Philip Kaufman's 1983 movie follows the seven astronauts selected to take part in Project Mercury, the effort to put men in space, and the pilots from the military who participated in aeronautical projects. Actor Sam Shepard starred as pilot Chuck Yeager, while Ed Harris portrayed John Glenn and Scott Glenn played astronaut Alan Shepard.
Levon Helm, who narrated the film and portrayed Jack Ridley in the movie, is best known as the drummer for the music group The Band.
Mary Jo Deschanel, who played the part of Annie Glenn in the film, is the mother of "New Girl" actress Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel of "Bones."
