The 1980 comedy film Airplane! is a parody of disaster movies, particularly the 1957 film Zero Hour!, and has become a cult classic. Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, the film stars Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty as the main characters, with a supporting cast including Leslie Nielsen, Peter Graves, and Robert Stack. One of the most intriguing aspects of Airplane! is its filming locations, which play a significant role in the movie’s comedic effect and overall success. In this article, we will delve into the various locations where Airplane! was filmed, exploring the real-life settings that brought this hilarious movie to life.
Introduction to Airplane!
Before diving into the filming locations, it’s essential to understand the context and plot of the movie. Airplane! tells the story of Ted Striker, a taxi driver who attempts to win back his estranged girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson, a flight attendant on Trans American Flight 209. As Ted boards the flight, he becomes embroiled in a series of comedic misadventures, including a food poisoning outbreak, a severe storm, and a dramatic landing. The film’s slick humor, physical comedy, and satirical elements have made it a beloved classic among audiences and critics alike.
Primary Filming Locations
The majority of Airplane! was filmed in various locations across the United States, including:
Los Angeles, California, served as the primary filming location, with many scenes shot at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The film’s production team took advantage of LAX’s bustling atmosphere, capturing the chaos and tension of a busy airport. Additionally, the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, were used for interior scenes, such as the airport terminal and the airplane’s cabin.
Other notable filming locations include:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport was used as a secondary filming location, providing additional airport scenes. The city’s downtown area was also featured in the film, serving as the backdrop for Ted’s taxi drive to the airport.
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
The Sierra Nevada Mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s aerial sequences, showcasing the beauty of California’s natural landscape. The production team utilized a combination of real aircraft and special effects to create the illusion of a commercial airliner in flight.
Additional Filming Locations
While the primary filming locations were in Los Angeles and Milwaukee, the production team also filmed scenes in other locations, including:
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport was used for some airport scenes, adding to the film’s authenticity. The city’s desert landscape also provided an ideal setting for the movie’s comedic misadventures, particularly during the dramatic landing sequence.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s Lindbergh Field, now known as San Diego International Airport, was used as a filming location for some of the airport scenes. The city’s harbor area was also featured in the film, serving as the backdrop for a humorous scene involving a group of SWAT team members.
Special Effects and Soundstages
While many scenes were filmed on location, the production team also utilized special effects and soundstages to create the illusion of a commercial airliner in flight. The Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, were used for interior scenes, such as the airplane’s cabin and cockpit. The special effects team used a combination of miniature models, CGI, and in-camera effects to create the film’s impressive aerial sequences.
Impact of Filming Locations on the Movie’s Success
The filming locations used in Airplane! played a significant role in the movie’s success. The authenticity of the airport settings added to the film’s comedic effect, making the humorous situations more believable and relatable. The breathtaking aerial sequences captured over the Sierra Nevada Mountains also added to the movie’s visual appeal, making it a standout among comedy films of the 1980s.
The use of real-life locations also helped to reduce production costs, allowing the filmmakers to focus on other aspects of the movie, such as the script and casting. The diversity of filming locations also helped to create a sense of visual interest, keeping audiences engaged and entertained throughout the film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the filming locations used in Airplane! were a crucial aspect of the movie’s success. From the bustling airports of Los Angeles and Milwaukee to the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, each location played a significant role in bringing this hilarious movie to life. By utilizing a combination of real-life locations, special effects, and soundstages, the filmmakers created a comedy classic that continues to entertain audiences to this day.
The next time you watch Airplane!, pay close attention to the filming locations, and appreciate the attention to detail that went into creating this beloved comedy classic. Whether you’re a fan of slapstick humor, satire, or aviation, Airplane! has something for everyone, and its filming locations are a significant part of its enduring appeal.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the filming locations used in Airplane!, it’s clear that the movie’s success can be attributed to a combination of talented filmmakers, well-crafted script, and carefully selected locations. The movie’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians, writers, and filmmakers, and its influence can be seen in many modern comedy films and TV shows.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Airplane! or discovering it for the first time, the movie’s filming locations are an essential aspect of its charm and appeal. So, the next time you watch this comedy classic, remember the real-life locations that brought the movie to life, and appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into creating one of the most beloved comedies of all time.
Where was the majority of Airplane! filmed?
The majority of the filming for Airplane! took place in California, USA. The production team chose various locations in the state to shoot the comedy classic, including the Los Angeles International Airport, where many of the exterior airport scenes were filmed. The iconic airport terminal building, where the characters are seen arriving and departing, is still recognizable today, although it has undergone some renovations since the film was shot. The filming in California allowed the production team to take advantage of the state’s favorable climate and diverse landscapes, which added to the overall visual appeal of the movie.
The choice of California as the primary filming location also enabled the production team to access a wide range of resources and facilities, including soundstages, equipment, and specialized crew members. The film’s director, Jim Abrahams, has mentioned in interviews that the decision to film in California was largely driven by practical considerations, including the availability of suitable locations and the ease of accessing the necessary resources to bring the film’s hilarious script to life. By filming in California, the production team was able to create a visually engaging and entertaining movie that has become a beloved comedy classic, with many of its locations still recognizable to fans of the film today.
Can I visit the airport where Airplane! was filmed?
