The Right Stuff is both a 1979 book by Tom Wolfe, and a 1983 film adapted from the book, which tell the true story of the first seven astronauts selected for the NASA space program. The story tells not only of the "Mercury Seven" and their families, but also the contrasting fate of Chuck Yeager, who was considered by many test pilots to be the best of them, but who was never selected as an astronaut.
According to the book's introduction, the book was inspired by the desire to find out why the astronauts willingly put themselves at risk to fly into space. Wolfe's book recounts the enormous risks that test pilots were already taking, and the self-belief that the selectivity of reaching the ranks of a test pilot (and thus possessing "the right stuff") gave. Wolfe likens the astronauts to 'single combat champions' from an earlier era, receiving the honour and adoration of their people before going forth to fight on their behalf.
The movie stars Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Kim Stanley, Levon Helm, Veronica Cartwright, Pamela Reed and Lance Henriksen.
The screenplay was adapted by Philip Kaufman from the book, with contributions from screenwriter William Goldman. It was directed by Kaufman.
It won Academy Awards for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing ; Best Film Editing; Best Music, Original Score and Best Sound. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Sam Shepard), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography and Best Picture.
At the time that the movie came out, former astronaut and current Senator John Glenn was running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. It was felt that the movie might help his chances, but in fact, his candidacy did not go far. In fact, many said, not-so-jokingly, after having seen Sam Shepard's performance, "Forget John Glenn, I want Chuck Yeager for President."
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