Airport 1970
Directed by
George Seaton
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
The plot unfolds during a long and tumultuous night at Lincoln International, a fictional airport in Chicago, as it faces a sudden and intense blizzard. The central character, Mel Bakersfeld (Burt Lancaster), serves as the airport general manager, whose unwavering commitment to his role is wreaking havoc on his personal life. His wife, Cindy (Dana Wynter), is increasingly resentful of his priorities, feeling overshadowed by Mel’s dedication to his job, which she perceives as an excuse to dodge the social engagements she desperately wants him to attend as she attempts to ascend the social ladder among Chicago’s elite.
As tensions within his marriage escalate, Mel finds solace in the company of Tanya Livingston (Jean Seberg), a charming divorcee and Trans America Airlines’ passenger relations manager, complicating his already strained home life. The narrative revolves around Mel’s attempts to keep the airport operational amid the raging snowstorm. A critical issue arises with the unexpected closure of primary runway 29, as a landing aircraft misjudges its turn and gets stuck in the snow, rendering it unreachable.
In this moment of crisis, Mel turns to Joe Patroni (George Kennedy), the hard-headed head of maintenance for Trans World Airlines. Tasked with unblocking the situation, Patroni must rally his team to dig out the aircraft while negotiating the stubborn pilots who hesitate to act for fear of damaging the plane. Meanwhile, Mel also navigates personal tensions with his brother-in-law, Vern Demerest (Dean Martin), a self-assured senior pilot for Trans Global Airlines. Unbeknownst to Mel, Vern is embroiled in an affair with Gwen Meighen (Jacqueline Bisset), a chief stewardess meant to be on a flight to Rome.
As the crisis at the airport deepens with the diversion of flights to the shorter runway 22—which leads to protests from frustrated residents—Mel stubbornly insists that operations must continue despite pressures to shut down. An unexpected turn of events occurs when they arrest Mrs. Ada Quonsett (Helen Hayes), an elderly stowaway with a knack for sneaking onto flights, adding a humorous layer to the dire situation.
Amidst the chaos, we meet D.O. Guerrero (Van Heflin), a distraught contractor with devastating plans—he’s built a bomb to end his life by detonating a plane over the ocean, ensuring that his wife can claim his life insurance. As Guerrero boards the plane, tensions rise for the passengers, particularly as his wife, Inez (Maureen Stapleton), rushes to the airport unaware of his intentions. As the drama unfolds mid-flight, chaos ensues when the passengers discover the threat Guerrero poses, leading to a nail-biting sequence of events that culminate in an explosion aboard the plane, endangering all on board.
With time running out and the conditions worsening, the pilots, led by Vern, discover that runway 22 is insufficient for landing the damaged aircraft. The crisis escalates as Mel and Patroni scramble to remedy the blockage on runway 29, allowing for a precarious landing where every moment counts. Ultimately, the film concludes with a mix of personal revelations and rescue, as Mel and Tanya explore new beginnings together, leaving behind the remnants of Mel’s personal struggles while Inez grapples with the emotional fallout of the events at Lincoln International.
Timeline
Blizzard Hits Lincoln International
A sudden and intense blizzard descends upon Lincoln International Airport in Chicago, causing widespread turmoil. The snowstorm begins to affect operations, setting off a chain of challenges that the airport staff must navigate throughout the night.
Mel's Commitment to Work
Mel Bakersfeld, the airport general manager, is revealed to be deeply committed to his job, which significantly impacts his personal life. His dedication creates tension in his marriage as his wife, Cindy, feels neglected and overshadowed by his priorities.
Cindy's Frustration
Cindy Bakersfeld expresses her growing resentment toward Mel's priorities, feeling that he uses work as an excuse to avoid their social engagements. This strain highlights the personal sacrifices Mel makes for his career, which Cindy perceives as a failure in their marriage.
Mel Meets Tanya
Amid the growing tensions in his marriage, Mel seeks solace in Tanya Livingston, a charming passenger relations manager for Trans America Airlines. This connection complicates Mel's already strained home life and offers a glimpse into potential emotional escape.
Runway 29 Blocked
A critical complication arises when an aircraft misjudges its turn and becomes stuck in the snow on primary runway 29. This blockage prevents further landing operations and escalates the urgency for Mel and his team to find a solution.
Joe Patroni's Arrival
Mel turns to Joe Patroni, the head of maintenance for Trans World Airlines, to help with the blocked runway. Patroni faces the challenging task of coordinating his team while persuading hesitant pilots to assist in the operation, highlighting the tension between safety and urgency.
