The Right Stuff

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.

The movie stars Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Fred Ward, Barbara Hershey, Kim Stanley, Veronica Cartwright and Pamela Reed.

The movie 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 Right Stuff 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."