16 Apr The Great Santini
The Great Santini, movie starring Robert Duvall. Based on the book of the same name by Pat Conroy.
(1974) No, it’s not a WWII movie even though the main character, Marine fighter pilot Bull Meechum, fought in both that war and in Korea. The film is based on the book of the same name by Pat Conroy. It is a story of growing up in a military family headed up by a larger than life Marine whose personality works better when he’s fighting real enemies.
This is Pat Conroy’s story. His Dad was “The Great Santini.”
I was attracted to the movie because I thought perhaps after growing up with a military father I would find some commonalities. Not really. My B-17 bombardier Dad was nothing like the over-the-top Marine that Pat Conroy grew up with. Even though when I was in college at Pitt my friends teased me whenever the Colonel was coming to visit … even though Herman liked to manage things with military precision … this was not our childhood.
Pat Conroy’s eulogy at his Dad’s funeral says it all.
The Great Santini at amazon.com
Joy
Posted at 16:49h, 18 Aprilthe Don Conroy obituary by Pat Conroy is priceless, esp written by a birkenstock wearing child of the 60s somewhat like myself:>); it’s great that he can bring such all round perspective …I’ve seen the movie, but I think I might want to read the book!