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Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward ... see more see more... , Barbara Hershey , Kim Stanley , Veronica Cartwright , Pamela Reed , Scott Paulin , Charles Frank , Lance Henriksen , Donald Moffat , Mary Jo Deschanel , Scott Wilson , Kathy Baker , Mickey Crocker , Susan Kase , Mittie Smith , Royal Dano , David Clennon , Jim Haynie , Harry Shearer , Jeff Goldblum , Scott Beach , Jane Dornacker , Anthony Munoz , John P. Ryan , Darryl Henriques , Mary Apick , Robert Beer , Ed Corbett , Tom Dahlgren , John Dehner , Bob Elross , David Gulpilil , John X. Heart , Levon Helm , Ed Holmes , O-Lan Jones , Kaaren Lee , Michael Pritchard , William Russ , Eric Sevareid , Lynn Stalmaster , Gen. Chuck Yeager , Edward Anhalt , James Brady , Katherine Conklin , Maureen Coyne , Richard Duppell , Toni Howard , William Hall

Covering some 15 years, The Right Stuff recounts the formation of America's space program, concentrating on the original Mercury astronauts. Scott Glenn plays Alan Shepard, the first American in space... read more read more...; Fred Ward is Gus Grissom, the benighted astronaut for whom nothing works out as planned; and Ed Harris is John Glenn, the straight-arrow "boy scout" of the bunch who was the first American to orbit the earth. The remaining four Mercury boys are Deke Slayton (Scott Paulin), Scott Carpenter (Charles Frank), Wally Schirra (Lance Henriksen) and Gordon Cooper (Dennis Quaid). Wolfe's original book related in straightforward fashion the dangers and frustrations facing the astronauts (including Glenn's oft-repeated complaint that it's hard to be confident when you know that the missile you're sitting on has been built by the lowest bidder), the various personal crises involving their families (Glenn's wife Annie, a stutterer, dreads being interviewed on television, while Grissom's wife Betty, angered that her husband is not regarded as a hero because his mission was a failure, bitterly declares "I want my parade!"), and the schism between the squeaky-clean public image of the Mercury pilots and their sometimes raunchy earthbound shenanigans. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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87% liked it

20,083 ratings

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97% liked it

39 critics

PG, 3 hr. 13 min.

Directed by: Philip Kaufman

Release Date: October 21, 1983

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DVD Release Date: August 27, 1997

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Flixster Reviews (1,061)

  • fb1576983399
    March 27, 2012
    fb1576983399
    This was a good movie, but had many flaws. There were way too many useless/prolonged scenes that extended the run time to a ridiculous 3hr 13min. That being said, it does have humorous and entertaining moments. It really captures the issues of everyone involved in this risky spac... read moree mission and does a great job showing the media's influence on these men. Overall it is a decent, but inconsistent movie.
  • phubbs1
    October 31, 2011
    phubbs1
    Based on the book by Wolfe and not liked by the author due to changes made for the film, despite this one cannot look away from this epic adventure following the space race and the many efforts of the US to beat those pesky Russians.

    First up the cast, its pretty epic in itself,... read more Quaid, Shepard, Glenn, Harris, Ward, Cartwright, Henriksen, Goldblum, Shearer, Moffat, Hershey and a cameo from Yeager. All perform well but personally I thought Ed Harris was the standout here and really captured that wholesome, heroic, 50's family man of the USA that the public lapped up at the time.

    The plot follows the space program and the recruitment of young test pilots to undergo rigorous training to become astronauts for Project Mercury. At the same time the story also follows Chuck Yeager, his high-speed aeronautical flights which included breaking the sound barrier and the snub he got from NASA not being selected for the Mercury programme.

    Everything about this film is epic due to the fact its about epic events in our human history, the film is extremely 'God Bless America' of course, the films cover design is bold in red, white and blue, but you can't blame the director for that, this is the US's proud history lets be honest. Most of the film is pretty accurate and does include real footage of actual failed rocket launches and news reel archives/interviews/ceremonies but of course Hollywood being Hollywood there is also much artistic license involved. This doesn't deter from the film as most regular folk won't know the difference but if you read up on the real events you will find issues.

    Even though this film was made in 83 the effects are still perfect for the present day, they all hold up extremely well and show what can be done without cgi. Of course you don't see as much as you could with cgi but less is more and what you get with model work, minatures, full size sets and simple lighting tricks works wonders here. The sequences of the astronauts in their capsules orbiting the earth are absolutely perfect and with very little SFX. This too goes for all the inflight sequences with Shepard/Yeager when he flies, the cockpit effects are clearly simple lighting tricks with allot of movement but it looks so real so effective.

    Allot of time is spend with the training programme for the Mercury seven before we start to see the missions go ahead, it does build excitement as you watch, like the men portrayed, you wanna see them fly and touch the heavens. All this is interspersed with sequences of Yeager's story and his calm frustration on being left out but his continual push to reach higher attitudes. Shepard's performance here is probably his best as the cool clear headed Yeager, no ego and no over the top 'Top Gun' nonsense.

