Roberta Aguirre
The 1970 American air disaster drama film 'Airport' boasts an ensemble cast, including Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean Seberg, Maureen Stapleton, Van Heflin, Helen Hayes, and George Kennedy. The film, based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel, was directed by George Seaton and was the first of four films in the 'Airport' series. It is also considered the first film in the 1970s disaster film genre. While the film was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its entertainment value and others criticising its predictability and character clichés.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of release | 1970 |
| Director | George Seaton |
| Writer | George Seaton |
| Producers | Ross Hunter |
| Cinematographer | Ernest Lazlo |
| Based on | Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel |
| Genre | Air disaster-drama |
| Starring | Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes, Van Heflin, Maureen Stapleton, Barry Nelson, Lloyd Nolan, Dana Wynter, Barbara Hale |
| Plot | An airport manager tries to keep his airport open during a snowstorm, while a suicide bomber plots to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner in flight |
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What You'll Learn
Burt Lancaster played Mel Bakersfeld, the airport manager
The 1970 American air disaster drama film "Airport" starred Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld, the airport manager. The film is about an airport manager trying to keep his airport open during a snowstorm while dealing with personal and work-related issues. Lancaster's character has to contend with a massive snowstorm while a suicide bomber, D.O. Guerrero, played by Van Heflin, threatens to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner.
Lancaster's performance in the film is considered one of the best of his career. "Airport" is based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel of the same name and was written and directed by George Seaton. The film was a commercial success, earning over $128 million on a $10 million budget. It also received ten Academy Award nominations, including a win for Best Supporting Actress for Helen Hayes, who played an elderly stowaway.
Despite the film's success, Lancaster himself was not a fan. In 1971, he called the film "the biggest piece of junk ever made" in response to its ten Academy Award nominations. However, critics have generally acknowledged the film's influence on the disaster film genre.
Overall, Burt Lancaster's portrayal of Mel Bakersfeld, the airport manager in "Airport," is considered a standout performance in a film that has achieved commercial and critical success.
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Dean Martin played pilot Vernon Demerest
The 1970 film Airport is an American air disaster–drama film written and directed by George Seaton. It is based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel of the same name and stars Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin. Dean Martin plays pilot Vernon Demerest in the film.
In the film, Dean Martin's character, Vernon Demerest, is faced with a challenging situation. He must deal with D.O. Guerrero, a troubled individual who threatens to blow up an airliner. Vernon Demerest attempts to calm down Guerrero and dissuade him from setting off the explosives on the plane. The plot of the film revolves around an airport manager trying to keep the airport open during a snowstorm, while also dealing with the threat posed by Guerrero.
Dean Martin's portrayal of Vernon Demerest added a layer of complexity to the character. As a pilot, Vernon Demerest is responsible for the safety of his passengers and crew. He finds himself in a difficult position, trying to navigate the tension and imminent danger caused by Guerrero's actions. Martin's performance captures the dilemma of his character, who is faced with a challenging decision to protect the lives of everyone on board.
Vernon Demerest's role as a pilot is crucial to the film's narrative. As the story unfolds, he becomes a central figure in trying to resolve the crisis. His expertise and quick thinking are put to the test as he navigates the high-stakes situation. The character's professionalism and composure under pressure are showcased through Martin's acting, adding a sense of authenticity to the portrayal of a pilot's duties and challenges.
Dean Martin's performance as Vernon Demerest received acclaim for its intensity and emotional depth. His ability to convey the character's inner turmoil and determination to prevent a disaster left a lasting impression on viewers. Martin's interpretation of the role contributed significantly to the film's success and its enduring legacy in the disaster film genre.
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Helen Hayes played Ada Quonsett, the stowaway
In the film, Quonsett is a widow who wants to visit her daughter in New York. She is arrested by airport authorities and brought to the airport manager's office because she is a stowaway and doesn't have a plane ticket. She explains that she has worked out a system for flying for free. She is put on a plane back to her home in California, but she fakes faintness and goes to the bathroom, then escapes to board a plane to Rome. Once her deception is discovered, she is enlisted to help the crew get to a briefcase, with the promise of a free lifetime travel voucher.
