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The Great Santini (1979)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
26 October 1979 (USA) moreTagline:
The bravest thing he would ever do was let his family love him.Plot:
As he approaches manhood, Ben Meechum struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated marine pilot. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations moreUser Comments:
A haunting true story. moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Robert Duvall | ... | Lt. Col. 'Bull' Meechum |
 | Blythe Danner | ... | Lillian Meechum |
 | Michael O'Keefe | ... | Ben Meechum |
 | Lisa Jane Persky | ... | Mary Anne Meechum |
 | Julie Anne Haddock | ... | Karen Meechum |
| Brian Andrews | ... | Matthew Meechum |
| Stan Shaw | ... | Toomer Smalls |
| Theresa Merritt | ... | Arrabella Smalls |
 | David Keith | ... | Red Petus |
| Paul Mantee | ... | Col. Virgil Hedgepath |
| Michael Strong | ... | Col. Varney |
| Bennett Liss | ... | Cpl. Atcherly |
| Joe Dorsey | ... | Coach Spinks |
| David Frankham | ... | Capt. Weber |
| Jan Stratton | ... | Mrs. Weber |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
115 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Sound Mix:
MonoCertification:
Singapore:PG | Iceland:L | Argentina:Atp | Australia:M | Chile:TE | Finland:K-16 | USA:PGFilming Locations:
Samuel Goldwyn Studios - 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, USA moreFun Stuff
Goofs:
Factual errors: The squadron that Bull Meechum assumes command of, VMFA-312, was known as "Checkerboards", not "Werewolves". In the opening scene, he dogfights with two navy F-4s while flying a VMFA-312 jet. Supposedly, he left that squadron in Spain! Also, the tail letters for VMFA-312 are "DR", not "DF". moreQuotes:
Lillian Meechum: I am not going anywhere at 3:00 in the morning. No, I am not moving this is ridiculous! It doesn't make any sense! moreFAQ
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When it comes to technical aspects, there's not much to say about this film. Lewis John Carlino's direction is simple yet adequate, and the cinematography leaves some to be desired.
No, it's the acting and script that really matter with this one. Robert Duvall is the main reason many will watch this, and it's easy to see why. The way he (and yes, many military men) treats his family is heartbreaking, and Duvall is completely immersed in the role.
Many would dismiss the film as TV movie-quality family drama, but that's simply an insult. This movie is far more, and far better than any others in it's genre.
7.7 out of 10