Airport, released in 1970, was the first of its kind and set the standard for disaster films in the 1970s. With a budget of $10 million, the film went on to make over $100 million at the box office. The star-studded cast included Hollywood icons such as Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bissett, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes. Based on the novel by Arthur Hailey, Airport follows the story of Burt Lancaster’s character, the Head of Operations at fictional Lincoln International Airport in Chicago, as he deals with a snowstorm, a potential bombing, and various personal dramas among the airport staff and passengers.
Contents
- 1 The Plot of Airport
- 2 The Star-Studded Cast
- 3 The Impact and Legacy of Airport
- 4 Behind the Scenes of Airport
- 5 The Forgotten Franchise
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 What year was Airport released?
- 7.2 Who were some of the Hollywood icons in the Airport cast movie?
- 7.3 What was the budget and box office earnings of Airport?
- 7.4 What is the plot of Airport?
- 7.5 Did Airport inspire other disaster films?
- 7.6 Who were some of the talented individuals behind the scenes of Airport?
- 7.7 Why did the Airport franchise decline in popularity?
- 7.8 Is Airport considered a classic film?
Key Takeaways:
- Airport was the first disaster film of its kind and became a box office success, grossing over $100 million.
- The film featured a star-studded cast including Hollywood icons Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bissett, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes.
- Airport set the standard for disaster films in the 1970s and inspired other movies in the genre.
- The film’s success led to three sequels, but the franchise eventually lost popularity and has been mostly forgotten by modern audiences.
- Airport remains a classic that showcased the talent and star power of its incredible cast.
The Plot of Airport
The film centers around Burt Lancaster‘s character, the Head of Operations at Lincoln International Airport in Chicago. During a snowstorm, a plane gets stuck on the runway, closing it to all traffic. Meanwhile, the staff and passengers of the airport face various personal dramas, including a potential bombing and a stowaway. As the tension rises, it’s up to Burt Lancaster and his team to navigate the chaos and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Star-Studded Cast
In the Airport cast movie, audiences were treated to an exceptional ensemble of Hollywood superstars. Leading the pack was the legendary Burt Lancaster, who delivered a captivating performance as the Head of Operations at Lincoln International Airport in Chicago. Alongside him, Dean Martin portrayed an airline pilot grappling with personal issues, bringing depth and authenticity to his character’s struggles. Notably, Jacqueline Bissett shined as Dean Martin’s girlfriend and stewardess, infusing her role with grace and charm.
George Kennedy commanded the screen as a skilled mechanic, showcasing his acting prowess and heroism. Another standout performance came from the iconic Helen Hayes, who portrayed an elderly stowaway with finesse and vulnerability. Additionally, Barry Nelson, Maureen Stapleton, and Van Heflin delivered exceptional supporting roles, rounding out the star-studded cast with their talent and versatility.
To visualize the impressive cast, here is a table showcasing the main characters and the actors who brought them to life:
| Character | Actor/Actress |
|---|---|
| Burt Lancaster | Burt Lancaster |
| Dean Martin | Dean Martin |
| Jacqueline Bissett | Jacqueline Bissett |
| George Kennedy | George Kennedy |
| Helen Hayes | Helen Hayes |
The Impact and Legacy of Airport
Airport, the groundbreaking disaster film of the 1970s, made a significant impact on the industry and established itself as a standard for the genre. Not only did it captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline and star-studded cast, but it also grossed over $100 million at the box office, solidifying its financial success.
As one of the first disaster films to hit the big screen, Airport paved the way for future movies in the genre. Its success inspired the creation of other iconic disaster films, including The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, and Rollercoaster. These films followed in the footsteps of Airport, utilizing similar storytelling techniques and building upon its success.
However, despite its initial triumphs, the Airport franchise eventually lost popularity and faded into obscurity among modern audiences. While it may no longer be in the spotlight, the film’s legacy remains intact, recognized as a classic that redefined the disaster film genre. Airport’s contribution to the industry cannot be overlooked, as it set the standard for subsequent films in its genre.
