Jack Smight (1925–2003)

Ridiculously plotted, but fun disaster movie that sees a light aircraft crashing into the cockpit of a Boeing 747. With the crew either dead or incapacitated stewardess Nancy (Karen Black) is forced to take the controls. Her estranged boyfriend, ace 747 pilot Alan Murdock (Charlton Heston) and highly strung engineer Joe Patroni (George Kennedy), whose family also happen to be on the stricken plane, try and devise a daring rescue attempt involving transferring a pilot from a helicopter onto show more the 747. "Airport 1975" is played as over-ripe melodrama and for most of its runtime comes across as its own satire. Director Jack Smight has a widescreen, made-for-TV approach and goes about his business with little inspiration. The film is populated by an off all-star cast including Gloria Swanson in her final screen appearance. All the characters have their own melodramatic backstories, with most of them offering the stereotypes that are mercilessly satirised in the classic comedy "Airplane!" (1980). "Airport 1975" is ridiculous and unintentionally funny throughout - but that is what makes it such an enjoyably daft effort. show less

It's amazing how this show resonates even 60 years later. I recently binged on this show, and even six decades later, so many of the episodes remain relevant, it's just mind-blowing. Despite special effects and some storylines that seem really cheesy, the series overall is one of these wonderful things that has aged far better than many shows or movies younger than it. There's several episodes involving Hitler/Nazism/fascism/war/etc that feel chillingly familiar in 2025.

I read the book, now I watched the movie. William Goldman's script (his first that got made) is very similar to the Macdonald book (his first Lew Archer book), but with the long philosophical passages removed (thankfully). It suffers in comparison with later Archer books, but Goldman, blessed with an amazing cast, makes it fast-paced.

Acting: 5.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 4.5; Language: 4.0; Overall: 5.0

This aeronautics drama and thriller is based on the novel by Alex Haley. During a massive snowstorm a mentally disabled former military man (Van Heflin) carries an explosive device within his carry-on case with the aim to blow up the jumbo jet in order to provide an insurance policy for his wife (Maureen Stapleton) in response to his dire financial catastrophe. Crew pilot (Dean Martin) must keep the crew and passengers calm show more and safe throughout their landing. There are about ten uses of vulgarity. Highly recommend.

***November 28, 2024*** show less