The Right Stuff is a 1983 American epic historical drama film written for the screen and directed by Philip Kaufman. It is based on the 1979 book of the same name by Tom Wolfe. It follows the Navy, Marine, and Air Force test pilots who were involved in aeronautical research at Edwards Air Force Base, California, as well as the Mercury Seven, the seven military pilots who were selected to be the astronauts for Project Mercury, the first human spaceflight by the United States. The film stars Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, Fred Ward, Dennis Quaid, and Barbara Hershey. Levon Helm narrates and plays Air Force test pilot Jack Ridley.