The Great Santini is a 1979 film which tells the story of a highly successful Marine officer whose success as a military aviator contrasts with his shortcomings as a husband and father. It also explores the high price of heroism and self sacrifice on the man's soul and interpersonal relationships. It stars Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, Michael O'Keefe, Lisa Jane Persky, Julie Anne Haddock, Stan Shaw and David Keith.

The movie was adapted by Lewis John Carlino from the novel by Pat Conroy, with assistance from an un-credited Herman Raucher. Carlino also directed the film. The title character, Lt. Col. Bull Meechum aka "The Great Santini," was based on Conroy's father.

It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Robert Duvall) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Michael O'Keefe).

 
Robert Duvall gives one of his most memorable performances in the title role of this 1979 drama about a hardcore Marine lieutenant named Bull Meechum (Duvall), a fighter ace who calls himself "The Great Santini" and compensates for peacetime inactivity by waging war on his intimidated children. His wife (Blythe Danner) lovingly tolerates his behavior, but his 18-year-old son (Michael O'Keefe) is working up the courage to defy the domineering patriarch, whose need for competition borders on maniacal. When push comes to shove (and shove they certainly do), the son earns his father's begrudging respect, and as it turns out, just in time. Military brats may recognize their own experience in this comedic drama, but anyone can relate to the Meechum family's patriarchal dysfunction. Writer-director Lewis John Carlino (adapting the novel by Pat Conroy) does a fine job of balancing humor with the kind of stressful anxiety that can either strengthen a family or tear it apart. Both Duvall and O'Keefe were deservedly nominated for Academy Awards. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description
A mighty actor-Robert Duvall-gets a role to match as a "top gun" Marine fighter pilot at odds with his family and peacetime America. Blythe Danner and Michael O'Keefe co-star. Year: 1979 Director: Lewis John Carlino Starring: Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, Michael O'Keefe

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• Actors: Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, Michael O'Keefe, Lisa Jane Persky, Julie Anne Haddock, Brian Andrews
• Directors: Lewis John Carlino
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Rated:
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• DVD Release Date: November 23, 1999
• Run Time: 116 minutes