The Great Santini 1979
Directed by
Lewis John Carlino
Made by
Orion Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Great Santini (1979). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the serene setting of 1962 South Carolina, Lt. Col. Wilbur “Bull” Meechum, an esteemed aviator known as “the Great Santini” among his Marine peers, relocates his family to the picturesque town of Beaufort. His wife, Lillian, endures his fiery temperament and penchant for whiskey with quiet resilience, often managing the chaos that ensues. Their teenage children, Ben and Mary Anne, grapple with their father’s stern discipline as they acclimate to their new life filled with both anxiety and a strong sense of determination.
Ben, blessed with a natural talent for basketball, quickly earns his place on the school team and emerges as a formidable player on the court. However, the brutal practice sessions at home with his father reveal a harsher reality—Meechum’s unyielding approach, where he absolutely refuses to allow Ben any victory, instead resorting to harsh physical tactics and biting remarks. The tension culminates when Ben finally beats him; Meechum responds with a furious outburst, expressing his disappointment by bouncing the ball off his head in utter disdain. Later that evening, while discovering his father shooting hoops alone in the driveway, Lillian gently advises Ben to be considerate of Meechum’s feelings, sharing that he feels vulnerable in losing control over his life.
As the family’s struggles simmer beneath the surface, a turning point occurs during an intense school basketball game when Meechum insists that Ben retaliate against an opponent who has committed a foul. Ben takes this advice to heart, resulting in a devastating tackle that not only breaks the opponent’s arm but also leads to his ejection from the game and dismissal from the team.
Seeking comfort, Ben forms a close friendship with Toomer Smalls, a young black man facing relentless bullying from Red Pettus. In a daring act of defiance, Toomer uses a beehive to exact vengeance on Red, but fate takes a tragic turn when Red, in the chaos, accidentally shoots him. Ben arrives too late to save Toomer, who succumbs to his injuries, deepening the emotional scars of their community. Infuriated by Ben’s disobedience, Meechum expresses his rage, yet another Marine takes a different stance, acknowledging Ben’s courage in standing by his friend.
Despite the ongoing emotional turbulence, Meechum stays emotionally distant from Ben, oblivious to his son’s sensitive nature. In a fateful decision, he embarks on one last aerial mission, a choice that becomes exceptionally critical. When his plane suffers engine failure, he chooses to crash into the ocean rather than eject and endanger innocent lives on land. The Meechum family gathers to mourn at a heartfelt funeral service in Beaufort, marking the end of an era before they move on to start anew elsewhere.
In the wake of Meechum’s passing, Ben unexpectedly assumes the role of the family’s leader, seemingly fulfilling an unspoken expectation from his father to embrace the weight of responsibility and authority that now rests upon his shoulders.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Great Santini (1979) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Relocation to Beaufort
In 1962, Lt. Col. Wilbur 'Bull' Meechum, known as 'the Great Santini', moves his family to the quaint town of Beaufort, South Carolina. This transition marks a significant change in their lives as they try to adjust to a new environment while dealing with Meechum's domineering personality.
Family Dynamics
Lillian Meechum, Wilbur's wife, struggles with his fiery nature and heavy drinking. She works to maintain some semblance of normalcy while managing the emotional turmoil that arises from living with a strict and often unreasonable husband.
Ben's Basketball Talent
Ben Meechum discovers his passion for basketball, quickly earning a position on the school team. However, his relationship with his father complicates his passion as he faces intense pressures at home during basketball practice.
Father-Son Conflict
An explosive conflict arises between Ben and Meechum during practice when Ben finally manages to beat his father. This victory is met with disdain from Meechum, who reacts violently by bouncing the ball off Ben's head in frustration.
Family Counsel
Later, Lillian attempts to mediate the tension between Ben and Meechum. She advises Ben to be more sensitive to his father's insecurities, painting a poignant picture of Meechum's struggle to maintain control over his chaotic life.
