The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff is a 1983 drama starring Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, and Ed Harris.

Plot: Based on the book of the same title, this movie chronicles the early beginnings of the space program.  From  breaking the sound barrier to the Mercury program, this movie chronicles the people and technology that took America to the head of the space race.

My Take: I saw this movie originally as a kid, and only recently watched it for the second time.  A nice semi-biographical account of the lives of the original Mercury 7 astronauts and test pilot, Chuck Yeager, the movie is just as much about the personal challenges of each of the historical figures as it is about history itself.  I think it would be an excellent introduction to the space program's history for anyone seeking to learn more about that time.  The excellent cast makes the movie enjoyable for anyone to watch.

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