Duvall is the son a Navy Admiral and served in the US Army. He was drawing on his background to prepare for this role.
I can't get enough of Duvall.
sw
The Great Santini was a marvelous film. It had the problem of being saddled with a TERRIBLE TITLE. There are so many movies that are wonderful, but the title really makes it seems something it's not. Too bad ...because this one was great. I think I'll go rent it.