MovieChat Forums > An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Discussion > Alternate Ending

Alternate Ending

posted 8 years ago by macfilm
9 replies | jump to latest

I saw an interview several years ago in which someone from the production crew (I think) told this story:

The first preview showing of the film had quite a different ending.

In that version, Zack Mayo, newly graduated and dressed in his white uniform astride his motorcycle, listens to Sgt. Foley addressing the new recruits, then speeds off, just as in the final movie.

But the next scene has him speeding past Paula standing in front of her family's home, ignoring her as he goes past. She looks after him as he speeds away, and the camera goes to her face where a big tear rolls down her cheek.

The End.

Well, YIKES, the preview audience HATED IT. And I mean H-A-T-E-D. Deeply, viscerally, and unanimously. The negative reaction was so strong, that the now-famous classic ending with Zach going in search of Paula, sweeping her up, and carrying her out of the paper bag factory to the applause and cheers of the other workers, was used.

I don't know if they shot two endings originally and tested them for the best reaction, or they re-shot the classic ending after the fiasco of the preview. But, whatever, they used the "right" one ultimately.

Well, thank God for that!

I like to think the ending works in two ways: It's romantic as hell, naturally, and it is a logical follow up to Zack taking the oath...and becoming an Officer, then going to get Paula...and becoming a Gentleman. Nice.

[–] wlp325 8 years ago

If they'd gone with that first ending, I would have watched this picture one time -- not the twenty or more times I've caught it through the years -- with the Zack carrying Paula out of the factory ending.

Rest in peace, Roger Ebert. You were the best.

[–] prex3382 8 years ago

I know what you mean. I watch this movie just to see him carry her out of the factory.

[–] karia-3 8 years ago

Yes, I just watched this last night for about the 20th time (not since about 2007) and I always rewind and repeat that goosebump inducing ending !!

[–] Pictureshow1990 8 years ago

Yeah, riding away on his motorcycle, leaving her standing there like a fool would have been a great ending.

[–] jane_bront 8 years ago

No, the alternate ending would have sucked and the title wouldn't have made any sense. He might have been an officer in the alternate ending but he certainly wouldn't have been "An Officer and A Gentleman." The evolution of the character was made complete by the ending they chose.

Edited hours later to add: And they wouldn't have been able to use "Up Where We Belong" as an instrumental earlier in the film or in the end credits because - again, it wouldn't have made any sense in the film. Since it's a great song, I'm even more glad they didn't mess up the end of the movie.

[–] JoDwightFrye 8 years ago

Exactly! Dayum that would have made no sense whatsoever in the story. It makes this VERY suspect. I don't think I believe that they ever ended it that way. I think it would say so somewhere on here. That's right where I am, watching it right now...Zach road off.

The next time I have an idea like that... punch me in the face! -- Lord Tyrion Lannister

[–] shoppermom26 8 years ago

I think you missed the sarcasm. The "yeah" was the clue.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] catdaddyd 7 years ago

I didn't like the ending. has anyone ever been in a situation where somebody came in and picked up his girlfriend and everybody started clapping and watching? I haven't.