Take Off with "Airport" (1970): More Than Just a Movie, It's a Blizzard of Drama!
Stuck at an airport? Picture that during a blizzard. Add Burt Lancaster's intense gaze and Dean Martin's cool charm. You have "Airport" (1970). This film was a cultural moment and set the standard for disaster movies. It kept audiences gripping their seats tightly as if on a shaky flight.
Let’s explore "Airport" and its nail-biting plot. The film set the stage for real-world airport drama too.
Lincoln International: Not Quite O'Hare, But Close Enough for Hollywood
Imagine Chicago O'Hare's chaos. That’s Lincoln International in "Airport". The film sets up a pressure cooker scenario: one long snowy night with all eyes on Mel Bakersfeld (Burt Lancaster). He is the airport’s general manager, working hard to keep flights safe amidst the turmoil.
Filming at a real airport proved difficult. George Seaton couldn't secure shoots at LAX or O'Hare. Real airports often avoid movie projects. The team found ways around this. Interior scenes took place on Universal soundstages. Exterior scenes used St. Paul Airport in Minneapolis. Minnesota transformed into Chicago with creativity!
"Airport" Spawns a Franchise: From '75 to... Well, Just '75 Really
"Airport" led to sequels in the 70s. If it worked, run with it. The first sequel, "Airport 1975," was cheekily named "Airport '75". Titles didn’t show much creativity, just like the planes grounded in snow.
This sequel raised the airborne drama level. Linda Blair, known for "The Exorcist," starred as a sick young girl, adding emotional weight to the chaos of flight issues. Notably, "Airplane!", the 1980 comedy classic, borrowed heavily from "Airport", especially the melodrama and sick kid angle. It highlights "Airport's" lasting impact!
Trivia note: Terry Lester played Mr. Kelly in "Airport 1975." Soap opera fans may recognize him. The disaster movie world can be small!
Meet the Crew: Lancaster, Martin, and a Generational Age Gap
The cast of "Airport" featured Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin. Lancaster portrayed Mel Bakersfeld with intensity, showcasing his stress well. Martin, as Vernon Demerest, mixed charm with a hint of alcohol-infused nonchalance.
Fun fact: Dean Martin (Vernon) was 52 during filming, while Jacqueline Bisset (Gwen) was only 25. Hollywood loves age dynamics! The film never highlights these ages, but the gap is striking.
Curious about Abbott Lancaster's movie family? Lancaster’s character, Mel, was married to Cindy Bakersfeld, played by Dana Wynter. Someone had to manage the stress at home!
Burt Lancaster: From Acrobat to Action Hero (and Beyond!)
Burt Lancaster was an iconic star. He passed away on October 20, 1994. His heart attack ended the career of a true cinematic giant.
Before his film career, he was a circus acrobat. What a transition from trapeze artist to silver screen leading man! Before fame, he teamed with Nick Cravat to form Lang and Cravat in the 1930s. They worked in circuses and honed their skills, contributing to his screen presence.
Burt Lancaster was born to Irish Protestant parents. His grandparents immigrated from Belfast, indicating his roots. Lancaster delivered charm and grit to his Hollywood persona.
Interestingly, Burt reportedly had 64 teeth. Twice the average number for humans. That may have contributed to his dazzling smile!
Random note: Lancaster's funeral coincided with Burt Reynolds's memorial in West Palm Beach. Two Hollywood legends departed around the same time.
Dean Martin: King of Cool, Smoke, and Song
Dean Martin embodied coolness. In "Airport," Vernon Demerest showed only a part of his suave persona. Martin was 52 during the shoot, proving coolness never ages, especially with Jacqueline Bisset’s charm.
Martin and Frank Sinatra were inseparable icons. They were legends in the Rat Pack but also had their share of tension. Even legends face complexities in relationships.
Tragedy struck Martin with the loss of his son, Dean Paul Martin Jr. Dean Paul died in a military training crash in 1987. This heartbreak served as a reminder of life's fragility.
Martin's family benefited financially through the Dean Martin Family Trust. In 2022, Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group gained rights to Martin's estate, showing his legacy continues.
Martin’s public image featured smoking and drinking. He often performed with cigarettes and faced health challenges from this lifestyle. It caught up with him in 1993 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died in 1995.
Family mattered to Dean Martin. He fathered eight children, including Claudia and Dean Jr. His legacy endures through them.
Martin is buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. His resting place includes many Hollywood legends.
Here’s an old-school romance tidbit: Martin's first wife never remarried after their divorce. Quite the impression that left!
Frank Sinatra: The Chairman and Dean's Pal (Frenemy?)
Frank Sinatra was "Ol' Blue Eyes" and Dean Martin's friend, despite some tensions. Sinatra was a key member of the Rat Pack, defining coolness in the 1960s.
Sinatra was the most famous member of the Rat Pack. His talent and personality made him a cultural icon.
Sinatra's personal life had its struggles. "He was not faithful to his wife but loved his children." Even the famous face challenges in private life.
have their complexities and contradictions.
Random Detours: 1971, Airports, and Faithful Dogs
Let’s explore the world of "Airport." The year was 1971, a notable year in film. "The French Connection" won Best Picture. It was a gritty crime thriller. This contrasted the high-flying drama of "Airport." Both captured the essence of the early 70s.
In 1971, how much did a loaf of bread cost? It was about 25 to 28 cents. Times have indeed changed.
Airports inspire stories. "The Terminal," with Tom Hanks, follows a man stuck at JFK airport. He makes it his temporary home. This story feels whimsical, unlike the disaster theme of "Airport" films.
Lastly, a touching airport story: Hachikō, the Akita dog. He waited for his deceased owner at the train station for more than nine years. Loyalty brought him fame. This loyalty is different from the drama in "Airport." Airports and waiting go together. This can be for loved ones or delayed luggage.
There you have it. "Airport" (1970) and its cast, sequels, and randomness remind us films are more than entertainment. They reflect the anxieties and trends of their time. Time to re-watch "Airplane!" for a laugh and check my flight status.
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