I first saw "Airport" when I was 12 years old (guess that gives away my age!) and I was totally mesmerized, having already developed a passion for airliners. My most vivid memories are the landing approach shots from the pilot's eye-view, and Joe Patroni (the George Kennedy character) driving the snow-mired Boeing 707 free with engines screaming at full power. I also remember the snow making an impression on me, because when the movie was over, I felt I would be walking out of the theater into a blizzard, even though it was mid-summer! The bomb blast and subsequent decompression of the aircraft cabin were awesome. I loved the way they built the suspense up, with the bomb-damaged 707 limping in for an emergency landing at an airport where the only runway long enough for it to land safely was blocked by another 707 stuck in the snow! (Patroni: "Think of what this baby costs!" -- Bakersfeld: "I'm thinking of that planeload of people. This runway's the only hope they've got!")
After 30 years, it is fascinating to watch the movie as it has aged. It gives one a glimpse into a different era of travel as well as the era of the late 1960's itself.
As for the acting, Helen Hayes was pure delight as the elderly stowaway, and I will never forget the look of shock, horror, and despair on Maureen Stapleton's face as she learned that her mentally-ill husband (bomb-in-briefcase) was indeed on the plane to Rome that had just departed.
I was sad to see "Airport" recently being marketed in a what I call a "bargain-basement" format at the local Wal-Mart. Fortunately, I own a first-quality videocassette of the movie. I only wish it was available in "letterbox" format so I could see the whole plane instead of just sections of it 'formatted to fit my tv screen.'
"Airport" is among some of my favorite childhood memories. It was one of those things that made an impression on my mind as I was growing up. I believe that movies have that power, and regardless of what critics say, the way movies affect and touch our lives is a very personal, individual experience.
After 30 years, it is fascinating to watch the movie as it has aged. It gives one a glimpse into a different era of travel as well as the era of the late 1960's itself.
As for the acting, Helen Hayes was pure delight as the elderly stowaway, and I will never forget the look of shock, horror, and despair on Maureen Stapleton's face as she learned that her mentally-ill husband (bomb-in-briefcase) was indeed on the plane to Rome that had just departed.
I was sad to see "Airport" recently being marketed in a what I call a "bargain-basement" format at the local Wal-Mart. Fortunately, I own a first-quality videocassette of the movie. I only wish it was available in "letterbox" format so I could see the whole plane instead of just sections of it 'formatted to fit my tv screen.'
"Airport" is among some of my favorite childhood memories. It was one of those things that made an impression on my mind as I was growing up. I believe that movies have that power, and regardless of what critics say, the way movies affect and touch our lives is a very personal, individual experience.