Before NCIS made Mark Harmon a household name, he starred alongside Sean Connery in the 1988 military thriller The Presidio. Despite its promising cast, the film failed to make a lasting impact and is often overlooked today. The movie followed Harmon as a brash San Francisco detective investigating a murder at a military base, where he clashes with Connery’s hardened colonel. Their tense dynamic, combined with an action-packed storyline, had the potential for success but ultimately fell flat at the box office.

One of the film’s biggest challenges was its uneven blend of action, mystery, and romance. While Harmon and Connery delivered strong performances, the movie struggled with a predictable plot and a lack of memorable moments. It also received mixed reviews from critics, who felt it failed to stand out in the crowded genre of ‘80s thrillers.

Though The Presidio didn’t leave a major mark on Hollywood, it remains a curious piece of Mark Harmon’s pre-NCIS career. For fans interested in seeing him in a different light—long before he took on the role of Special Agent Gibbs—the film offers a glimpse into his early days as a leading man.