A blank movie screen. Sounds of a crowded airport terminal, drowned out by noise of a passing jet. The airport terminal announcer intones, “Attention. Attention, please. Continental Airlines announces the departure of Flight 3, for Los Angeles and Honolulu at Gate 28, the Blue Concourse.”  The scene fades into a bustling lane of ticket counters at Lincoln International Airport.  Stenciled titles appear.

UNIVERSAL PRESENTS

A ROSS HUNTER PRODUCTION

The scene then shifts outside to a view of departing planes as the main title appears:

AIRPORT

Snow blowers toss a blizzard of white spray from the runway.

BURT LANCASTER

DEAN MARTIN

In This Minute:

No characters are seen during this segment of the opening credits.

Credits continue

More snow plowing
JEAN SEBERG

More snow plowing
JACQUELINE BISSET

Even more snow plowing
GEORGE KENNEDY

Even more snow plowing
HELEN HAYES

Even more snow plowing
VAN HEFLIN

Even more snow plowing with the Conga Line
ALSO STARRING
MAUREEN STAPLETON
BARRY NELSON

Even more snow plowing with the Conga Line
DANA WYNTER
LLOYD NOLAN

Even more snow plowing with the Conga Line
BARBARA HALE
GARY COLLINS

Sanding trucks driving away from camera
CO-STARRING
JOHN FINDLATER
JESSIE ROYCE LANDIS
LARRY GATES
PETER TURGEON
WHIT BISSELL

Ice melting fire trucks driving away from camera
WITH
VIRGINIA GREY
EILEEN WESSON
PAUL PICERNI
ROBERT PATTEN
CLARK HOWAT
LEW BROWN
ILANA DOWDING
LISA GERRITSON

More of the ice melting fire trucks driving away from camera
JIM NOLAN
PATTY POULSEN
ENA HARTMAN
MALILA SAINT DUVAL
SHARON HARVEY
ALBERT REED
JODEAN RUSSO

Even more of the ice melting fire trucks driving away from camera
NANCY ANN NELSON
DICK WINSLOW
LOU WAGNER
JANIS HANSEN
MARY JACKSON
SHELLY NOVACK
CHUCK DANIEL
CHARLES BREWER

In This Minute:

No characters are seen during this segment of the opening credits.

Mentioned in the podcast:

Helen Hayes US Forever stamp

Credits continue

Even more of the ice melting fire trucks driving away from camera
NANCY ANN NELSON
DICK WINSLOW
LOU WAGNER
JANIS HANSEN
MARY JACKSON
SHELLY NOVACK
CHUCK DANIEL
CHARLES BREWER

A Northwest 727 takes off across the screen

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: ERNEST LASZLO A.S.C.

A view of “Lincoln International Airport” from the parking lot

ART DIRECTORS:
ALEXANDER GOLITZEN   AND E. PRESTON AMES

SET DECORATIONS:
JACK D. MOORE
MICKEY S. MICHAELS

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER:
RAYMOND GOSNELL

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR:
DONALD ROBERTS
A front loader hoists snow out of the parking lot while a driver wipes snow off his windsheld

FILM EDITOR
STUART GILMORE

SOUND
WALDON O. WATSON
DAVID H. MORIARITY
RONALD PIERCE

TECHNICAL ADVISORS
JOHN N DENEND – F.A.A. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
CAPTAIN LEE DANIELSON

MUSIC EDITOR
ARNOLD SCHWARZWALD

Another view of the “SA” parking lot being cleared of snow.

MAKE-UP
BUD WESTMORE

HAIR STYLIST
LARRY GERMAIN

SCRIPT SUPERVISOR
BETTY ABBOTT

COSMETICS BY
UNIVERSAL PICTURES PROFESSIONAL COSMETICS

SMPTE bug
Westrex logo
© MCMLXIX BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES
AND ROSS HUNTER PRODUCTIONS, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Telephoto shot of dozens of 60’s cars parked in a snow-covered lot, with travelers walking between the cars.

PRODUCED IN TODD-AO®
DEVELOPED BY
THE AMERICAN OPTICAL COMPANY
AND MAGNA

Same parking lot scene

COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR®

SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EFFECTS
FILM EFFECTS OF HOLLYWOOD
DON W. WEED
JAMES B. GORDON, A.S.C.

MPAA Logo Number 22114

Three snow-covered Fords in the parking lot as the streetlights begin to illuminate the scene.

COSTUMES BY EDITH HEAD

The same scene, with suitcase toting travelers walking toward their cars.

MUSIC COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY ALFRED NEWMAN

Lincoln International’s control tower, as night descends.

