---
title: "The Great Santini"
year: 1979
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-santini-1979"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 21887
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 115
community_rating: 6.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG"
---

# The Great Santini (1979) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-santini-1979

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Great Santini is a film first released in 1979. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by Bing Crosby Productions, Orion Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A young man struggles to win the approval of his demanding marine pilot father."

### Why Watch
- features strong dramatic performances
- explores complex family dynamics

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains intense emotional conflict
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with intense emotional and family conflicts.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: drama, intense, family

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-great-santini-1979#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Lewis John Carlino
- **Networks / Studios**: Bing Crosby Productions, Orion Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert Duvall** as *Bull Meechum*
- **Blythe Danner** as *Lillian Meechum*
- **Michael O'Keefe** as *Ben Meechum*
- **Lisa Jane Persky** as *Mary Anne Meechum*
- **Julie Anne Haddock** as *Karen Meechum*
- **Brian Andrews** as *Matthew Meechum*
- **Stan Shaw** as *Toomer Smalls*
- **Theresa Merritt** as *Arrabella Smalls*
- **David Keith** as *Red Petus*
- **Paul Mantee** as *Col. Virgil Hedgepath*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was The Great Santini released?
The film was released in 1979.

### Q: What is the film about?
It is about a son who struggles to win the approval of his demanding alpha male father, an aggressively competitive, but frustrated marine pilot.

### Q: Who stars in the film?
The film stars Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, and Michael O'Keefe.

### Q: Is the film based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the 1976 novel by Pat Conroy.

### Q: What genre is the film?
The Great Santini is a drama film.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Great Santini — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/21887)
- [Velký Santini 66% [The Great Santini] (1979) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/22354-velky-santini)
- [The Great Santini - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Santini)
- [The Great Santini - Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Great_Santini)
- [Velký Santini / The Great Santini / The Ace / The Gift of Fury…](https://www.sms.cz/film/velky-santini)
- [Where to Watch The Great Santini (1979) Online - Plex](http://watch.plex.tv/cs/movie/the-great-santini)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*