It was in the 1970s that we saw the true beginning of the disaster movie genre because while films of catastrophic destruction had been around since almost the beginning of the medium itself it was during this period that the genre literally exploded, where Irwin Allen became known as the “Master of Disaster” but it was the movie Airport that truly kicked things off.
“Come fly our friendly skies.”
The Airport movies were known for their ensemble casts, which included some of the biggest stars of the time, but they were also praised for their suspenseful and exciting storylines, which kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The movies were also a reflection of the cultural fears and anxieties of the time, which were centred around the dangers of technology and the increasing sense of vulnerability in the modern world. These films revolved around aviation disasters and the efforts of the airline staff and passengers to survive whatever crisis they were facing in a particular scenario, whether it be a mad bomber or a midair collision. The franchise started with the 1970 movie Airport, based on the book by Alex Hailey, but they didn’t stop there as it was followed by three sequels.
Note: George Kennedy is the one connective tissue between the four Airport films.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Airport movies is their portrayal of the aviation industry and its safety measures of the era, or lack thereof. The movies were released during a time when air travel was becoming more accessible to the general public, and while this was considered a good thing, there was growing concern around air safety. These movies reflected this fear by depicting the aviation industry as vulnerable to various threats. Below you will find links to my full reviews of these four rather fun movies, so just click on the posters or links below to get your boarding pass for disaster!
Airport (1970)
A mad bomber adds complications to the running of a Chicago airport as a snowstorm and marital infidelities keep everyone on their toes. Can Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin save the day?
Airport 1975
A small plane collides with a Boeing 747 and a lone stewardess is the only chance the passengers have to survive. Charlton Heston and Karen Black team up to bring this plane in safely.
Airport ’77
A hijacked Boeing 747 plunges into the depths of the Bermuda Triangle, trapping the passengers in its deadly embrace and it’s up to George Kennedy and Darren McGavin to figure out a rescue plan.
Concorde…Airport ’79
A corrupt arms manufacturer must bring down the Concorde to prevent his girlfriend from exposing his illegal arms dealings. This time out, George Kennedy is put in the pilot seat, and lord have mercy on us all.
In conclusion, the Airport movies were influential in the development of the disaster movie genre, which became popular during the 1970s, and while not as full of spectacle and crazy stunt work as one would find in Irwin Allen’s The Poseidon Adventure or The Towering Inferno these movies continue to be remembered as classic examples of the disaster movie formula and remain popular with fans of the genre.
Note: If these films have taught me anything, it’s that if you see George Kennedy around a plane, do not, I repeat, do not get on that aircraft.
Airport Franchise (1970 – 1979) Four Classic Disaster Movies
Overall
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Franchise Rank - 7/10
7/10
Summary
While the Airport movies were criticized for being formulaic they were also influential and reflected the growing concern about air safety during the time of their release and today, they are still regarded as classic disaster films that paved the way for future movies in the genre.