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER JACQUE MAPES

A toroidal radar dish rotates in the twilight sky

FROM THE NOVEL BY ARTHUR HAILEY

Six men seated at Lincoln Approach Control radar screens are busy at work.

In This Minute:

No characters are seen during this segment of the opening credits.

Trans Global Flight 45 rolls off Runway Two-Niner slightly short of Taxiway Echo, driving into  the drifting snow. She’s stuck wheels-deep, with her tail sticking out into the flight path of Two-Niner.

The ATC Manager calls the radar room to report they have a “Condition Four” at Taxiway Echo. The Manager tells the other ATC operators to change traffic to Runway Two-Two.  Two-Niner is closed.  Another ATC operator tells Air Canada to hold short of Taxiway Bravo.

Copilot Crowley calls Lincoln Tower to report their situation.

In This Minute

Ed Deemer as Copilot Crowley
John N. Denend as Doug, the Tower Chief
Unknown as ATC Operator

Summary

“Could be a long time,” says Doug, the Tower Chief.

“All right, I’ll be right out there.” A man in a tuxedo looks at the white courtesy phone in his hand before hanging up. Meet Mel Bakersfeld, General Manager of Lincoln International Airport.  Mel walks along a balcony corridor overlooking the ticket counters of Lincoln International, while a janitor vacuums the balcony carpet. Bakersfeld removes his bow tie as he steps into his empty office anteroom. He steps into his main office and turns on the lights.

Meanwhile, Trans Global 45 is still stuck in the snow as the emergency vehicles arrive on the scene.

Back to Mel, now dressed in a suit and tie, hat, and coat. He struggles with his galoshes as his office phone rings.  “Bakersfield,” he says into his speakerphone.

The screen splits. Meet Tanya Livingston, TGA business agent for Lincoln Airport. “How about some coffee?” asks Tanya, “I’ve just found something…”

“I’ve just lost something,” replies Mel, buckling up his other snow boot. “Runway Two-Niner.”

“Oh no!” says Tanya. “Snow?”

“One of your jockeys missed a turnoff,” says Mel, “buried the wheels.”

“No one told us,” says Tanya.

“Well, it just happened,” says Mel. “Flight 45. I’m on my way.”

“Any casualties?” asks Tanya.

“Just me,” laughs Mel.

“There’s bound to be a passenger with a $50 wrenched back,” replies Tanya. “I’d better get out there with some release forms and plenty of sympathy and understanding.”

In This Minute

John Denend as Tower Chief Doug
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Unknown as Lincoln Janitor

Tanya hitches a ride with Mel in the MelMobile. Mel’s office phone rings but he ignores it. Mel gets paged for the White Courtesy phone, “Urgent!” It’s Mel’s wife, Cindy, wondering where the hell he is. “You promised me you wouldn’t miss this dinner. You promised me a week ago!” says Cindy. “A week ago, I didn’t know we’d have the worst storm in six years,” replies Mel. He tells Cindy he’ll call her back and hangs up. Mel and Tanya jump into the MelMobile, parked in the MelCave. Bakersfeld fishtails out of the office complex, headed for Taxiway Echo on Runway Two-Niner.

In This Minute:

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Dana Wynter as Cindy Bakersfeld

Summary:

The MelMobile arrives at Taxiway Echo, next to the stuck Trans Global Flight 45. Tanya helps passengers get on the nice, warm bus. TGA’s mechanic, Jack Ingram, explains to Mel about how they’ll be able to use pneumatic bags to lift the wings — tomorrow. Mel wants the runway cleared tonight.  “Tonight?” asks Jack. Mel asks Jack if it would be okay to bring in Joe Patroni — if Mel can con TWA into borrowing Joe’s expertise. Jack has no objections. “Joe can have all the tries he wants.” Then comes an important call: “SNOW DESK!”

In This Minute:

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
William Boyett as Jack Ingram
Unknown actor as Snow Desk Telephone Call Announcer

Joe Patroni tells Mel to give everyone a shovel and start digging a 10° incline in front of the wheels. Patroni, over and out.

Marie is disappointed. “Do you have to go to work on a night like this?” Joe responds, “They don’t call ’em emergencies anymore. They call ’em Patronies.” Joe promises Marie he’ll be back in time “if I have to pull that plane out with my teeth!”

Mel and Tanya head back to the terminal. “What’s this thing you’ve found out about?” asks Mel.

Tanya replies, “Your brother-in-law was on the Snow Clearance Committee today. My boss got a copy of the report.” Mel says he can already guess what was in the report.  The airport, meaning Mel,  “has been inefficient snow clearance,…”

“Grossly inefficient in snow clearance,” corrects Tanya.