The Basketball Game Incident
During an important school basketball game, Meechum instructs Ben to retaliate after a foul. Ben follows through, resulting in a severe injury to another player, which leads to his ejection from the game and subsequent dismissal from the team.
Friendship with Toomer
Amidst the turmoil, Ben forges a friendship with Toomer Smalls, a young black man facing harassment. This friendship provides Ben with solace and solidarity as they navigate the challenges presented by their prejudiced surroundings.
Tragic Fate of Toomer
In a dramatic turn of events, Toomer uses a beehive to get back at his bully, Red Pettus. Tragically, during this chaos, Red accidentally shoots Toomer, leading to his untimely death and leaving a deep emotional impact on Ben and their community.
Meechum's Outburst
Following Toomer's death, Meechum's anger boils over as he lashes out at Ben for his actions. However, one of Meechum's fellow Marines recognizes Ben's valiant efforts to stand by his friend, showing a different perspective on the situation.
Father's Emotional Distance
Despite the tragic events, Meechum remains emotionally disconnected from his son, unaware of Ben's sensitivity and struggles. This distance further complicates their father-son relationship as they both navigate their personal battles.
Meechum's Aerial Mission
In a critical moment, Wilbur Meechum embarks on one last aerial mission. During this mission, his plane experiences engine failure, forcing him to make the grave decision to crash into the ocean rather than risking lives on land.
The Funeral
The Meechum family gathers for a heartfelt funeral service in Beaufort, as they mourn the loss of Wilbur. This solemn event marks the end of an era for the family as they come to terms with his death.
Ben's New Role
In the aftermath of his father's death, Ben unexpectedly finds himself taking on the mantle of family leader. Fulfillment of an unspoken expectation from Meechum, Ben embraces the responsibilities that now rest on his shoulders.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Great Santini (1979) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lt. Col. Wilbur 'Bull' Meechum
A decorated Marine aviator, Lt. Col. Meechum is a complex character who embodies discipline and control. His fiery temperament and unrelenting expectations place immense pressure on his family, particularly his son Ben, highlighting the struggles of a man grappling with his role as a father amid personal vulnerabilities.
Ben Meechum
Ben is a teenage boy wrestling with the challenges of adolescence and a tumultuous relationship with his father. His passion for basketball serves as an escape and a battleground for familial conflict, illustrating his quest for identity amidst pressure to conform to parental expectations.
Lillian Meechum
Lillian, the matriarch of the Meechum family, embodies resilience and compassion. She navigates the chaos of her husband's temperament and the emotional struggles of her children, providing a stabilizing presence amid the family's turbulent dynamics.
Toomer Smalls
Toomer is a young black man who finds solace and friendship with Ben amid bullying and societal challenges. His bold actions reflect the struggles of marginalized individuals, adding depth to the film's commentary on friendship and bravery in the face of adversity.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Great Santini (1979), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1962
The movie is set in 1962, a time marked by significant social change and the aftermath of World War II. This period saw families grappling with traditional values while navigating the evolving landscapes of personal identity and societal expectations.
Location
South Carolina, Beaufort
Set in the serene town of Beaufort in South Carolina, this picturesque locale is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. It provides a tranquil backdrop for the family drama, contrasting the intense personal struggles of the Meechum family.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Great Santini (1979). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Sports & Competition
The theme of sports is central to the narrative, particularly through Ben's journey in basketball. It symbolizes not only personal growth but also the conflict between familial expectations and individual desires. The intensity of competition reflects both the struggles of adolescence and the harsh realities imposed by parental figures.
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Family Struggles
The movie deeply explores family dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Ben and his father, Lt. Col. Meechum. Meechum's stern discipline and emotional distance affect Ben profoundly, illustrating the pain and resilience present in familial bonds during challenging times.
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Responsibility & Sacrifice
Through Meechum's ultimate sacrifice and Ben's evolving role as the family's leader, the theme of responsibility emerges prominently. Ben's journey is not just about embracing authority but understanding the weight of decisions that come with it, reflecting a powerful transition from adolescence to adulthood.
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