugene Cernan (Self): The protagonist and narrator, an Apollo astronaut who reflects on his historic journey to the moon and its personal cost.
• Barbara Butler (Self(as Barbara Cernan Butler)): Gene Cernan’s former wife, who shares her perspective on the immense challenges and sacrifices faced by astronauts’ families.
• Tracy Cernan (Self): Gene Cernan’s daughter, whose initials left on the moon highlight the film’s theme of balancing ambition with family life.
• Roger B. Chaffee (Self(archive footage)): A close friend and fellow astronaut whose tragic death in the Apollo 1 fire profoundly impacted Gene Cernan.
• Jim Lovell (Self – Apollo 8 and 13): A fellow prominent Apollo astronaut who provides historical context and camaraderie from the golden age of space exploration.
• Gene Kranz (Self – Former NASA Flight Director): The iconic former NASA Flight Director, representing the dedicated team that supported the astronauts from mission control.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gene Cernan: “It was, in many respects, the best and the worst journey of my life.” – Reflecting on the overwhelming challenge and ultimate fulfillment of his space career, contrasted with the personal sacrifices required.
• Gene Cernan: “You stand there and look back at the Earth, and it’s suspended in the blackness of space, and you’re saying to yourself… ‘That’s home. Everyone I’ve ever known, everyone I’ve ever loved, is there’.” – Describing the profound emotional and philosophical impact of seeing the Earth from the surface of the Moon.
• Gene Cernan: “As I left, I etched my daughter’s initials, TDC, into the moon. I wanted to leave something behind that would be eternal.” – Recounting the very last act before leaving the Moon, a deeply personal gesture intended to be a permanent mark.
• Gene Cernan: “We left as scientists, we returned as humanitarians.” – Summarizing the transformative experience of traveling to the Moon and returning with a changed perspective on humanity and Earth.
• Barbara Cernan Butler: “The space program was built on sacrifice. Not just the astronauts, but the families too.” – Gene Cernan’s first wife reflecting on the immense personal cost and emotional toll that the space program took on the astronauts’ families.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $52,482
• Worldwide Gross: $53,881

💥 The Last Man on the Moon Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this documentary really got to me. I’ve always been fascinated by the Apollo missions, but hearing Gene Cernan tell his story in his own words, later in his life, just hit differently. Seeing the footage of him on the moon is incredible, obviously, but what stuck with me were the parts about his family and the toll his dedication took. When he talked about writing his daughter’s initials, it was such a simple, human moment contrasted with the vastness of space. The film does feel a bit slow at times, like a quiet conversation rather than a fast-paced adventure, but I think that’s its strength. It lets you connect with Gene as a person, not just an astronaut. It made me think about big dreams and the sacrifices people make to achieve them. I definitely recommend it, especially if you love space history but want to see the personal side.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of space history and the Apollo program”
  • “Viewers interested in biographies and personal stories of historical figures”
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in the challenges and sacrifices of ambitious careers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG”
  • “Depicts themes of loss and personal sacrifice”
  • “Includes discussion of historical tragedies (space mission accidents)”

Professional Reviews

• Space History Weekly: “”The Last Man on the Moon” offers a compelling look into the human side of the Apollo program through the eyes of Gene Cernan. While some moments might feel a bit slow, the rare archive footage and Cernan’s candid reflections on the personal costs of his ambition provide invaluable insight. It’s a poignant tribute to a remarkable era and the man who closed its most famous chapter.
• The Cinematic Voyager: “Mark Craig’s documentary is less a technical deep dive and more a personal memoir from Gene Cernan, the final astronaut to walk on the lunar surface. It skillfully weaves historical footage with present-day interviews, creating an intimate portrait. While the pacing occasionally lulls, Cernan’s honesty about the sacrifices and the emotional weight of his experiences makes this a genuinely moving historical document.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the rare archive footage and the intimate, personal look at Gene Cernan’s life.: Many appreciated the film’s focus on the human element and the emotional impact of the Apollo missions, highlighting the sacrifices made by the astronauts and their families. The blend of historical footage and present-day interviews was frequently praised.