“…causing flight delays, loss of revenue to all airlines, et cetera, et cetera,” Mel grumbles.

“Signed, Captain Vernon Demerest, Chairman,” finishes Tanya. “How can he write such a thing?”

“Because he’s a no-good, miserable louse who can’t pass up the opportunity to knife me,” replies Mel. Bakersfeld is interrupted by a radio call from Danny at the Snow Desk. Commissioner Ackerman wants Mel to meet him at the street side of the terminal. “Trouble,” says Danny.  Mel responds, “I’m on my way.”

In This Minute:

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Dallas Mitchell as Danny (Snow Desk)
George Kennedy as Joe Patroni
Jodean Russo (Lawrence) as Marie Patroni

“Close down Runway Twenty-Two!” chant the sign-waving protesters at the streetside entrance to Lincoln International.

Mel and Commissioner Ackerman survey the scene. “They’ll break it up and go home… after the TV cameras get a few shots.” Ackerman pales. “TV?” he says.

“A lawyer they hired yesterday arranged for news coverage,” explains Bakersfeld. Ackerman says he needs to tell the other board members about the situation. The commissioner says that the two of them should meet in the board room later to discuss how to calm the protesters.

Just then, a woman in an snow-covered Oldsmobile calls out. “Mel!”

“Hi sis,” says Mel, as he walks to the car. It’s Sarah Demerest, wife of the pilot Vernon Demerest who wrote the disparaging snow clearance report.

“I thought Vern was on Flight Two tonight,” says Mel, looking at his watch. Sarah explains that, with the weather and the traffic, Vern wanted to head over to the airport early, but they managed to sail right through the traffic.

Vern steps out of the car, looks at the protesters, and then back at Mel. “First I thought they were pilots picketing you. I was all set to join them.”

“I heard about your report,” says Vern.

In This Minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Larry Gates as Commissioner Ackerman
Barbara Hale as Sarah Demerest
Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest

Mel and Vern are standing on opposite sides of Vern’s car, parked in front of the entrance to the terminal.

“Besides everything else, now you’re an authority on snow clearance?” asks Mel.

“I call ’em as I see ’em,” replies Vern, opening the trunk of his car.

“Then you’re due for an eye check,” says Mel, following Vern to the rear of the car. “For your information, clearing those runways is the equivalent of seven hundred miles of two-lane highway.”

Vern shakes his head as he removes his luggage from the trunk. “Well, what do you know? And I bet you measured every little foot of it all by yourself.”

“We’ve also had ten inches of snow in the last twenty-four hours,” says Mel.

Vern replies, “Anchorage had twice that, and they’re clean.”

“They’ve got twice the equipment,” says Mel, his voice rising.

Vern replies, “Well, then get some more!”

“This isn’t Alaska,” says Mel. “You don’t spend two million dollars on machinery you might use once in ten years. You buy for the average snowfall, and when an emergency hits, you use what you have, and work around the clock.”

Vern shakes his head again. “Sitting behind that desk made you think like a bookkeeper.”

“I didn’t always fly a desk!” says Mel.

Vern leans in and says, “Well, alright Daddy – – you tell me all about when you were a war hero. You flew those pursuit jobs you could land in a parking lot. When I’m setting down over two hundred thousand pounds of 707, I want something under my wheels that’s mighty long, and mighty dry.”

“It’ll be dry tonight,” replies Mel, “but not too long.”

In This Minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Barbara Hale as Sarah Demerest
Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest

Mel and Vern are standing on opposite sides of Vern’s car, parked in front of the entrance to the terminal.

“Two-Niner’s closed,” says Mel. “A pilot from your Flight Forty Five made a shortcut across the field, … and he didn’t make it.”

“Well, what are you doing about it?” asks Vern.

“Well, when the snow melts in April, we’ll get it out,” says Mel, then shouts, “What the hell do you think I’m doing about it?”

Sarah leans out the passenger window and scolds, “Now stop that, both of you!”

“Yeah, you’re right,” agrees Vern. “It’s a waste of time arguing with a penguin.” He leans down and kisses his wife goodbye.

“What would you have me bring you back from Rome?” he asks.

“Just yourself,” says Sarah. “Oh, maybe if you have the time, I could use a pair of white gloves.”

“Size… six and a half, right?” asks Vern, tentatively.

Sarah smiles. “No, I’m the one who wears a size seven and a half.” They kiss again.

Vern walks past an old woman carrying several suitcases. He looks at Mel and says, “Hey, now that’s a good idea, Mel! Using little old ladies for skycaps.  You keep that up — you’re doing a good job!”  Vern walks off to the terminal entry doors. Mel stares after him as he leaves.

