The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff is both a 1979 book by Tom Wolfe, and a 1983 film adapted from the book. It is a historical drama that tells the story of the first seven astronauts selected for the NASA space program. The story tells not only of the "Mercury Seven" and their families, but also the contrasting fate of Chuck Yeager, who was considered by many test pilots to be the best of them, but who was never selected as an astronaut.

The movie

The movie is 3 hours and 13 minutes long and stars Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Kim Stanley, Levon Helm, Veronica Cartwright, Pamela Reed and Lance Henriksen.

Related Topics:
Sam Shepard - Scott Glenn - Ed Harris - Dennis Quaid - Fred Ward - Barbara Hershey - Kim Stanley - Levon Helm - Veronica Cartwright - Pamela Reed - Lance Henriksen

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The screenplay was adapted by Philip Kaufman from the book, with contributions from screenwriter William Goldman. It was directed by Kaufman.

Related Topics:
Screenplay - Philip Kaufman - William Goldman

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It won Academy Awards for Sound Effects Editing; Best Film Editing; Best Music, Original Score and Best Sound. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Sam Shepard), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography and Best Picture.

Related Topics:
Academy Awards - Sound Effects Editing - Best Film Editing - Best Music, Original Score - Best Sound - Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Best Art Direction-Set Decoration - Best Cinematography - Best Picture

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At the time that the movie came out, former astronaut and Senator John Glenn was running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. It was felt that the movie might help his chances, but in fact, his candidacy did not go far. In fact, many said, not-so-jokingly, after having seen Sam Shepard's performance, "Forget John Glenn, I want Chuck Yeager for President."

Related Topics:
Senator - John Glenn - Democratic - President of the United States - Chuck Yeager

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