Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Airplane!

If you are a fan of spoof comedy, then you need to see one of the eternal classic spoofs, Airplane!

Released in 1980, the film tells the tale of ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hayes) who is trying to regain his love, Elaine (Julie Hagerty), a stewardess. The problem is, Ted has a fear of flying and to spend time with Elaine, he has to get on a plane. During the flight, the entire flight crew, and most of the passengers succumb to food poisoning, forcing Ted to have to land the plane.

Much hilarity between the interaction of the passengers, the flashbacks telling the story of Ted and Elaine, and the efforts to land the plane. When the control tower supervisor, Steve McCroskey (Lloyd Bridges), tells Elaine to activate the autopilot, a large blowup doll name Otto appears. McCroskey also delivers classic lines that can be used today to describe many situations, my favorite: "Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."

I could tell you all of the classic moments, but it's much better to see them in context. Airplane is a must see movie for any comedy enthusiast. ~ Dana Jackson

Reviewed March 2010