The Last Chase

The Last Chase

Year: 1981

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Martyn Burke

ActionScience FictionAdventure

After an oil crisis and a pandemic forced the nation into complacency, the United States has become a fascist regime. Former race‑car driver Franklyn Hart, now a propaganda spokesman for public transport, secretly restores his vintage race car. He launches a cross‑country run from Boston to California, hoping to revive an era of freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Last Chase yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Last Chase (1981)

Trace every key event in The Last Chase (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

2011: Rise of the police state and private-vehicle ban

In 2011, the United States folds into a police state after a devastating pandemic and political upheaval. Democracy collapses, the government relocates to Boston, and private ownership of cars, boats, and planes is outlawed. Mass surveillance cements public fear while officials push a narrative of imminent fuel shortages to justify control.

2011 United States
2

Hart's secret Porsche and escape plan

Former race car driver Franklyn Hart hides an orange Porsche 917 CAN-AM roadster in a basement secret compartment. Over the years he scavenges junkyards at night to slowly restore it, keeping his true goal hidden from the oppressive regime: to drive across the country to Free California.

Years before 2011 Hart's basement hideout
3

Ring McCarthy learns of the plan

Young electronics whiz Ring McCarthy deduces Hart's intention to undertake a cross-country road trip in the forbidden vehicle. Hart reluctantly agrees to bring him along, recognizing the risks but believing the journey is essential.

Before journey Hart's home
4

Escape from Boston and the road-trip begins

Hart vaults a junkyard fence and the duo flees Boston in the roadster. Fuel is scarce in the regime's world, so Hart refuels from the bottom of long-abandoned underground storage tanks using a portable hand pump.

Early journey Boston outskirts
5

News spreads and Hawkins orders action

News of Hart's daring escape travels across the country, inspiring whispers of autonomy. Hawkins, the hardline official, orders Hart and his vehicle stopped, but ground pursuit is limited by the police's electric golf carts.

2011 Nationwide
6

J.G. Williams is tasked with the hunt

Hawkins assigns J.G. Williams, a retired Air Force pilot, to track Hart with a Korean War–era F-86 Sabre. Williams locates the roadster and opens fire, wounding Hart in the confrontation.

During pursuit Along the pursuit route
7

Rebels shelter Hart and McCarthy

A community of armed rebels, largely Native American, hides Hart and McCarthy, tends to Hart's wounds, and shields the car from capture. The roadster is kept out of sight while the group plans a defense against pursuit.

During the road trip Rebel enclave
8

Mercenaries attack; Hart escapes

A team of mercenaries locates the enclave and attacks the settlement. In the ensuing firefight, Hart and McCarthy slip away, continuing their perilous journey toward California.

During the assault Rebel enclave vicinity
9

Williams confesses sympathy and they communicate

Back on the road, Williams begins to identify with Hart's cause. He communicates with Hart and McCarthy via Morse code through a handheld spotlight, and gradually confides that he feels sympathetic to their struggle.

Between encounters In the air and along the route
10

Williams releases fuel tanks to hinder Hart

After acknowledging Hart's defiance, Williams releases his external fuel tanks in front of the roadster, hoping the ensuing inferno will stall the car before it reaches the laser's range.

Approaching the laser defense Along the pursuit route
11

Laser cannon activated and Hart's danger escalates

Hawkins activates a Cold War–era laser cannon ahead of Hart's path. Williams tries to warn Hart but his radio is jammed, leaving Hart unaware of the imminent threat.

Approaching the laser defense Ahead of Hart's route
12

Williams sacrifices himself to destroy the laser

In a final act of sacrifice, Williams engages the laser site and destroys the laser cannon with a kamikaze-style strike, sacrificing his jet and himself to clear a path for Hart.

Final confrontation Laser installation site
13

Hart and McCarthy reach Free California

Hart and McCarthy push on toward California and are welcomed as heroes; their cross-country defiance sparks renewed debate about personal autonomy within the oppressive regime.

End of journey Free California

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:58

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Last Chase

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Last Chase in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Last Chase is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Last Chase Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Last Chase, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Last Chase Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last Chase

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Last Chase. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Last Chase

More About The Last Chase

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Last Chase: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Last Chase

Similar Movies to The Last Chase

Discover movies like The Last Chase that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.