From Runway to Red Carpet: A Deep Dive into the "Airport" Movie Saga and Beyond
Ever sat in an airport during a long layover? You may have thought about the drama these transit hubs can spark. If you love films, you might think of the classic of airport dramas: "Airport" (1970). Buckle up as we explore "Airport" and its sequels, plus a lot of related trivia.
"Airport" (1970): Where Disaster Takes Flight
Let’s begin with the film that started it all, "Airport" (1970). It wasn’t a light-hearted rom-com; it was a full-blown disaster movie set in a snowy Chicago-area airport. Picture handling a major airport during a storm. Toss in a bomb threat, a stowaway, and plenty of personal drama. Sounds chaotic? It truly was!
Plot Turbulence: Snowstorms and Explosives
The story of "Airport" showcases a struggle with various crises. Mel Bakersfeld, played by Burt Lancaster, is the airport manager facing a massive snowstorm. A troubled man, D.O. Guerrero, portrayed by Van Heflin, thinks a bomb on an airline can solve his financial woes. Pilot Vernon Demerest, played by Dean Martin, tries to deal with Guerrero while ground control works to prevent disaster. Talk about a rough day at the office.
Behind the Scenes: Not Quite O'Hare
Filming "Airport" wasn’t as easy as shooting at O'Hare. Director George Seaton faced issues getting filming permissions from LAX and O'Hare. So where did they film? Interior shots were on cozy stages at Universal Studios. Exterior shots were expertly done at St. Paul Airport in Minneapolis. Movie magic, indeed!
Oscar Glory: Stowaways and Statuettes
"Airport" wasn't just popular; it won over the Academy. Helen Hayes grabbed an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as an elderly stowaway. The film also received nine nominations, including Best Picture. Cinematographer Ernest Laszlo was recognized for his work capturing snowy scenes, and Edith Head received praise for her costume designs. No award for "Best Airport Operations Management in a Fictional Crisis," but maybe next time.
Dean Martin Takes the Controls (and Hearts)
Dean Martin, the epitome of cool, played Captain Vernon Demerest, a charming pilot skilled both in flying and romance. As the crisis unfolds, Demerest finds himself in the midst of chaos, trying to resolve the bomb situation while handling his own personal issues. More on Dean Martin’s captivating performance later; it deserves its own detail.
"Airport" Sequels: More Flights, More Frights
"Airport 1975": Stewardess to the Rescue!
"Airport 1975" raised the stakes by putting a stewardess in charge. Nancy Pryor, portrayed by Karen Black, suddenly becomes the leader after a mid-air collision takes out the pilots. Enter Charlton Heston as her boyfriend, Alan Murdock, who must help her land the plane from the ground. Adding to the melee are nervous passengers like a singing nun (Helen Reddy) and grumpy Sid Caesar. It’s like a sitcom under pressure!
Location Hopping: From DC to Salt Lake City
While set in Los Angeles, "Airport 1975" filmed in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City. If you thought you saw the Capitol Building during intense moments, your eyes weren’t deceiving you.
Star-Studded Cast: From Exorcists to Mr. Kelly
The cast of "Airport 1975" included many well-known faces. Linda Blair, fresh off "The Exorcist," played a sick child, a role later parodied in "Airplane!". For soap opera fans, Terry Lester, known as Mr. Kelly, also appeared. The cast promised drama both on and off screen.
Critical Landing: Bumpy but Entertaining
Reviews for "Airport 1975" were mixed at best. One critic called it "good, exciting, corny escapism," and advised against watching it as an in-flight movie. Too close to home? With so many stars, character development suffered, but who needs depth with mid-air collisions?
"Airport '77": Underwater Edition
"Airport '77" raised the stakes even further by going underwater. A 747 crashes into the Bermuda Triangle and sinks, trapping passengers and crew inside a submerged airplane. It’s "Airport" meets "The Poseidon Adventure."
Filming High and Dry (Mostly)
Despite the underwater concept, filming occurred primarily on land and in the air. Burbank Airport (now Burbank Bob Hope Airport), LAX, and Dulles International Airport in Virginia were key locations. No actual 747s were harmed in making this underwater tale!
Critical Reception: Slick Ridiculousness
Critics weren’t particularly impressed. Variety noted the plot's "formula banality," while Roger Ebert gave it 2 out of 4 stars and labeled it "big, slick entertainment, relentlessly ridiculous." Sometimes relentless ridiculousness is exactly what you need for fun at the movies.
"The Concorde... Airport '79": Supersonic Soap Opera
The last part, "The Concorde... Airport '79," ventured into the skies aboard the sleek Concorde. While details are murky, expect more airborne drama with international intrigue and perhaps a love story at high speed. Unfortunately, our outline lacks specifics for this segment, but you get the essence: faster than "Airport."
Dean Martin in "Airport": Pilot, Player, and Papa?
Returning to Dean Martin's role as Vernon Demerest in "Airport," this wasn't merely a cameo; it was a significant part revealing Dean's charm and unexpected dramatic abilities.
Vernon Demerest: Cool Under Pressure
Vernon Demerest is not just anyone; he embodies cool under duress. When bomb threats escalate, Demerest must defuse Guerrero's instability. Dean Martin brings his signature charisma to make Demerest believable as both skilled and crisis-capable. Even when dangers loom, he stays cool.