“Mel,” says Sarah, “for my sake – – be patient with him.”

Bakersfeld shakes his head. “How you can live…”

In This Minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Barbara Hale as Sarah Demerest
Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest

Mel Bakersfeld and his sister Sarah Demerest are talking to each other as Sarah is parked in front of the entrance to the terminal.

“– with that overage juvenile delinquent, I’ll never know,” says Mel.

“There’s just the two of us,” replies Sarah, “If I left him, what would I have?”

“Would you have any more if he decided to leave you?” asks Mel. Sarah laughs in response.

“He won’t,” says Sarah. “The moment a girl gets too serious, he waves his wedding ring like a flag! I’m his disaster insurance.”

“More like group insurance,” says Mel.

Sarah smiles. “Thanks for caring, Mel. Don’t worry — someday he’ll come home for some other reason than just to change his clothes.”

Mel nods. “Well, I hope so.” Then his pager buzzes. Mel glances at his pager and says, “That’s for me. Goodbye, dear.” He leans in and kisses Sarah goodbye.

Mel walks over to a white courtesy phone to answer the page as Sarah slides over to the driver’s seat of her car. Sarah starts her car and drives away from the terminal entrance.

Meanwhile, Vern walks briskly out of the terminal (from another entrance) to a Checker cab parked at curbside.

In This Minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Barbara Hale as Sarah Demerest
Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest

Summary

Vern  and Gwen are in Gwen’s crash pad apartment. Vern is explaining about check flights.

“Someone has to check you out every six months,” says Vern, “to make sure you don’t pick up any bad habits.” He attempts to tickle Gwen. Vern puts his hands around Gwen’s waist.

“Such as nuzzling stewardesses?” she asks.  Vern “steers” Gwen at the waist and says, “does he handle the controls too firmly?” He lets go and then makes piano-playing motions with his fingers down Gwen’s arms. “Or can he sort of coax them along with just his fingers?” Gwen shrugs off Vern’s hands and walks to the other side of her bedroom.

Vern walks towards her. “Look,” says Vern, “we still have time to-” Gwen puts an empty cup and saucer into his hands. “Go and wash it,” says Gwen.

Vern looks at the cup and saucer he’s holding, and says, “…and when he’s stacked up and can’t get clearance to land – how does he take it?” He looks at Gwen.

Gwen responds, “He controls his emotions, and says ‘better luck next time!'”  Vern walks to the kitchen to clean the dishes, mimicking Gwen’s “better luck next time!” phrase as he does so.

Vern walks into the tiny kitchen and makes a slight effort to clean the cup and saucer. Meanwhile, Gwen, in the other room has a faraway look as she ponders… something.

Vern opens a cabinet, and sees a virtual cornucopia of pilfered airline china and single-serve liquor. He whistles. “You and your roommates have enough china, glasses and booze for a round trip to Australia!”

“Oh, that’s not all our loot,” explains Gwen from the other room.”The girls in the building have been contributing. Gracie’s getting married.”

In This Minute

Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest
Jacqueline Bisset as Gwen Meighen

Summary

Gwen and Vern are in Gwen’s crash pad apartment. Gwen is explaining about why the stewardesses were collecting liquor and glassware — Gracie is getting married.

“We’re giving her a party,” says Gwen.

“If you could hijack a 707,” says Vern, “you could start your own airline.”

“We thought of that,” says Gwen, closing her suitcase, “but none of us have a pilot’s license.”

“Well, with the kind of fringe benefits you girls have to offer,” says Vern, wiping a dish, “I can get you a crew right now.”

Gwen, in the other room, smiles, then gets the same faraway look in her eye she had earlier. She seems ready to say something, but pauses and says nothing. Vern turns out the kitchen light as they get ready to leave for the airport.

The scene switches to a traffic jam on a snow covered road. Two police cars make their way through the breakdown lane.

Patroni is in the middle of the traffic jam. He pulls a cigar out of his mouth and talks on a mobile phone.

“Mel? Joe. I’m stuck in traffic. On Carlton Road, just East of Mannheim. A tractor-trailer jack knifed and flipped over, and now it’s laying on its side like a drunken dinosaur.”

Mel, in Tanya’s Trans Global office, is on Tanya’s office phone. “Joe,” says Mel, “I need Two-Niner awful bad. Now if you’re not  out in fifteen minutes, call me back and we’ll get the highway patrol to bring you in.” He hangs up. “What else can go wrong?” he says to Tanya. “I’d better get up and check the Snow Desk. I’ll be back in time for his call.” Tanya blocks the doorway.

“You’re not going anywhere,” says Tanya. “You’re exhausted. You’ve been rushing around for three days.”

