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The Great Santini

  • 1979
  • PG
  • 1h 55m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
7.3K
YOUR RATING
Robert Duvall in The Great Santini (1979)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:41
1 Video
39 Photos
Workplace DramaDrama

As he approaches manhood, Ben Meechum struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated Marine pilot.As he approaches manhood, Ben Meechum struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated Marine pilot.As he approaches manhood, Ben Meechum struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated Marine pilot.

  • Director
    • Lewis John Carlino
  • Writers
    • Pat Conroy
    • Lewis John Carlino
    • Herman Raucher
  • Stars
    • Robert Duvall
    • Blythe Danner
    • Michael O'Keefe
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    7.3K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lewis John Carlino
    • Writers
      • Pat Conroy
      • Lewis John Carlino
      • Herman Raucher
    • Stars
      • Robert Duvall
      • Blythe Danner
      • Michael O'Keefe
    • 49User reviews
    • 30Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 3 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Great Santini
    Trailer 2:41
    The Great Santini

    Photos39

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    Top cast69

    Edit
    Robert Duvall
    Robert Duvall
    • Bull Meechum
    Blythe Danner
    Blythe Danner
    • Lillian Meechum
    Michael O'Keefe
    Michael O'Keefe
    • Ben Meechum
    Lisa Jane Persky
    Lisa Jane Persky
    • Mary Anne Meechum
    Julie Anne Haddock
    Julie Anne Haddock
    • Karen Meechum
    Brian Andrews
    Brian Andrews
    • Matthew Meechum
    Stan Shaw
    Stan Shaw
    • Toomer Smalls
    Theresa Merritt
    Theresa Merritt
    • Arrabella Smalls
    David Keith
    David Keith
    • Red Pettus
    Paul Mantee
    Paul Mantee
    • Col. Virgil Hedgepath
    Michael Strong
    Michael Strong
    • Col. Varney
    Bennett James
    Bennett James
    • Corp. Atchley
    • (as Bennett Liss)
    Joe Dorsey
    Joe Dorsey
    • Coach Spinks
    David Frankham
    David Frankham
    • Capt. Weber
    Jan Stratton
    • Mrs. Weber
    Paul Gleason
    Paul Gleason
    • Lt. Sammy
    W.K. Stratton
    • Ace
    Lew Horn
    Lew Horn
    • Capt. Brookout
    • Director
      • Lewis John Carlino
    • Writers
      • Pat Conroy
      • Lewis John Carlino
      • Herman Raucher
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews49

    7.17.2K
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    Featured reviews

    tfrizzell

    Just Like Living With a Ticking Time Bomb.

    Hard-nosed military pilot Robert Duvall (Oscar-nominated in the title role) is a nut of epic proportions as he abuses his wife (Blythe Danner) and four kids (led by Oscar-nominee Michael O'Keefe) with verbal outbursts, bully-style antics and cruel behavior. Duvall's over-the-top role is an intensely interesting and volatile character who is full of fire, but also strangely sympathetic and dare I say even likable. The movie takes place just before the Vietnam years and keeps up an intensity because of the events going on in the world around them. Also O'Keefe gets into all kinds of trouble as a high schooler in the newest town the group has moved to. The relationship between Duvall and O'Keefe is the primary focus and the rest of the project is really just window dressing. Duvall is a revelation once again and he is able to keep everything believable and coherent. 4 stars out of 5.
    8andy-227

    Robert Duvall's best performance!

    I've seen Robert Duvall in other movies. He is a quiet, wise, somewhat reverent man. Being a fan of his, I caught "The Great Santini" on TV. And I gotta tell you, his performance as Bull Meechum just blew the hell out of me! I never knew he could play a role as fierce, violent, and powerful as Bull Meechum! Although it's a film with little attention, it's Robert Duvall best film! It's his best performance. The conflict between the father and the son is strong enough to wildly shake our emotions! Duvall was nominated for Best Actor, and he should've won! It's a must see! I tried purchasing it, but since it's not in high demand, the store didn't have it. It's worth owning, and it's definitely worth watching! Put it on your list of films to see next!
    10Toadman005

    A powerful film

    This film is one of the finest ever made, in my humble opinion, and the greatest display of Robert Duval's acting abilities. This film is powerful and moving. An "era" piece, it's message resounds regardless.

