'Great Santini' soars again tonight in Beaufort

Beaufort residents can catch a showing of the film "The Great Santini" and hear from Michael O'Keefe, the actor who portrayed the character based on a young Pat Conroy, tonight in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Pre-movie entertainment starts at 8 p.m. near the pavilion and will include a singer, remarks from Mayor Billy Keyserling and an appearance by O'Keefe, said LaNelle Fabian, executive director of Main Street Beaufort, USA, the organization hosting the event.

The movie will start at about 8:30 p.m.

"I'm hoping people will go out and eat downtown and then come pick a good spot in the park for the show," Fabian said.

The event is part of a new free movie series hosted by Main Street. It selected the movie adaptation of one of Pat Conroy's earlier works commemorate his recently released novel, "South of Broad," and the author's book signing Saturday at Beaufort's Bay Street Trading Co., Fabian said.

Movie-goers should bring their own chairs. Historic Beaufort Foundation will sell concessions. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization.

Coolers are allowed, but alcohol is not permitted in the park, Fabian said.