quebec-oui.org – “Airport” is a 1970 American film that stands as one of the first major disaster films. Directed by George Seaton and based on Arthur Hailey’s 1968 novel of the same name, the movie is set in the high-pressure environment of an airport during a snowstorm, weaving together multiple storylines of passengers and airport staff dealing with a crisis.
Plot Overview
The film takes place at Lincoln International Airport in Chicago, where a severe snowstorm is causing chaos. The plot centers on the efforts of airport manager Mel Bakersfeld, played by Burt Lancaster, who is trying to keep the airport operational amidst the bad weather. Concurrently, a transcontinental flight faces a crisis when a mentally unstable passenger, portrayed by Van Heflin, boards the plane with a bomb. His intention is to blow up the aircraft to provide financial security for his wife through the insurance payout.
Character Dynamics
The film features a star-studded cast, including Dean Martin as Captain Vernon Demerest, a suave pilot juggling his professional responsibilities and personal entanglements. Jacqueline Bisset plays Gwen Meighen, a stewardess involved with Demerest. Helen Hayes delivers an Academy Award-winning performance as Ada Quonsett, a cunning elderly stowaway who provides a mix of comic relief and unexpected assistance during the crisis.
Production and Impact
“Airport” was notable for its use of ensemble casting, a format that became a staple in disaster films. The film’s production was ambitious for its time, featuring large-scale set pieces and complex special effects to simulate the dramatic events unfolding within the airport and on the airplane.
Upon its release, “Airport” was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. It received ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and is credited with launching the disaster film genre that became hugely popular in the 1970s.
Cultural Legacy
The success of “Airport” spawned several sequels and inspired a wave of similar disaster films throughout the decade. Its impact on the film industry is evident in the structure and style of modern disaster movies, which often mirror the multi-threaded narrative and character-driven plots introduced in “Airport.”
Conclusion
“Airport” remains a significant film in the history of cinema, not only for its pioneering role in establishing the disaster genre but also for its storytelling and character development. The film’s exploration of human bravery and vulnerability in the face of disaster continues to resonate with audiences, cementing its place as a classic in American film history.