    The cinematography is beautifully done. The acting is top notch. The scenes between Metchum and his son are the most riveting, of course but the scenes between the son and mother are also quite touching and tender, and contrast wonderfully with the other scenes. And while this is a gripping drama, with very well acted round characters, there is humor too, and handled brilliantly.

    Truly every movie library should have this film in it's collection.
    8rlcsljo

    Great story on the irony of being a Marine

    I have not seen this film in over 20 years, but having been in the Marines, it will always be burned in my memory. You may also have to be, or have been, a Marine to fully appreciate the film (although anyone that has lived under authoritarian rule must feel some sympathy for the situations presented).

    Although the film may have been re-cut for video release, I remember Duvall's character as being a fully fleshed out dichotomy of a man who rebelled against authority when submission was called for (his practical jokes while performing military duties) and invoking authoritarianism when more compassion and understanding were called for (his family life).

    This is what it was like to be a Marine: The Corps was your family and your family was just an inconvenient duty to be performed for society.

    If the movie has been re-edited, I suggest you try to see the original theatrical release, if possible. I found it to be a thoughtful and powerful motion picture.
    Coxer99

    The Great Santini

    Duvall received a much deserved Oscar nomination as a Marine who runs his family like he runs his men... with vigor and power. He's a Patton without a war and Duvall plays it off beautifully. O'Keefe (also Oscar nominated) is fantastic as his son who's only wish is to please his father. There are many startling scenes in the picture, especially the basketball game where Duvall orders O'Keefe to put another player "on the floor" for obvious flagrant fouls. Duvall's Bull Meechum rules with a iron fist and screams at his son, "Put him down, or you don't come home tonight." The film is based on Pat Conroy's novel and also stars the always wonderful Danner, as Duvall's wife and Stan Shaw as a black man befriended by O'Keefe. Lewis John Carlino directs.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      When the movie was nominated for 1981 Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Actor in a Supporting Role, author Pat Conroy's father called him and said, "You and me got nominated for Academy Awards, your mother didn't get squat."
    • Goofs
      At a military funeral all personnel in uniform render a hand salute during the playing of Taps. In the movie the only personnel presenting arms are the firing detail.
    • Quotes

      Mary Anne Meechum: Hey Dad, why do you love me more than your other children?

      Bull Meechum: Beat it, I'm reading the sports page.

      Mary Anne Meechum: Let's have a conversation Dad. Let's bare our souls and get to know one another.

      Bull Meechum: I don't want you to get to know me. I like being an enigma, like a Chink. Now scram.

      Mary Anne Meechum: Am I a Meechum Dad? Can girls be real Meechums; girls without jump shots? Or am a simple form of Meechum, like in biology. Mary Anne, the one-celled Meechum.

      Bull Meechum: Mary Anne scram, I'm starting to lose my temper; Lilian!

      Mary Anne Meechum: [falls to the ground] Dad, I'm pregnant. I'm pregnant by a negro Daddy. His name is Rufus, I didn't wanna tell you but since we're baring our souls to each other. Rufus is a pacifist; a pacifist homosexual.

      Bull Meechum: Jesus H. Christ! Lilian, I'm going to the club. I'll see you all at the game! I can't stand it around here!

      [storms off as Mary Anne follows him]

      Mary Anne Meechum: But you'll get to like him after awhile Dad. Dwarfs are easy to like, especially when they're bald and cross-eyed... Dad... Dad... *Dad*!

    • Connections
      Featured in Sneak Previews: Divine Madness/Willie & Phil/The Great Santini/Ordinary People/Middle Age Crazy (1980)
    • Soundtracks
      Fascination
      (uncredited)
      Music by Fermo Dante Marchetti

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    FAQ19

    • How long is The Great Santini?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 26, 1979 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The Gift of Fury
    • Filming locations
      • Tidalholm Mansion - 1 Laurens Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA(large house Bull Meechum rents for his family - aka the Edgar Fripp House)
    • Production company
      • Bing Crosby Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $4,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $4,702,575
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $83,527
      • Oct 28, 1979
    • Gross worldwide
      • $4,702,575
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 55 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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