The Right Stuff

This 1983 film, directed by Philip Kaufman, chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the lives of the first astronauts selected for Project Mercury. The narrative delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by these pioneers, including Chuck Yeager, played by Sam Shepard, and John Glenn, portrayed by Ed Harris. The film is notable for its realistic depiction of the era and the intense training and competition among the astronauts. It received critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Original Score. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.