The Last Picture Show

Spoiler alert!

Soon after the film opens (0:01) we see Billy sweeping the street. Throughout the film he does not talk. He seems to have limited range of interest, but does socialize with peers, especially protagonist Sonny who affectionately turns Billy's hat around at every opportunity. What might have caused his mutism? Is he intellectually impaired?

Waitress Genevieve tells Sonny, "Your dad's taking too many pills." (0:14) We see him only once, barely smiling as he talks to Sonny briefly at a dance. (0:32)

Sonny tells the other guys, defending his friend Billy, "He's no idiot. He just don't talk." (0:42)

Pool hall owner Sam has died. His old flame Lois grieves at the burial.(1:07)

While sweeping the street a truck has struck and killed Billy. A bystander refers to him as a "simple minded kid." Sonny carries his body away. (1:53)

Sonny talks to Lois about their loss of Sam. (1:41)

Bereavement | Mental Retardation | mutism