Directors: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker
Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Llyod Bridges
Released: 02/07/1980
Rated: 15
This classic comedy stars the legend that is Leslie Nielsen as Dr. Rumack, who springs to action when food poisoning strikes the passengers and crew of a flight to Chicago. Among these people are air stewardess Elaine (Haggerty) and ex-fighter pilot Ted (Hays), who has overcome his fear of flying (due to a previous war incident) and boarded to save his dwindling relationship with Elaine. But soon the pilots are taken ill and it is now up to Ted to push aside his fears and attempt to land the plane.
Airplane! is just one of many genius ZAZ (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) films, along with The Naked Gun and Top Secret, but what makes it stand out is its innovation in comedy and its platform for Leslie Nielson’s comedic career, of which the film world would be a worse place without.
With brilliant direction, eccentric acting and genius yet crazy humour it’s easy to say this is one of the greatest comedies of all time. I know what you’re thinking; ‘surely I can’t be serious?’ Well I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
Tags: airplane, classic review, david zucker, jerry zucker, jim abrahams, leslie nielsen, lloyd bridges
