Ace fighter pilot Bull Meechum (Robert Duvall) understands the ins and outs of war but has a tough time comprehending peace, especially where his family is concerned. Self-dubbed "The Great Santini," the strident Meechum hammers his squadron into shape and thinks he can do the same with his four sons and wife (Blythe Danner) -- until his 18-year-old (Michael O'Keefe) proves him wrong in a highly charged, one-on-one game of hoops.