    There are some slow moments yes but anyone should find enjoyment here despite some historical inaccuracies (were the NASA engineers really Germans?) and downplaying. The story of man's efforts and dedication to break barriers, reach new limits, continually to push further and achieve is a proud one, a history lesson, a very important one at that.
  • fb100000212943704
    August 19, 2011
    fb100000212943704
    A masterpiece of story telling and film making comes together in 'The Right Stuff'. Telling the story of the first American Mercury astronauts the film is emotional, powerful and witty at times as it hooks you in to a story you already know. Based on Tom Wolfe's brilliant novel o... read moref the same name the cast could not have been chosen more perfectly and the script, direction, music and everything else comes together and sticks together perfectly to make a masterpiece of film.
    ***** 5 Star
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    June 17, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Right Stuff is the incredible film about America's Space program. How the government of the U.S recruited the best pilots to helm the Mercury space program. The film covers quite a bit and starts off at Chuck Yeager breaking the speed of sound in the X-1. The right Stuff is a... read more thrilling drama film that will please history buffs. The film is superbly acted with a great cast of actors, and they all deliver on screen. The film is well paced, and well directed and does a great job at covering the first big step of America to conquer space. This is a phenomenal film that is a classic and is a must see for people who are fascinated with the space program. Director Philip Kaufman has crafted a solid picture with a great cast. What I love about The Right Stuff is the combination of drama, adventure and comedy. Theres a bit of comedy here and it works well. The Right Stuff is a well crafted film that definitely is exhilarating with wondrous adventure. The Right Stuff is an epic film about the early years of the conquest of space, and its a film that equally entertaining as it is is interesting. If you love films like Apollo 13, then give this one a view. A very good thrill ride with a superb story of the first Americans in space. The Right Stuff is an excellent film and is a must see film.
  • ironclad1609
    February 7, 2010
    ironclad1609
    The story of the pioneers of supersonic aviation and the first group of American astronauts of the Mercury program told on a really great scale. The 3 hour movie takes its time to introduce its multiple characters, which turns out to be one of its major assets as it progresses. E... read morespecially the training scenes are extremely amusing, while the really exciting flight sequences are sometimes mixed with original footage and the effects still look pretty great almost 30 years later. The cast is outstanding with many now famous faces taking their first very convincing steps in their earliest roles. In all, an extremely interesting, touching and exciting history lesson and a damn fine movie.
  • rubystevens
    July 20, 2009
    rubystevens
    there was a demon that lived in the air...fairly accurate historical epic of the space race that's also alot of fun. a great adventure film
  • tsigur
    June 8, 2009
    tsigur
    I wish Philip Kaufman would have a resurrection. He should watch this film and Unbearable Lightness of Being and realize what a talented filmmaker he is. I was really surprised at how entertaining this film was. I was expecting a fact based drama about space (which would have bee... read moren fine), but instead I got a multi faceted character study of some fascinating people in extraordinary situations. The entire cast is spot on amazing, but Sam fucking Shepard is worth the price of admission. Great film.
  • liquidchick76
    September 2, 2008
    liquidchick76
    It does run a bit long (my fiancee was bored and wanted to go to sleep), but personally I found it quite engrossing. I highly recommend it to any history buff who has particular interest in the origins of the US space program. Great cast, great music!
  • RossCollinsUK
    June 19, 2008
    RossCollinsUK
    A comprehensive and historically accurate docu-drama about the cutting-edge of US aviation during the Cold War era. From breaking the sound barrier to the first space missions the story follows the lives of the test pilots and the Mercury Seven. Plenty of recognizable faces and s... read moreome amazing scenes but at over three hours long it's in desperate need of some editing. So you may find the story a bit slow, unless like me you are fascinated by this era in history - it's Air & Space magazine in the form of a movie!
  • DrZeek
    April 1, 2008
    DrZeek
    John Glenn: I'm tired of being forthright, gracious and magnanimous.
    Gordon Cooper: Yeah.
    John Glenn: I'm tired of these stupid questions from the press.
    Gordon Cooper: mm-hmm
    John Glenn: I'm tired of smocks, I'm tired of engineers telling us what we can't do, I'm tired of everyb... read moreody that says we are not pilots!
    Gordon Cooper: You tell 'em, John.
    John Glenn: I'm tired of monkeys.
    Alan Shepard: Yeah.
    John Glenn: And most of all, I am sick and tired of being second to those... those darn Russians!
    Gus Grissom: There ya go.
    John Glenn: Now I think it's about time we...
    Wally Schirra: - got someone up there!
    [the others voice their approval]
    John Glenn: Let's f-f-f...
    Gus Grissom: Fuckin' A, bubba.
    John Glenn: That's right! Exactly!

