The Great Santini
Seen it?1979 | 115 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Fabelmans, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
As he approaches manhood, Ben Meechum struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated marine pilot.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars, 1 Golden Globe and 1 WGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$5 million worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 209K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lewis John Carlino
- Robert DuvallBull Meechum
- Blythe DannerLillian Meechum
- Michael O'KeefeBen Meechum
- Lisa Jane PerskyMary Anne Meechum
- Julie Anne HaddockKaren Meechum
- Brian AndrewsMatthew Meechum
- Stan ShawToomer Smalls
- Theresa MerrittArrabella Smalls
- David KeithRed Petus
- Paul ManteeCol. Virgil Hedgepath