Airplane!, released in theaters on July 2, 1980, isn’t just a comedy; it’s a comedic institution, a relentless barrage of gags, puns, and visual jokes that redefined the parody genre. Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, this film is a masterclass in rapid-fire humor, ensuring that even if one joke doesn’t land, another is right around the corner, ready to elicit a laugh.
The plot, a loose parody of disaster films like Airport 1975, centers on a passenger plane where the crew and many passengers fall ill due to food poisoning. It’s up to a traumatized ex-fighter pilot, Ted Striker, and his flight attendant ex-girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson, to land the plane. But the plot is merely a flimsy framework for the non-stop absurdity that unfolds.
Robert Hays plays Ted Striker with a perfectly straight face, which is crucial to the film’s deadpan humor. His serious delivery of increasingly ridiculous lines makes the comedy even more effective.
Similarly, Julie Hagerty as Elaine Dickinson maintains a remarkably earnest demeanor amidst the chaos, providing an excellent foil to the escalating lunacy.
The film’s genius lies in its casting of dramatic actors in comedic roles, a move that pays off spectacularly.
Leslie Nielsen, previously known for serious parts, became a comedic legend overnight thanks to his role as Dr. Rumack. His dry, understated delivery of absurd medical advice is pure gold.
Peter Graves as Captain Oveur, the man in charge of the doomed flight, and Lloyd Bridges as McCroskey, the perpetually stressed air traffic controller, also deliver iconic performances, completely embracing the film’s unique brand of humor.
Adding to the hilarity are Robert Stack as Rex Kramer, another no-nonsense air traffic controller, and the surprising appearance of basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as co-pilot Roger Murdock, whose true identity becomes a running gag.
Airplane! (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Airplane!
Airplane! grossed $83.5 million to be the fourth highest grossing film of 1980 behind The Empire Strikes Back ($209.4 million), 9 to 5 ($103.3 million) and Stir Crazy ($101.3 million).
The film would gross over $130 worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Lasting Legacy
From the moment the film starts, Airplane! bombards the audience with jokes, from background visual gags to wordplay and slapstick. It’s a film that demands multiple viewings to catch every clever detail. It’s silly, it’s smart, and it’s undeniably one of the funniest movies ever made, a true landmark in comedic cinema that continues to inspire laughter decades later.