    Here is the story about jet pilots, the beginnings of the space age, and the first astronauts. It's an adventure film, a historical drama, a social commentary, and even has elements of satire all combined into an entertaining film clocking in at just over three hours.

    Just like Apollo 13 and 2007's documentary In the Shadow of the Moon, I enjoyed this movie because not only is it exciting and well made, it brings back the excitement I use to have when dealing with anything concerning our exploration of space and the technology we develop to reach it.

    This movie starts off when pilots were still trying to break the sound barrier. This is achieved by none other than Chuck Yeager, played wonderfully by Sam Shepard. Yeager was basically a cowboy of jet pilots. A former war hero, who now constantly went to test planes, even when these pilots suffered a high mortality rate.

    This story jumps forward to Russia's success in putting Sputnik into space, leading to the USA going in to recruit some pilots to put into space themselves.

    This leads to the seven test pilots chosen to become astronauts. Among them there is John Glenn, Alan Shepherd, Gus Grissom, and Gordon Cooper, all played by Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Fred Ward, and Dennis Quaid. We get to know these men and their wives as they struggle to reach space and become successful in their own eyes, as they are already heroes to Americans due to the press.

    Chuck Yeager: Monkeys? You think a monkey knows he's sittin' on top of a rocket that might explode? These astronaut boys they know that, see? Well, I'll tell you something, it takes a special kind of man to volunteer for a suicide mission, especially one that's on TV.

    The movie devotes its time to almost all the aspects surrounding the Mercury Space Program, cleverly weaving special effects and stock footage within the film to make it have an authentic feel, especially for its time.

    We are also given few segments in between showing us Yeager, who was never chosen to be an astronaut, even though all the pilots consider him to be the best.

    The movie is long, but never unbearable. Something is always happening, the movie plays very well due to its actors, the great score from Bill Conti, and how well made it is.

    This is a great film about the first bunch of guys that got to go into space.

    Alan Shepard: Dear Lord, please don't let me fuck up.
    Gordon Cooper: I didn't quite copy that. Say again, please.
    Alan Shepard: I said everything's A-OK.

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Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel
October 5, 2011
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

Moviegoers seeking a grand yet edifying entertainment, right-stuffed with what Kaufman calls "seriousness of subject matter and a wild humor that comes out of left field," now know where to look... Full Review

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

The Right Stuff is a humdinger. Full of beauty, intelligence and excitement, this big-scale look at the development of the US space program and its pioneering aviators provides a fresh, entertaining l... Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

These men remain virtually flawless heroes, almost too good, decent and brave to be true, and it's a measure of how successful the movie is that one is inclined to believe it. Full Review

Roger Ebert
March 25, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

That the writer-director, Philip Kaufman, is able to get so much into a little more than three hours is impressive. That he also has organized this material into one of the best recent American movies... Full Review

October 5, 2011
Film4

History, melodrama, comedy and satire are skilfully combined in this consistently exciting adventure. Visually and dramatically it rarely sags, there's a vivid array of characters and though it's a fi... Full Review

Tim Brayton
March 1, 2011
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy

One of the scattered handful of truly great American movies in the first half of the 1980s. Full Review

Randy White
January 2, 2011
Randy White, Common Sense Media

Educational, exciting action, great acting. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
March 14, 2008
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Though critically acclaimed, Philip Kaufman's superbly realized adventure about the early Space Age was a commercial flop, due to its satirical tone and unfortunately close association with the presid... Full Review

Steve Crum
February 18, 2008
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Historical drama as well as vastly entertaining adventure.

Rob Fraser
December 30, 2006
Rob Fraser, Empire Magazine

Consistently compelling, capturing all the ambiguity and tension of the book. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts

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    • Gus Grissom: I did NOT do anything wrong. The hatch just BLEW. It was a GLITCH. It was a- a TECHNICAL MALFUNCTION. Why in hell won't anyone believe me?
    • Jack Ridley/Narrator: There was a demon that lived in the air. They said whoever challenged him would die. Their controls would freeze up. Their planes would buffet wildly and they would disintegrate. The demon lived at mach 1 on the meter, 750 miles an hour, where the air could no longer move out of the way. He lived behind a barrier through which they said no man could ever pass. They called it the sound barrier.
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The Right Stuff Trivia

  • This Academy Award winning film about the origins of the American Space Program and America's first seven astronauts features a stellar cast and is an American classic. Name this film.  Answer »
  • Place the quote to the film: "OK boys, let's light this candle!"  Answer »
  • In what movie Ed Harris plays Glenn, Scott Glenn plays Shepard, and Sam Shepard plays Yeager?  Answer »
  • Yeager: Hey Ridley. Got any Beemans? Ridley: I believe I got me a stick. Yeager: Well loan me some. I'll pay you back later. Ridley: Fair enough! What early 1980's movie did the above dialogue come from?  Answer »
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