Hayes' performance is notable for her ability to change her emotions easily, from an innocent smile to a worried expression. She also brings a comedic element to the film. Ada Quonsett is not the main character, but her presence adds something extra to the film. Hayes' acting is excellent, both in the way she talks and the way she moves. Her mannerisms, such as walking with little footsteps and holding her handbag with both hands, fit her character's personality perfectly.
Hayes' character is described as a "funny little old lady" who is also endearing. She is friendly and nice, with a big smile that makes her look innocent. She does illegal things, such as flying without a ticket, but the audience can't be mad at her because of her pleasant demeanour.
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Van Heflin played D.O. Guerrero, a desperate construction worker
In the 1970 film "Airport," Van Heflin portrayed the character D.O. Guerrero, a middle-aged construction worker facing a dire situation. Heflin's portrayal of Guerrero added a layer of complexity and humanity to the fast-paced disaster film.
D.O. Guerrero is introduced as a desperate man, willing to take extreme measures to provide for his family. Facing financial strain and few prospects for improvement, Guerrero finds himself at a crossroads. Heflin depicted Guerrero's desperation and resolve skillfully, conveying the character's inner turmoil and the pressure he feels to take drastic action.
The character's name, D.O. Guerrero, hints at his nature and the role he plays in the narrative. The name "Guerrero" means "warrior" in Spanish, reflecting the character's battle against his circumstances. The initials "D.O.," which stand for "Dead on... ," further emphasize the character's mortality and the sense of urgency in his story arc.
Van Heflin's performance as D.O. Guerrero added depth to the film's ensemble cast. As Guerrero, Heflin portrayed a blue-collar worker struggling to survive in a world that seemed stacked against him. His performance highlighted the human cost of disaster and the resilience of those fighting for their lives and livelihoods.
Through Heflin's interpretation, the audience sees Guerrero's determination and courage in the face of adversity. Despite his desperate situation, Guerrero remains a sympathetic character, driven by his desire to provide for his loved ones. Heflin's portrayal reminded viewers of the human stories behind disaster headlines and the strength and dignity that people can display in the face of overwhelming odds.
Overall, Van Heflin's portrayal of D.O. Guerrero in "Airport" left a lasting impression. His performance explored the complexities of human nature when faced with disaster and presented a nuanced portrayal of a desperate man fighting for his survival and the well-being of those he loved.
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George Kennedy played ace mechanic Joe Patroni
The 1970 film Airport is an American air disaster–drama film written and directed by George Seaton. It is based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel of the same name. The film is about an airport manager, Mel Bakersfeld, trying to keep his airport open during a snowstorm while a suicide bomber plots to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner in flight.
The film stars Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean Seberg, Maureen Stapleton, Van Heflin, Helen Hayes, and George Kennedy, among others. George Kennedy, in particular, plays the role of ace mechanic Joe Patroni. Kennedy's character provides comic relief in the film, as he portrays an ace airline mechanic brought in to remove an airliner mired in the snow and blocking a key runway.
Kennedy's character, Joe Patroni, is an important one in the film, as he works to clear the runway and help Mel Bakersfeld keep the airport running smoothly despite the snowstorm. Kennedy's portrayal of Patroni as a skilled and capable mechanic likely left a lasting impression on viewers, especially those interested in aviation or mechanics.
In addition to his role in the first Airport film, George Kennedy is the only actor who appeared in all four films of the Airport franchise. In the subsequent films, his character, Joe Patroni, progresses in his career, becoming a vice president of operations, a consultant, and eventually an airline pilot. This progression in his character's career showcases Kennedy's versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a range of roles within the aviation industry.
Overall, George Kennedy's portrayal of Joe Patroni in the Airport film series, particularly in the first instalment, is a memorable and integral part of the franchise. His character's expertise and quick thinking in the face of adversity help drive the narrative forward and provide a sense of hope and competence within the chaotic and stressful environment of the film's main setting.
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Frequently asked questions
The film stars Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean Seberg, Maureen Stapleton, Van Heflin, Helen Hayes, and George Kennedy.
Burt Lancaster plays the lead role of Mel Bakersfeld, the general manager of a Chicago-area airport.
Supporting actors include Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes, Van Heflin, Maureen Stapleton, Barry Nelson, Lloyd Nolan, Dana Wynter, and Barbara Hale.
D.O. Guerrero is played by Van Heflin.
Helen Hayes won an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ada Quonsett, an elderly stowaway.
