[go: up one dir, main page]

    Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideToronto Int'l Film FestivalIMDb Stars to WatchSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

The Great Santini

  • 1979
  • PG
  • 1h 55m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
7.4K
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
    7.4K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lewis John Carlino
    • Writers
      • Pat Conroy
      • Lewis John Carlino
      • Herman Raucher
    • Stars
      • Robert Duvall
      • Blythe Danner
      • Michael O'Keefe
    • 50User 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

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 31
    View Poster

    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 reviews50

    7.17.3K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    8MadReviewer

    Duvall's Finest Performance, and an Awesome Character Study

    "The Great Santini" is a powerful, gut-wrenching film that manages to tell the tale of a powerful, abusive, often unlikeable hero named Bull Meecham (Duvall). . . and yet you care about what happens to Bull Meecham just the same. Meecham, a legendary pilot and naval hero, is at his best when faced with death -- but at his worst when faced with peacetime, and with his wife and children. Meecham is actually both sad and scary when left alone with his family; he's an abusive terror, almost trying to start a full-scale war in his own home just so he can feel, well, normal.

    Duvall is nothing short of brilliant in this movie -- he was nominated for an Oscar, and, in my opinion, he should've won it hands down. Also amazing is Blythe Danner as Lillian, his put-upon wife. An amazing character study that isn't always fun -- in fact, sometimes it's downright harrowing -- but definitely a great story with some incredibly moving performances. A-
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

    More like this

    Tendre bonheur
    7.3
    Tendre bonheur
    Le prédicateur
    7.2
    Le prédicateur
    Marie Walewska
    6.5
    Marie Walewska
    Où est passée mon idole?
    7.3
    Où est passée mon idole?
    Sister Kenny
    7.2
    Sister Kenny
    Abraham Lincoln
    7.3
    Abraham Lincoln
    Juge et hors-la-loi
    6.8
    Juge et hors-la-loi
    Norma Rae
    7.3
    Norma Rae
    Sherlock Holmes attaque l'Orient-Express
    6.6
    Sherlock Holmes attaque l'Orient-Express
    Conrack
    7.3
    Conrack
    Ragtime
    7.3
    Ragtime
    Juarez
    6.9
    Juarez

    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

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    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
      • 1h 55m(115 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.