“I’ve got to get up there!” says Mel.

In This Minute

Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest
Jacqueline Bisset as Gwen Meighen
George Kennedy as Joe Patroni
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston

Weird Appliance Mentioned in This Minute

Summary

Gwen and Vern are in Gwen’s crash pad apartment. Gwen is explaining about why the stewardesses were collecting liquor and glassware — Gracie is getting married.

“We’re giving her a party,” says Gwen.

“If you could hijack a 707,” says Vern, “you could start your own airline.”

“We thought of that,” says Gwen, closing her suitcase, “but none of us have a pilot’s license.”

“Well, with the kind of fringe benefits you girls have to offer,” says Vern, wiping a dish, “I can get you a crew right now.”

Gwen, in the other room, smiles, then gets the same faraway look in her eye she had earlier. She seems ready to say something, but pauses and says nothing. Vern turns out the kitchen light as they get ready to leave for the airport.

The scene switches to a traffic jam on a snow covered road. Two police cars make their way through the breakdown lane.

Patroni is in the middle of the traffic jam. He pulls a cigar out of his mouth and talks on a mobile phone.

“Mel? Joe. I’m stuck in traffic. On Carlton Road, just East of Mannheim. A tractor-trailer jack knifed and flipped over, and now it’s laying on its side like a drunken dinosaur.”

Mel, in Tanya’s Trans Global office, is on Tanya’s office phone. “Joe,” says Mel, “I need Two-Niner awful bad. Now if you’re not  out in fifteen minutes, call me back and we’ll get the highway patrol to bring you in.” He hangs up. “What else can go wrong?” he says to Tanya. “I’d better get up and check the Snow Desk. I’ll be back in time for his call.” Tanya blocks the doorway.

“You’re not going anywhere,” says Tanya. “You’re exhausted. You’ve been rushing around for three days.”

“I’ve got to get up there!” says Mel.

In This Minute

Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest
Jacqueline Bisset as Gwen Meighen
George Kennedy as Joe Patroni
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston

Weird Appliance Mentioned in This Minute

22:02 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/episodes/a69_minute_019/ Thu, 25 Aug 2016 02:05:40 +0000 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/?post_type=episode&p=381

Summary

Tanya blocks Mel from leaving her office.

“Why do you have to do everything yourself?” asks Tanya. “You’ve got an assistant — let Mike do it. Sit down and relax – – I’ll fix you some coffee and a sandwich.” Tanya walks away towards the Executive Lounge.  Mel takes out a cigarette and grabs a lighter from Tanya’s desk. Tanya turns as she reaches the lounge doorway.

“One thing you should do,” says Tanya, “You promised to call your wife back.” Tanya closes the door as she leaves.  She enters the wood-paneled lounge, tidies up  a few magazines, and then walks through the TGA Commanders’ Club private entrance.

Mel is seated at Tanya’s desk, smoking a cigarette and holding a telephone receiver to his ear. A little girl appears in a split-screen box. She answers a kitchen phone.

“Bakersfeld residence. Libby speaking,”  says Libby.

“This is Mister Bakersfeld talking,” says Mel, smiling.

“Daddy!” says Libby. “Isn’t the snow super?”

“Baby, it’s cool,” says Mel, “Real cool.”

Libby looks up at the ceiling in her inset box and yells, “Robbie! Daddy’s on the phone!” A teenage girl seated in front of a typewriter answers a pink telephone.”

“Hello, Dad?” says Roberta.

“Hi Robbie,” says Mel, blowing a puff of cigarette smoke into the air.

“Are you coming home tonight?” asks Robbie.

“Well, at the moment, honey, I’m not so sure,” replies Mel. “You see, I -”

In This Minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Lisa Gerritsen as Libby Bakersfeld
Ilana Dowding as Robbie Bakersfeld

Summary

Mel’s phoned home. After talking to his daughters, his wife, Cindy, interrupts.

“Say goodnight, girls,” says Cindy. The girls say their goodnights and their screen inserts disappear. Now it’s a split-screen, with Cindy on the left and Mel on the right.

“You hung up on me before,” says Cindy. “Don’t ever do that again.”

“I’m sorry,” says Mel, “but I was rushing to get out on the field.”

Cindy puts on an earring as she talks to Mel. “Alright, we don’t have time to argue about that right now. You have a dinner jacket there — meet me at the hotel.”

“I told you I can’t make it,” replies Mel. “We have an emergency. I have to stay here, probably all night.”

“You can’t!” says Cindy. “You can’t keep doing this to me!”