Yes, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where many of the exterior airport scenes in Airplane! were filmed, is still an operational airport and can be visited by the public. While the airport has undergone significant changes and renovations since the film was shot, many of the iconic locations featured in the movie are still recognizable today. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the airport’s terminals and public areas, although some areas may be restricted due to security concerns. The airport also offers guided tours, which can provide a more in-depth look at its history, operations, and notable features.
For fans of Airplane!, visiting LAX can be a fun and nostalgic experience, allowing them to see the locations where some of the film’s most memorable scenes were shot. However, it’s worth noting that the airport is a busy and functional transportation hub, and visitors should be respectful of airport operations and security protocols. Additionally, some areas of the airport may have changed significantly since the film was shot, so visitors may need to use their imagination to visualize the scenes as they appeared in the movie. Despite these limitations, visiting LAX can still be a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of Airplane! and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Were any other locations used in the filming of Airplane!?
In addition to the Los Angeles International Airport, several other locations were used in the filming of Airplane!. These included various soundstages and studios in the Los Angeles area, where interior scenes such as the airplane cabin and cockpit were filmed. The production team also used a combination of special effects and miniatures to create some of the film’s most memorable scenes, including the exterior shots of the plane in flight. Other locations used in the film included a private airfield in the Los Angeles area, where some of the exterior scenes featuring the plane taking off and landing were shot.
The use of a range of locations and filming techniques helped to create the film’s visually engaging and humorous tone, and allowed the production team to bring the script to life in a creative and effective way. The combination of real-world locations, soundstages, and special effects also helped to create a sense of authenticity and realism, which was important for a comedy film that relied on satire and absurdity to generate humor. By using a variety of locations and techniques, the production team was able to create a unique and entertaining film that has become a beloved comedy classic, with a wide range of memorable locations and scenes that continue to delight audiences today.
How long did it take to film Airplane!?
The filming of Airplane! took place over a period of approximately 34 days, which is relatively short compared to many other films. The production team worked efficiently to bring the script to life, using a combination of location shooting and soundstage work to complete the film on schedule. Despite the tight filming schedule, the cast and crew were able to create a humorous and entertaining film that has become a beloved comedy classic, with a wide range of memorable scenes and characters.
The efficient filming schedule was due in part to the experience and expertise of the production team, who were able to work quickly and effectively to bring the script to life. The film’s directors, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, had a clear vision for the film and were able to communicate their ideas effectively to the cast and crew. The cast, including Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Leslie Nielsen, also played an important role in bringing the film to life, delivering humorous and engaging performances that have become iconic in comedy film history. By working efficiently and effectively, the production team was able to create a film that has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved comedy classic to this day.
Was Airplane! filmed on a real airplane?
While some of the exterior scenes in Airplane! feature a real airplane, the majority of the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage using a mock-up of an airplane cabin. The production team built a detailed and realistic set to create the interior of the plane, which allowed them to film the scenes in a controlled and efficient way. The use of a soundstage also enabled the team to create a range of humorous and satirical scenes, including the iconic “I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley” line, which has become a classic moment in comedy film history.
The decision to film the interior scenes on a soundstage rather than on a real airplane was largely driven by practical considerations, including the need for more control over the filming environment and the ability to create a range of special effects and comedic moments. The production team was able to use the soundstage to create a highly realistic and detailed set, which added to the overall authenticity and humor of the film. By combining the soundstage work with exterior scenes featuring a real airplane, the team was able to create a visually engaging and entertaining film that has become a beloved comedy classic, with a wide range of memorable scenes and characters.
Can I recognize the filming locations from Airplane! in real life?
Many of the filming locations from Airplane! are still recognizable today, although some may have changed significantly since the film was shot. The Los Angeles International Airport, for example, has undergone significant renovations and expansions since the film was made, but many of the exterior locations featured in the movie are still identifiable. Fans of the film can visit the airport and try to spot the locations where some of the most memorable scenes were shot, including the iconic terminal building and the exterior areas where the plane is seen taking off and landing.
For fans of Airplane!, visiting the filming locations can be a fun and nostalgic experience, allowing them to see the real-world locations that were used to bring the film to life. However, it’s worth noting that some locations may have changed significantly since the film was shot, so visitors may need to use their imagination to visualize the scenes as they appeared in the movie. Additionally, some areas may be restricted due to security concerns or other issues, so visitors should be respectful of any restrictions or guidelines in place. By visiting the filming locations, fans of Airplane! can gain a deeper appreciation for the film and its production, and enjoy a unique and entertaining experience that brings the movie to life in a new and exciting way.
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or anecdotes from the filming of Airplane!?
There are many behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from the filming of Airplane!, which have been shared by the cast and crew over the years. One notable story is that the film’s iconic theme song, “Stayin’ Alive,” was not originally intended to be part of the movie. The song, which was written by the Bee Gees, was added to the film during post-production, and has since become closely associated with the movie. Other stories and anecdotes from the filming of Airplane! include the challenges of working with a tight budget and filming schedule, as well as the humorous and light-hearted atmosphere on set, which helped to bring the film’s comedic script to life.
The behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from the filming of Airplane! offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of the film, and provide a deeper understanding of the creative process and challenges involved in bringing the movie to life. The cast and crew have shared many stories and memories from the filming process, including the improvisational humor and satire that helped to make the film a comedy classic. By sharing these stories and anecdotes, the cast and crew have helped to create a lasting and entertaining legacy for Airplane!, which continues to delight audiences and inspire new generations of comedy fans and filmmakers.