In addition to its impact on the disaster film genre, Airport also paved the way for three sequels: Airport 1975, Airport ’77, and The Concorde: Airport ’79. Although these sequels did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as the original film, they further solidified the franchise’s place in cinema history and provided audiences with more thrilling aviation-related stories.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport’s Financial Success | Grossed over $100 million on a $10 million budget |
| Influence on the Genre | Set the standard for disaster films and inspired future movies |
| Sequels | Airport 1975, Airport ’77, and The Concorde: Airport ’79 |
| Legacy | Remains a classic that redefined the disaster film genre |
Despite its decline in popularity, Airport continues to hold a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts. Its impact on the disaster film genre can still be felt today, and its star-studded cast, including Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bissett, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes, cemented its status as a Hollywood classic. Airport will always be remembered as a film that pushed boundaries, entertained audiences, and left an indelible mark on cinema history.
Behind the Scenes of Airport
Airport, the iconic disaster film of the 1970s, was not only known for its star-studded cast and gripping plot, but also for the talented individuals who worked behind the scenes to bring the movie to life. Director George Seaton, along with acclaimed novelist Arthur Hailey, set the stage for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Additionally, the film featured the final score from legendary composer Alfred Newman and stunning cinematography by Ernest Laszlo. Edith Head, the renowned costume designer, added a touch of glamour to the film with her impeccable designs. This team of creative visionaries played a significant role in the success and visual appeal of the Airport cast movie.
“Airport was a collaborative effort that brought together some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Each person contributed their expertise to create a visually stunning and emotionally compelling film.” – George Seaton
The Forgotten Franchise
Despite the initial success of the original Airport film, its subsequent sequels failed to receive the same level of critical acclaim. While the sequels continued to perform well at the box office, they gradually lost popularity over time and have been largely forgotten by modern audiences.
The decline of the Airport franchise can be attributed to several factors. The changing trends in the movie industry played a significant role, as the disaster film genre evolved and audiences’ preferences shifted. Additionally, the lack of cultural relevance hindered the franchise’s ability to resonate with contemporary viewers.
The limited possibilities within the concept of the Airport series also contributed to its decline. With each installment, it became increasingly challenging to sustain the same level of excitement and novelty. As a result, the sequels struggled to captivate audiences and maintain their initial momentum.
Despite receiving mixed reviews and diminishing cultural relevance, the Airport franchise remains a notable part of film history. It paved the way for other disaster films of the era and showcased the talent of its star-studded cast. While it may no longer have the same recognition as it once did, the original Airport film will always be remembered as a groundbreaking classic.
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Conclusion
Airport is a timeless classic that revolutionized the disaster film genre, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood. With a star-studded cast comprising Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bissett, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes, the film brought together some of the biggest Hollywood icons of its time. Their exceptional performances and the gripping storyline captivated audiences, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Although the franchise may have faded from the modern audience’s memory, Airport’s impact on the industry cannot be overstated. It set the benchmark for future disaster films, inspiring a wave of movies that followed in its footsteps. The intense and dramatic narrative, coupled with the exceptional talent of the cast, solidified Airport as a classic in the genre.
Airport’s legacy lies in its groundbreaking contributions to the disaster film genre and its ability to showcase the star power of Hollywood icons. Despite its lack of cultural relevance today, the film remains a testament to the cinematic brilliance and timeless appeal of classic movies. Airport will always hold a special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts, reminding us of a bygone era when Hollywood reigned supreme.
FAQ
What year was Airport released?
Airport was released in 1970.
Who were some of the Hollywood icons in the Airport cast movie?
The star-studded cast of Airport included Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bissett, George Kennedy, and Helen Hayes.
What was the budget and box office earnings of Airport?
Airport had a budget of $10 million and went on to make over $100 million at the box office.
What is the plot of Airport?
Airport follows the story of Burt Lancaster’s character, the Head of Operations at Lincoln International Airport in Chicago, as he deals with a snowstorm, a potential bombing, and various personal dramas among the airport staff and passengers.
Did Airport inspire other disaster films?
Yes, Airport set the standard for disaster films in the 1970s and inspired movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, and Rollercoaster.
Who were some of the talented individuals behind the scenes of Airport?
Airport was based on the novel by Arthur Hailey and brought to life by director George Seaton. The film featured the final score from composer Alfred Newman and stunning cinematography by Ernest Laszlo. Edith Head designed the costumes for the film.
Why did the Airport franchise decline in popularity?
The changing trends in the movie industry, as well as the lack of cultural relevance, contributed to the decline of the Airport franchise. Additionally, the limited possibilities within the concept made it difficult to sustain the series.
Is Airport considered a classic film?
Yes, Airport remains a classic that redefined the disaster film genre and showcased the talent and star power of its incredible cast.