“Listen to me, Cindy, ” replies Mel, “In the past month you’ve scheduled me for seven of those charity wing-dings, and I’ve made four of them. Now that’s not a bad batting average.”  A flashback of one of those charity wing-dings appears on screen. Cindy approaches a dias to make a speech, while Mel takes a seat next to her.

“I’m not a ball game where you keep score!” replies Cindy. “I’m your wife!”

“Well, try to remember it,” says Mel. “Think of my position, for a change.” The flashback shifts to another flashback: Mel and Cindy arguing in their bedroom while apparently getting dressed for another charity wing-ding.

“Well, that’s a hell of a thing to say,” says Cindy. “I’m only thinking about you. This isn’t just another dinner – – Dad’ll be there, and he wants to talk to you.”

“He’s been talking to me for fifteen years, and I’ve said ‘no’ for fifteen years,” says Mel.

“And why?” asks Cindy. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.” The scene shifts to another flashback: Mel, talking to Cindy’s dad in what appears to be a stuffy, wood-paneled men’s club. Several old men are seated in wingbacked leather chairs while an extremely old and stooped butler serves drinks fr]]>

Summary

Mel’s phoned home. After talking to his daughters, his wife, Cindy, interrupts.

“Say goodnight, girls,” says Cindy. The girls say their goodnights and their screen inserts disappear. Now it’s a split-screen, with Cindy on the left and Mel on the right.

“You hung up on me before,” says Cindy. “Don’t ever do that again.”

“I’m sorry,” says Mel, “but I was rushing to get out on the field.”

Cindy puts on an earring as she talks to Mel. “Alright, we don’t have time to argue about that right now. You have a dinner jacket there — meet me at the hotel.”

“I told you I can’t make it,” replies Mel. “We have an emergency. I have to stay here, probably all night.”

“You can’t!” says Cindy. “You can’t keep doing this to me!”

“Listen to me, Cindy, ” replies Mel, “In the past month you’ve scheduled me for seven of those charity wing-dings, and I’ve made four of them. Now that’s not a bad batting average.”  A flashback of one of those charity wing-dings appears on screen. Cindy approaches a dias to make a speech, while Mel takes a seat next to her.

“I’m not a ball game where you keep score!” replies Cindy. “I’m your wife!”

“Well, try to remember it,” says Mel. “Think of my position, for a change.” The flashback shifts to another flashback: Mel and Cindy arguing in their bedroom while apparently getting dressed for another charity wing-ding.

“Well, that’s a hell of a thing to say,” says Cindy. “I’m only thinking about you. This isn’t just another dinner – – Dad’ll be there, and he wants to talk to you.”

“He’s been talking to me for fifteen years, and I’ve said ‘no’ for fifteen years,” says Mel.

“And why?” asks Cindy. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.” The scene shifts to another flashback: Mel, talking to Cindy’s dad in what appears to be a stuffy, wood-paneled men’s club. Several old men are seated in wingbacked leather chairs while an extremely old and stooped butler serves drinks fr]]> 16:41 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/episodes/a69_minute_021/ Mon, 29 Aug 2016 02:05:26 +0000 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/?post_type=episode&p=383

Summary

Captain Demerest climbs down a stepladder from the forward cabin door of the stuck 707. He turns to Mel.

“I’ve got an idea that will make you Aviation Man of the Year,” says Vern, “and Captain Benson agrees with me.  We put pneumatic jacks under the jacking plates and we lift her. Then, when you get her high enough, you just fill in, plank over, and roll her off on the flat.”

“Yeah,” says Mel, “and if every jack isn’t absolutely level, she’ll slide off — and you’ll have a hole in the wing and the fuel tank. I’ll stick with Patroni’s judgement.”

“Okay,” says Vern, “you do it the hard way, but you better get this thing out of here because I’m not taking off on Two-Two.”

“You’ll use what’s available!” shouts Mel.

“Well, if it’s Two-Two,” says Vern, “I’m not using noise abatement and I’m not cutting back on power over those houses – – so, unless you want a big, fat bill for cracked plaster and broken dishes, you’d better move this thing!” Vern storms off.

Mel turns to Jack after Vern leaves. “Keep digging,” says Mel. “Another pilot comes up with an idea like that, hand him a shovel.”

Meanwhile, Tanya is dozing in the Trans Global Executive Lounge.  There’s a knock at the door. It’s Peter Coakley, Tanya’s assistant.

“Yes, Peter?” says Tanya.

“Uh,” says Peter, “Mrs. Livingston, I’ve got that stowaway that Mr. Miller told you about?”

Tanya smiles and nods her head. “Bring him in,” says Tanya.