Some found the film slow or somber compared to typical space documentaries.: While generally positive, a segment of the audience felt the pacing was too slow or lacked the excitement they expected from a space film, preferring more focus on the missions themselves rather than Cernan’s personal reflections.

Overall Consensus: A poignant and deeply personal documentary offering a unique perspective on the Apollo program through the eyes of the last man to walk on the moon. Highly praised for its human element and historical value, though some viewers found the pacing slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Mark Craig convinced Gene Cernan to participate fully in the documentary, including returning to key locations from his past, after an initial hesitant phone call where Cernan was unsure if he wanted to revisit all the difficult memories.”
• “The film incorporates rare, privately held home movies from the Cernan family, offering an intimate look at their life during the intense years of the space program.”
• “Extensive archival footage from NASA and other sources was meticulously restored and used, including dramatic launch sequences and never-before-seen views from the Apollo missions.”
• “The documentary doesn’t shy away from the personal cost of the space program, detailing the strain Cernan’s career put on his first marriage and his relationship with his daughter, a topic many astronauts were reluctant to discuss publicly.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Man on the Moon?

As a historical documentary released in 2016, ‘The Last Man on the Moon’ may be available on various digital platforms. Check major streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and others for options to rent or purchase the film. Availability on subscription services changes over time, so consult your preferred platform’s catalog.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Man on the Moon, you might like these similar films:

• In the Shadow of the Moon (2007): Features interviews with most of the living Apollo astronauts sharing their experiences and reflections on the missions, offering broader context to Cernan’s story.
• First Man (2018): A narrative biopic focusing on Neil Armstrong and the personal sacrifices made by him and his family during the lead-up to the Apollo 11 mission, echoing themes in Cernan’s life.
• For All Mankind (1989): A documentary using only archival footage from the Apollo missions set to music, providing a breathtaking and immersive visual experience of the era Cernan was a part of.
• The Right Stuff (1983): A narrative film chronicling the early days of the US space program, focusing on the Mercury astronauts and capturing the spirit of the era, the risks, and the impact on families.
• Apollo 13 (1995): A dramatic retelling of the ill-fated mission, highlighting the ingenuity, resilience, and teamwork required during spaceflight emergencies, showcasing the intense pressures faced by astronauts and mission control.

🛒 The Last Man on the Moon Related Products

• Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and the Story Behind Apollo 17: Gene Cernan’s gripping autobiography, detailing his naval career, astronaut training, and his historic missions, culminating in his walk on the moon during Apollo 17.
• LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander: A highly detailed buildable model of the iconic Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle, perfect for display.
• The Apollo Missions: A NASA History Collection (Blu-ray): A collection of NASA documentaries and films about the entire Apollo program, featuring extensive archival footage.
• NASA Apollo Program Mission Patch Set: Embroidered patches representing various Apollo missions, including Apollo 10 and 17.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Man on the Moon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dream Girl” – performed by Robert & Johnny
• “Space Oddity” – performed by David Bowie
• “Fly Me to the Moon” – performed by Frank Sinatra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gene Cernan takes his first steps on the moon

This is the real deal! Watch Gene Cernan actually step onto the moon during the Apollo 17 mission – seeing this historical moment captured on film adds so much weight to his story in the movie, it’s truly awesome.

“The Last Man on the Moon”: God’s Front Porch

Ever wonder what it feels like to be THAT far from Earth? Gene Cernan talks about the view from the moon in this short clip from NASA, and honestly, hearing him describe it as “God’s Front Porch” is just breathtaking and gives you a glimpse into his perspective.

“Last Man on the Moon”: Gene and Tracy Cernan

The movie touches on the personal toll of space travel, and this video is a must-watch! Hear directly from Gene Cernan and his daughter Tracy about how his astronaut career impacted their family – it adds a really moving layer to his story.

✨ Rate