''The Last Producer'' is a 2000 American drama film directed by and starring

Burt Reynolds Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. (February 11, 1936 – September 6, 2018) was an American actor, considered a sex symbol and icon of 1970s American popular culture. Reynolds first rose to prominence when he starred in television series such as ' ...

. It also featured Sean Astin, Ann-Margret, Lauren Holly,

Rod Steiger Rodney Stephen Steiger (; April 14, 1925July 9, 2002, aged 77) was an American actor, noted for his portrayal of offbeat, often volatile and crazed characters. Cited as "one of Hollywood's most charismatic and dynamic stars," he is closely assoc ...

, and Benjamin Bratt. It was also referred to as ''The Final Hit'' in final packaging and promotional materials. It is the final film to be directed by Reynolds before his death in 2018.

Plot

Sonny Wexler is an aging, washed-up, veteran film producer with a pill-popping wife. In his heyday, Sonny produced an Oscar nominated movie, but now he finds he's a "has been" in a Hollywood that's been taken over by a younger generation, personified by studio executive Damon Black and foreign investors. Knowing that he is soon going to die or be forgotten, he decides to wager all his strength in one last movie, something for which he can be remembered. His chance comes in the form of a brilliant screenplay optioned from a promising young writer. But when Black undercuts the deal and eases Sonny out, Sonny has seventy-two hours to come up with enough money to purchase the script for himself. In desperation, he turns to the mafia to borrow the $50,000 he needs.

Cast

as Sonny Wexler *

as Sheri Ganse * Benjamin Bratt as Damon Black * Ann-Margret as Mira Verder * Lauren Holly as Frances Chadway * Sean Astin as Bo Pomerantz * Kim Chase as Teddy * Charles Durning as Syd Wolf *

Robert Goulet Robert Gérard Goulet (November 26, 1933 October 30, 2007) was an American and Canadian singer and actor of French-Canadian ancestry. Goulet was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts until age 13, and then spent his formative years in Cana ...

as Henry Moore * Erin Gray as Dee Freeman *

E. J. Peaker Edra Jean Peaker (born 1942) is an American actress. Peaker is best known for her appearances in the movie ''Hello, Dolly! (film), Hello Dolly!'' and in the TV musical film, musical series ''That's Life (1968 TV series), That's Life''. Biogra ...

as Rosie * Robert Costanzo as Moogian * Arthur Darbinyan as Nidal * Charles Lanyer as Biderman * Greg Germann as Ruben Tallridge * Marnie McPhail as Julia Tallridge * Paul McCrane as Austin Green * Marvin J. McIntyre as Manny * Ed O'Ross as Sarky * Cynthia Palmer as Maude Chasen * Jeannette Papineau as Niki * Angie Dickinson as Poker Player *

Tony Denison Anthony John Sarrero (born September 20, 1949), also known by his stage name Anthony Denison (also credited as Anthony John Denison and Tony Denison), is an American actor. Early life The eldest of three, he was born and raised in Harlem. He w ...

as Poker Player (credited as Anthony John Denison) * James Farentino as Poker Player *

Alex Rocco Alex Rocco (born Alessandro Federico Petricone Jr.; February 29, 1936 – July 18, 2015) was an American actor. Known for his distinctive, gravelly voice, he was often cast as villains, including Moe Greene in ''The Godfather'' (1972) and his Pr ...

as Poker Player *

Shelley Berman Sheldon Leonard Berman (February 3, 1925 – September 1, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, and lecturer. In his comedic career, he was awarded three gold records and he won the first Grammy Award for a spoken comedy reco ...

as Poker Player * Shecky Greene as Poker Player (credited as Shecky Green) * Heidi Kaufman as Dancer * Kimberly Pullis as Cocktail Waitress * Joe Mantegna as Extra (uncredited)

Production

The film was financed by the Kushner Locke Company. Filming started May 1999.PALTROW AND AFFLECK MAY REUNITE - IN FILM FOR MIRAMAX, THAT IS: Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith. Daily News 7 May 1999: L6.

Home media

The film was released on home video in Iceland and Argentina in 2000 before airing on television in the U.S. in 2001. It was later re-titled ''The Last Hit'' for its U.S. home video release.

References

External links

* *
Review of film
at ''Variety'' 2000 films 2000 drama films American drama films Films about filmmaking Films directed by Burt Reynolds Films set in Los Angeles 2001 drama films 2001 films 2000s English-language films 2000s American films {{2000s-drama-film-stub