Peter opens the door wider, to reveal a smiling, diminutive older woman wearing a tweed]]>

Summary

Captain Demerest climbs down a stepladder from the forward cabin door of the stuck 707. He turns to Mel.

“I’ve got an idea that will make you Aviation Man of the Year,” says Vern, “and Captain Benson agrees with me.  We put pneumatic jacks under the jacking plates and we lift her. Then, when you get her high enough, you just fill in, plank over, and roll her off on the flat.”

“Yeah,” says Mel, “and if every jack isn’t absolutely level, she’ll slide off — and you’ll have a hole in the wing and the fuel tank. I’ll stick with Patroni’s judgement.”

“Okay,” says Vern, “you do it the hard way, but you better get this thing out of here because I’m not taking off on Two-Two.”

“You’ll use what’s available!” shouts Mel.

“Well, if it’s Two-Two,” says Vern, “I’m not using noise abatement and I’m not cutting back on power over those houses – – so, unless you want a big, fat bill for cracked plaster and broken dishes, you’d better move this thing!” Vern storms off.

Mel turns to Jack after Vern leaves. “Keep digging,” says Mel. “Another pilot comes up with an idea like that, hand him a shovel.”

Meanwhile, Tanya is dozing in the Trans Global Executive Lounge.  There’s a knock at the door. It’s Peter Coakley, Tanya’s assistant.

“Yes, Peter?” says Tanya.

“Uh,” says Peter, “Mrs. Livingston, I’ve got that stowaway that Mr. Miller told you about?”

Tanya smiles and nods her head. “Bring him in,” says Tanya.

Peter opens the door wider, to reveal a smiling, diminutive older woman wearing a tweed]]> 16:19 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/episodes/a69_minute_024/ Thu, 01 Sep 2016 02:05:04 +0000 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/?post_type=episode&p=387

The little old lady in the tweed coat walks into the Trans Global Executive Lounge, smiling sweetly.  Tanya rubs her eyes in disbelief.

“Hello,” says the little old lady, “I’m Mrs. Ada Quonsett.” She holds out her hand and begins shaking Tanya’s hand.

“I’m Mrs. Livingston,” says Tanya, momentarily confused by the etiquette. “Pleased to — I mean won’t you.. sit down!” Tanya tries to take on a tone of authority, but Mrs. Quonsett brushes her attempt away with effusive courtesy.

“Well thank you, my dear,” says Mrs. Quonsett, as she takes a seat on the sofa. “It was a long walk from that gate.”  Peter hands Tanya a card about Mrs. Quonsett.

Tanya looks at Peter. “We’ve got a little talking to do. I think you’d better lock that door.” Peter nods, and locks the door to the Commanders’ Club. Tanya turns to Mrs. Quonsett.

“Well,” says Tanya,  “I see you’ve done this sort of thing before.”

“Oh yes, my dear,” says Mrs. Quonsett.

“But it’s against the law,” says Tanya. “Why do you do it?”

“Well,” says Mrs. Quonsett, “you see, I’m a widow, and I have a married daughter in New York.  Sometimes I get lonely for her, and for the grandchildren, so I go down to the airport in Los Angeles and I get on  a plane that’s going to New York. And then, when I’m ready to go home, it’s, well,  vice versa.”

Tanya is flabbergasted, “Just like that, without a ticket?”

“Oh, my dear” says Mrs. Quonsett, “I couldn’t possibly afford a ticket! I just have my Social Security, and this small pension my late husband left me. ”

“Have you ever been a stowaway on any other airline?” asks Tanya.

“Oh yes,” says Mrs. Quonsett, “but I like Trans Global the best.”

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Peter Findlater as Peter Coakley
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonsett

Summary

Tanya Livingston sits in a chair in the Trans Global Executive Lounge, while Mel sits opposite Mrs. Quonset on the sofa. Mrs Quonset is explaining the methods she uses to stow away on planes.

“I like to get to the airport early enough to get me a boarding pass,” says Ada.

“But our boarding passes are ticket folders!” says Tanya.

Mrs. Quonset nods. “Right, I know. I go to a counter and tell them I’ve lost mine and may I please have another one? I always pick a counter where the clerks are busy and lots of people are waiting. They always give me one.”

“But it’s just a blank folder – – it isn’t made out as a gate pass,” says Tanya.

“I do that myself in the ladies room,” says Mrs. Quonset. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a large pencil. “I know from experience just what to write, and I carry one of these pencils that the airlines use, in my purse. See?” She holds out the pencil, just in time for Tanya to snatch it from her hand.

“Yes, I do” says Tanya. “I’ll keep that, if you don’t mind.”

Ada frowns. “Well, it’s really mine. But if you want it, I suppose I can get another one.”

