Film Review: Reviewed By John Ferguson; 5 out of 5

This is the first and still the best of Zucker, Zucker and Abrahams's wonderful movie send-ups. There's hardly a second that passes without an assault by a wickedly accurate spoof, cringe-inducing pun or inspired sight gag, and the years have not diminished the film's dumb appeal. Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty are the nominal stars, but the most fun is had by the distinguished supporting cast. It's the film that made a comedy star out of Leslie ("don't call me Shirley") Nielsen, but a whole troupe of veteran character actors - Peter Graves, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges - also have a hugely enjoyable time sending up their screen personae. And, best of all, it drove a large nail into the coffin of what was becoming a very tired Hollywood institution, the Airport series.

Plot Summary

Disaster-movie spoof starring Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty and Leslie Nielsen. An eccentric collection of passengers and crew sets off from Los Angeles on a flight bound for Chicago. However, disaster looms when the pilots are struck down with food poisoning and Ted Striker, trying to win back the love of stewardess Elaine, must face his fear of flying to land the plane.