Age is Just a Number (Except When It's Double)
While character ages aren’t explicitly stated, actors’ ages stand out. Dean Martin was 52 during filming; Jacqueline Bisset was a youthful 25. The age difference was quite noticeable. Oh Hollywood!
Love Triangles in the Sky
Demerest deals with romance besides bomb threats. He is married to Barbara Hale's character but also involved with Jacqueline Bisset’s stewardess role, who is pregnant. Vernon Demerest: professional pilot and questionable spouse! Dean Martin convincingly portrays a man juggling responsibilities amidst chaos.
Dean Martin: Beyond the Cockpit
Dean Martin was more than just a charming pilot on screen. His life was as rich as his career with family ties and friendships.
Family Man (Three Times Over)
Dean Martin’s life was filled with events like his movie career. He fathered eight children across three marriages. With first wife Betty McDonald, he had Craig and daughters Claudia, Gail, and Deana. Family was central to Dean despite his busy career.
we say, active social life.
Dean Martin Jr.: A Life Cut Short
Dean Paul Martin Jr., known as Dino Jr., became a singer and actor. He served in the California Air National Guard. Sadly, he died in a plane crash during training. This loss was heartbreaking for his family and Hollywood.
Friends in High Places: Sinatra and Wayne
Dean Martin had legendary friendships. His bond with Frank Sinatra stood out. They shared a deep connection. John Wayne was another surprising friend. Though from different worlds, they connected as top stars, experiencing fame's highs and lows together.
Sinatra's Silent Support
The funeral for Dean Martin Jr. was star-studded. Attendees included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Lucille Ball. James Woods spoke during the service. Sinatra's attendance meant a lot. His quiet support showed true friendship in grief. Sometimes silence speaks volumes.
Italian Roots Run Deep
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti, had strong Italian roots. His father was a first-generation Italian-American. Dean's fluency in standard Italian is debated, but he likely spoke dialect fluently. Growing up, Italian culture influenced him. His heritage stayed important in his life.
Estate and Inheritance: The Family Trust
Dean Martin's wealth went to the Dean Martin Family Trust after his death. This trust managed his estate and royalties. His family benefitted from his legacy. The decision ensured that they continued to receive support from his career and investments.
Oscar Gold: The Reigning Champions
"Airport" won an Oscar. However, it's far from the most honored films. Let's focus on the movies that truly won at the Academy Awards.
The 11-Oscar Club: "Ben-Hur," "Titanic," and "The Lord of the Rings"
As of March 2025, three films are tied with 11 Oscars: "Ben-Hur" (1959), "Titanic" (1997), and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003). "Ben-Hur" won from 12 nominations. "Titanic" matched its wins with 14 nominations. "The Lord of the Rings" swept all it was nominated for, including Best Picture.
"Titanic": King of Nominations
While tied in wins, "Titanic" has 14 nominations, sharing the record with "All About Eve" (1950) and "La La Land" (2016). Its 11 wins, including Best Picture, mark it in history. Many have felt emotions during "My Heart Will Go On."
"Gone With the Wind": Epic Length, Epic Win
"Gone With the Wind" (1940) is a Best Picture winner and one of the longest films to win. It runs 238 minutes long. This film showcases Civil War drama and Scarlett O'Hara's unforgettable sass. Frankly, my dear, that's a long viewing time.
"Cabaret": Oscar Champ Without Best Picture
"Cabaret" (1972) has a unique record: most Oscar wins (8) without Best Picture. It won in almost every category, highlighting Bob Fosse's brilliance. While "The Godfather" won Best Picture, "Cabaret" had more total Oscars that night.
"Slumdog Millionaire": 8 Oscars and a Dream
"Slumdog Millionaire" (2008) struck Oscar gold with eight awards. It won Best Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle. The film's underdog story resonated with viewers and critics, proving luck and heart can lead to great success.
Airports 101: More Than Just Runways
We discussed "Airport" movies, but what defines an airport? An airport serves more than just flights.
Terminals, Runways, and Aprons: The Anatomy of an Airport
An airport is a site for aircraft operations. It has several important areas. The terminal serves as a hub for passengers. Here, you check-in, go through security, and wait for flights. Runways allow planes to depart and land. Taxiways connect runways to other locations. The apron is where planes park and people board. Parking exists for land vehicles too. It operates like a compact city optimized for travel.
Paws in the Terminal: Dog Movies at the Airport
Airports serve not only humans but dogs too, featuring heartwarming canine tales.
"A Dog Named Palma": Based on a True Airport Tail
"A Dog Named Palma" (2021) is a Russian film based on a true story from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport in the 1970s. A German Shepherd named Palma, abandoned by her owner, befriends a boy named Nicholas. His father, a pilot, tries to help find her. This story shows loyalty and friendship amid airport hustle.
"Dog Gone": Lost Dog, Real Stakes
"Dog Gone" follows a family’s quest to find Gonker, a lost dog with Addison's disease. They had just 23 days to save him with urgent treatment. The film resonates with themes of love and responsibility, portraying how far families will go for their pets.
In summary, we explored the world of "Airport" films and more. We covered dramatic events, Dean Martin's legacy, and Oscar achievements. An airport isn't just a transit hub; it's a stage for many stories. So when you're there next, find the drama unfolding around you.
Responses (0 )