The Long Goodbye Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cat-loving detective helps a buddy flee the country, gets framed for murder, then solves everything while chain-smoking and dealing with eccentric neighbors, proving loyalty is overrated.

🍿 The Long Goodbye: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Marlowe’s Loyalty Tested

Private investigator Philip Marlowe’s evening takes an unexpected turn when his friend Terry Lennox urgently requests a ride to the Mexican border. Marlowe, known for his loyalty, obliges without asking too many questions. Upon returning home, he finds himself entangled in a murder investigation, with Lennox suspected of killing his wife, Sylvia.

Entangled in a Web of Deceit

Marlowe is arrested as an accessory but later released after Lennox supposedly commits suicide in Mexico. However, Marlowe doubts the official story and begins his own investigation. He’s approached by mobster Marty Augustine, who believes Lennox stole $350,000 from him. Simultaneously, Eileen Wade hires Marlowe to find her missing, alcoholic husband, Roger.

Connections and Revelations

Marlowe uncovers connections between the Lennoxes and the Wades, realizing their lives are intertwined in ways he didn’t initially suspect. He discovers that Sylvia Lennox was having an affair with Roger Wade. The pieces start to fall into place, revealing a complex web of relationships, betrayal, and financial desperation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould): A wisecracking, chain-smoking private investigator who gets entangled in a complex murder case involving his friend and a wealthy family.
• Terry Lennox (Jim Bouton): Marlowe’s troubled friend who seeks his help in escaping to Mexico after being accused of murdering his wife.
• Eileen Wade (Nina van Pallandt): The sophisticated wife of a writer who hires Marlowe to find her missing, alcoholic husband.
• Roger Wade (Sterling Hayden): A self-destructive, alcoholic writer whose disappearance prompts his wife to hire Marlowe.
• Marty Augustine (Mark Rydell): A ruthless gangster who believes Terry Lennox stole his money and seeks Marlowe’s help in recovering it.
• Dr. Verringer (Henry Gibson): A seemingly innocuous doctor who runs a clinic and is somehow connected to the central mystery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Philip Marlowe: “Nobody cares but me.” – Marlowe says this after realizing his relentless pursuit of the truth is isolating him.
• Terry Lennox: “Well that’s you, Marlowe. You’ll never learn, you’re a born loser.” – Terry Lennox’s assessment of Marlowe’s character foreshadows his tragic end.
• Philip Marlowe: “Yeah, I even lost my cat.” – Marlowe says this with a dry humor, indicating the loss of the cat and other events mirror each other.
• Philip Marlowe: “Is this where I’m supposed to say ‘What’s all this about?’ and he says ‘Shut up, I ask the questions’ ?” – Marlowe’s ironic comment to the cops about how detective films function.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.7M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $959,027

💥 The Long Goodbye Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Long Goodbye’ to be a really interesting watch! The way Altman played with the noir genre was so unique. Elliott Gould’s Marlowe is this mumbling, chain-smoking guy who’s just trying to do the right thing, but everything’s so messed up around him. The ending really surprised me. I didn’t expect him to do what he did, but it fit the overall mood of the movie perfectly. It left me thinking about loyalty and whether it’s always the right thing. Definitely worth a watch if you like movies that mess with your expectations!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional detective stories”
  • “Those who appreciate Robert Altman’s directorial style”
  • “Fans of Elliott Gould”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “Robert Altman’s ‘The Long Goodbye’ is a stylish and darkly comedic take on the classic noir, featuring a standout performance by Elliott Gould. It updates Raymond Chandler’s character, maintaining the moral ambiguity while adding a layer of 70s cynicism and Altman’s signature improvisational style.
• Variety: “A bold, visually striking reinterpretation of Chandler, with Gould embodying a disheveled, world-weary Marlowe. Altman’s direction captures the disillusionment of the era, making it a cult classic rather than a straightforward adaptation. The cinematography and soundtrack enhance the atmosphere.
• IMDB: “A polarizing film, ‘The Long Goodbye’ is either loved or hated. Its revisionist take on Philip Marlowe challenges expectations but can be rewarding for those open to Altman’s unique vision. Gould’s performance and the film’s jazzy soundtrack are highlights.

Audience Reactions

Elliott Gould’s portrayal of Marlowe is refreshingly different and memorable.: Viewers appreciate the film’s unique style and Altman’s unconventional approach to the detective genre.

The jazz-infused soundtrack is both catchy and perfectly complements the movie’s atmosphere.: The soundtrack enhances the mood and adds a distinctive layer to the overall viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: A divisive but influential film that reimagines the classic Philip Marlowe, offering a darkly humorous and cynical take on the detective genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Altman originally wanted Dan Blocker (Hoss Cartwright from Bonanza) to play Roger Wade, but Blocker died shortly before filming began. Sterling Hayden was then cast.”
• “The film’s theme song, composed by John Williams and Johnny Mercer, is cleverly used in various forms throughout the movie, from a Muzak version in a supermarket to a funeral dirge.”
• “Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography employed a ‘flashing’ technique to give Los Angeles a sun-bleached, hazy look, enhancing the film’s unique visual style.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Long Goodbye?

The Long Goodbye is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Physical media, such as Blu-ray and DVD, may also be available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Long Goodbye, you might like these similar films:

• Chinatown (1974): A neo-noir set in Los Angeles with a complex mystery and a cynical private detective.
• The Big Lebowski (1998): Features a laid-back protagonist who gets entangled in a crime plot.
• Inherent Vice (2014): A modern neo-noir also set in Los Angeles, featuring a hazy plot and a drug-addled detective.
• Kiss Me Deadly (1955): A classic film noir that is a gritty crime thriller with a cynical private eye.

🛒 The Long Goodbye Related Products

• The Long Goodbye (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray release with restored picture and sound, perfect for collectors and cinephiles. Relive the neo-noir masterpiece in stunning clarity.
• The Long Goodbye (Raymond Chandler Novel): The original novel by Raymond Chandler, delve into the gritty world of Philip Marlowe and discover the source material behind the movie’s compelling narrative.
• Philip Marlowe: The Complete Novels (Kindle Edition): An anthology of all Philip Marlowe novels, including ‘The Long Goodbye.’ Ideal for reading on the go and immersing yourself in Chandler’s world.
• The Long Goodbye Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the movie’s iconic poster, capturing the essence of the film’s style and atmosphere. Perfect for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Long Goodbye features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Long Goodbye” – performed by John Williams and Johnny Mercer
• “The Dave Grusin Trio” – performed by Jack Sheldon
• “The Tepoztlan Municipal Band” – performed by N/A

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Williams | The Long Goodbye (1973) | Jack Sheldon

Ever wondered what gives ‘The Long Goodbye’ its distinctive feel? Check out this clip of John Williams’s score featuring Jack Sheldon; it’s a seriously cool piece that perfectly captures the film’s vibe, and I think it’s the best part!

✨ Rate