Eight years for stealing $40?
How is that not a huge violation of the Eighth Amendment?
shareThieving is illegal. The amount is irrelevant. Just don't steal!
shareBut don't you think the punishment should fit the crime?
share
MovieChat Forums > The Last Detail (1974) Discussion > Eight years for stealing $40?
Didn't he steal it from some captains wifes special fund??? Remember what people you are dealing with --- This went thru a military court
shareI think eight years would be excessive even if he stole it from a homeless five-year-old orphan.
shareI watched it but don't remember what it was for but probably had the same reaction.
Yeah, the punishment does not fit the crime.
Of course it is, but that's not really the point. The movie doesn't go into how he got such a harsh sentence. But there could have been additional charges for thieving on a base. Since he tried to steal charity money and it was the wife of the "old man" (base commander?, unsure), he was fucked. The "old man" made sure he had the book thrown at him and got the maximum possible sentence.
shareThe movie explains that it was, in effect, a 6-year sentence, which means that Meadows will be 24 when he gets out with plenty of life ahead to enjoy. I agree that it seems a little too severe, but -- let's face it -- he wouldn't be in the predicament in the first place if he didn't foolishly try to steal $40 from a freakin' polio donation container. Also, keep in mind that $40 back then would be like $200 today, not to mention it's likely that it wasn't Meadows' first stealing infraction.
You could say that part of the message of the film is: Don't be a dumbaxx thug in the military and you won't end up in the brig.