1980s Classic: Airplane!
Airplane 1980 Movie: Remembered as the 4th highest-grossing movie in 1980, Airplane! is a slapstick comedy classic film starring Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Not only was it a successful movie in the 80s, but it was also the highest-grossing comedy film in history. It was eventually unseated by Ghostbusters.
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Breaking Down the Airplane! Plot
After a failed flight mission in a war, former fighter pilot Ted Stryker returns home with a deep fear of flying and extensive trauma. However, he still has not gotten over the love of his life from before the war, Elaine Dickinson, and he vows to get her back. There’s just one catch – she’s a flight attendant now!
Battling through his fear of flying, he boards a flight to Chicago that she’s servicing to try and win her back.
Unfortunately, Elaine turns down Ted’s advances, but this is only the start of his problems.
Once the flight reaches cruising altitude, things begin to go incredibly awry.
Many of the passengers and flight crew fall ill after eating the seafood meal on the plane, including the pilot.
As he watches people around him get sicker and sicker, the flight crew get taken out by the food-borne illness and are unable to man the plane any longer.
Elaine is instructed by the supervisor of the Chicago control tower to activate autopilot, which is a large blow-up doll named “Otto.” Otto is able to fly the plane but won’t be able to land it when necessary.
More Airplane 1980 Movie Facts:
Desperate to find someone to land the plane, Elaine nominated Ted to do it because of his experience as a fighter pilot.
Ted, however, is paralyzed with fear about being in the cockpit again, and it is tough to discern whether he will be successful.
The clock is quickly running out as people begin to get sicker, and Ted eventually lands the plane successfully.
His heroism and bravery win back his true love, giving a happy ending to audiences.
Airplane! is a Classic
If you haven’t seen Airplane!, you can still enjoy it. Its funny script entertained audiences for years, and many lines are still popular today.
When Dr. Rumack asks if he can fly the plane, Ted replies, “surely you can’t be serious,” and Rumack says, “I am serious and don’t call me Shirley.”
If you’ve heard this quote without knowing its source, now you know!
This is just one of the many classic one-liners still used today.
5 Fun Facts About Airplane!
- Airplane! is a remake of a movie called “Zero Hour!” that was made in 1957. Many of the lines and humor used in Airplane! were taken directly from Zero Hour!
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played Roger Murdock in the movie, but in real life is the highest-scoring basketball player of all time.
- The three directors from Airplane! all make cameos in the movie.
- Leslie Nielsen was a master of mirth on set, always ready to spark laughter with his trusty whoopee cushion, ensuring even the most serious line readings had a side-splitting soundtrack!
- Air Mexico is the only airline that has used Airplane! as an in-flight film.
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Airplane Movie Cast
- Robert Hays – Ted Striker
- Julie Hagerty – Elaine Dickinson
- Leslie Nielsen – Dr. Rumack
- Peter Graves – Capt. Clarence Oveur
- Lloyd Bridges – Steve McCroskey
- Robert Stack – Capt. Rex Kramer
- Lorna Patterson – Randy
- Stephen Stucker – Air Traffic Controller Johnny Henshaw-Jacobs
- Frank Ashmore – Victor Basta
- Jonathan Banks – Gunderson
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Roger Murdock
- Craig Berenson – Paul Carey
- Barbara Billingsley – Jive Lady
- Lee Bryant – Mrs. Hammen
- Nicholas Pryor – Jim Hammen
- Joyce Bulifant – Mrs. Davis
- Maureen McGovern – Nun
- Kenneth Tobey – Air Controller Neubauer
- Marcy Goldman – Mrs. Geline
- Barbara Stuart – Mrs. Kramer
- Ross Harris – Joey Hammen
- Norman Alexander Gibbs – First Jive Dude
- Al White – Second Jive Dude
- David Hollander – Young Boy with Coffee
- Michelle Stacy – Young Girl with Coffee
- David Leisure – First Krishna
- Jason Wingreen – Dr. Brody
- Jill Whelan – Lisa Davis
- Ethel Merman – Lieutenant Hurwitz
- Lee Terri – Mrs. Linda Oveur
- Jimmie Walker – Windshield Wiper Man
- James Hong – Japanese General
- Howard Jarvis – Man in Taxi
- Michael Laurence – Newscaster
- Did you know that Leslie Nielsen got the role of Dr. Rumack by chance? It was initially offered to another actor who declined, and the director believed Nielsen’s serious acting experience would suit the comedic role well.
- Technical Errors: Believe it or not, Airplane! was filled with technical errors on purpose. The film was meant to be a farce and these mistakes added to the comedic value.
- Real Airplane Scenes: The flight deck scenes were actually shot in a real airplane, which was later sold to a new airline owner. The owner reportedly watched the movie and spotted his new plane being used and was not too thrilled!
- Airplane! Inspiration: The film was actually inspired by a 1957 movie called Zero Hour! The stories and plotlines are almost identical, but Airplane! added the comedic twist that made it a hit.
- Airplane! Legacy: Airplane! has had a lasting impact on the film industry, inspiring other parody movies like The Naked Gun and the Scary Movie franchise.
- Airplane! is a classic comedy that remains funny with its great script and memorable quotes. If you enjoy parodies or just want to laugh, it’s a must-watch. Have you seen it? Share your favorite scene or quote in the “Leave a Reply” section below!