Vern's Affair
Mel's personal life becomes more complicated as his brother-in-law, Vern Demerest, is revealed to be involved in an affair with chief stewardess Gwen Meighen. This revelation adds another layer of family tension, especially as Vern is a senior pilot during this crisis.
Flights Diverted
As the blizzard worsens, some flights are redirected to the shorter runway 22, leading to protests from local residents frustrated by the noise and disruption. Mel faces mounting pressure to cease operations but maintains his commitment to keeping the airport open.
The Arrest of Mrs. Quonsett
A humorous twist occurs when elderly stowaway Mrs. Ada Quonsett is arrested for sneaking onto flights. Her presence amidst the crisis lightens the mood while the serious issues at the airport remain unresolved.
D.O. Guerrero's Desperation
D.O. Guerrero, a distraught contractor, boards a plane with a plan to detonate it mid-flight, intending to end his life while securing his wife's life insurance. His tragic decision poses a dire threat to all passengers on board, heightening the film's tension.
Chaos Aboard the Plane
As the passengers learn of Guerrero's intentions, chaos erupts on board the aircraft. This unexpected twist creates a race against time for Mel and the airport staff, who must respond to the unfolding crisis while managing the blizzard's chaos.
Landing Crisis on Runway 22
The pilots, led by Vern, discover that runway 22 is unsuitable for safely landing a damaged aircraft. With the storm intensifying and time running out, the pressure mounts on Mel and Patroni to clear runway 29 for emergency landings.
Precarious Landing Attempt
As runway 29 is cleared, the pilots initiate a high-stakes landing. Every moment counts as Mel and his team coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of the aircraft in a tense atmosphere dominated by the storm's fury.
Final Resolutions
The film closes with a sense of resolution as Mel and Tanya explore new beginnings, hinting at a shift in Mel's personal priorities. Meanwhile, Inez confronts the emotional fallout from the dramatic events at Lincoln International, reflecting on the night’s turmoil.
Characters
Mel Bakersfeld (Burt Lancaster)
Mel is the airport general manager, characterized by his dedication and commitment to his job. His relentless focus on work creates turmoil in his personal life, particularly in his marriage. Mel's struggle to balance professional duties with personal relationships is central to the narrative.
Cindy (Dana Wynter)
Cindy, Mel's wife, feels neglected and resentful of her husband's priorities. Her desperation to rise among Chicago's elite social circles is stifled by Mel's commitment to the airport, which she views as an excuse to avoid their social life. She symbolizes the emotional toll that work-focused lifestyles can take on relationships.
Tanya Livingston (Jean Seberg)
Tanya, a passenger relations manager, provides a foil to Mel’s struggles as she becomes a source of comfort for him amidst his marital tensions. Her charm and understanding highlight the complexities of emotional connections in a professional setting during a crisis, blurring lines between personal and professional ties.
Joe Patroni (George Kennedy)
Joe is a tough, no-nonsense maintenance head who plays a crucial role in resolving the airport's operational crisis. His assertive nature and leadership are vital for rallying the team to tackle the snow-blocked runway, showcasing the importance of teamwork and resilience during emergencies.
Vern Demerest (Dean Martin)
Vern is Mel's brother-in-law and a self-confident senior pilot whose personal affairs complicate matters further. His involvement in an affair and tensions with Mel underscore themes of infidelity and the strain of familial relationships against the backdrop of an airport emergency.
D.O. Guerrero (Van Heflin)
Guerrero is a distraught contractor with a devastating secret, aiming to end his own life. His character introduces a darker element to the narrative, reflecting the emotional struggles faced by individuals amidst external chaos and the tragic impact of personal crises on broader situations.
Setting
Time period
The movie unfolds over a single tumultuous night. This pivotal time frame highlights the urgency and high stakes faced by the characters as they manage both personal and operational crises simultaneously. The night setting adds to the tension and drama of the unfolding events.
Location
Lincoln International Airport, Chicago
Lincoln International is a fictional airport portrayed as a major hub in Chicago, known for its bustling activity and operations. During a severe blizzard, it becomes the center of a crisis that tests the limits of its management and the resilience of its staff. The airport symbolizes the intersection of personal drama and professional duty amidst chaos.
Themes
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Personal vs. Professional
The film explores the conflict between personal relationships and professional responsibilities, particularly through the character of Mel Bakersfeld. His dedication to the airport leads to significant strain on his marriage as he navigates familial obligations. This theme resonates as characters confront the consequences of their choices during crises.
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Chaos and Crisis
Set against the backdrop of a blizzard, the theme of chaos is prevalent as it challenges the characters' resolve. The storm not only affects airport operations but also serves as a catalyst for personal conflicts and revelations among the characters. The chaos forces them to confront their decisions and the chaos within their lives.
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