Mel leans toward the sandwich tray. “So now,” says Mel. “you have a boarding pass…”

“Well,” says Ada. “Then I go to the departure gate.”

Mel holds up a carafe. “Coffee?” he asks Mrs. Quonset.

“No, thank you,” Ada continues, “And I wait until the young man checking tickets there is busy, and I walk past him and onto the plane.”

“Do you hear that, Mister Coakley?” asks Tanya. Peter Coakley is shocked.

“But no one stops you?” asks Coakley, “Not even the stewardesses?”

“If you get on late enough –” says Mrs. Quonset.

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
John Findlater as Peter Coakley
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonset

Summary

Tanya Livingston sits in a chair in the Trans Global Executive Lounge, while Mel sits opposite Mrs. Quonset on the sofa. Mrs Quonset continues to explain the methods she uses to stow away on planes. She says she gets past the stewardesses because “they’re always talking to the men.”

“I just show them my folder quickly, you see,” says Ada, waving a ticket folder. Tanya snatches the folder out of Mrs. Quonset’s hands. “I’ll keep that too,” says Tanya.

“But I’m sure you don’t always use a boarding pass,” says Tanya.

“No,” says Ada. “Sometimes I tell them that my son has gone aboard, but he dropped his wallet.” Ada reaches into her handbag. “I carry a man’s wallet in my — hand,” says Ada, quickly putting the wallet back in her handbag before Tanya can confiscate it. “That works best of all,” says Ada, snapping her handbag shut.

“I must say, Mrs. Quonset,” says Mel, “You’ve got everything figured out very carefully.”

Ada smiles. “My late husband taught me to be thorough,” says Tanya. “He was a teacher, of geometry. He always said, ‘You must consider every angle.’ ”

Mel smiles. Tanya says, “My late husband was a lawyer, and he always said, ‘Watch out for sweet-looking, innocent little old ladies.’  I’m beginning to understand what he meant.”

Mrs. Quonset leans forward with concern. “So, you’re a widow, too?” says Ada. “Oh, I’m sorry, my dear – – but you’re young and attractive and I’m sure –”

“Let’s confine the conversation to you, Mrs. Quonset,” says Tanya. “We’re sending you back to Los Angeles, on–”

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonset

Summary

Tanya is explaining to Mrs Quonset that she’s being sent back to Los Angeles on the next flight, as Mel looks on.

“Yes, my dear, ” says Ada, “I was afraid of that. Well, I would like a cup of tea first, so I’ll go now and you can tell me when you want me back.” She stands up from the sofa.

“Oh no,” says Tanya. “You’re not going anywhere alone!” Tanya turns to Peter Coakley.  “Mrs. Quonset will be on Flight 103. Stick with her every second until departure time. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

“Yes, Ma’am, ” says Peter. “Uh, she’ll need a ticket.”

“Yes,” says Tanya. “That’ll be a change, won’t it? I’ll make out an order.”

“May I please have my tea now?” says Ada, impatiently. Tanya says yes, but can’t figure out where Ada is headed.

“Can’t I have it in the Commanders’ Club?” says Ada.

“Uh, no, Mrs. Quonset,” says Peter. “That’s for members only.”

“But I have a card,” says Ada, rummaging through her handbag. She produces a Trans Global card, and hands it to Tanya.

“This card says ‘Mrs. Henry Jackson,'” says Tanya.

“Yes,” says Ada. “Gertrude’s a friend of mine and she always lets me use it when I’m traveling.”

“Well, we’ll send it back to Gertrude with a very strong letter!” says Tanya, palming the card.

“We’ll go this way, Mrs. Quonset,” says Peter, steering Ada towards Tanya’s office. Ada says goodbye – – just to Mel.

Mel stands and bows to Ada. “Goodbye, Ma’am.”

Ada smiles at Mel and says, “You… have been very nice.”

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonset
John Findlater as Peter Coakley

Summary

Ada Quonset thanks Mel Bakersfeld for his kindness and leaves the Trans Global Executive Lounge.  Mel nods as she leaves and bursts out laughing.  Tanya shakes her head. “I don’t believe it!” she says. “I just don’t believe it!” Mel continues to laugh.

“And you were a big help,” says Tanya, ” giving her that VIP treatment! Deference, courtesy, sandwiches – – I’m surprised you didn’t break open a bottle of champagne!”

“Well, if there had been one around,” says Mel. “I would have! She’s deserves it – – she’s fabulous!”

Tanya shakes her head. “She just sat there, laughing at us!”

“Take it easy,” says Mel. “After all, there’s been stowaways ever since the Egyptians first sailed the Red Sea.”

“Mm-hmm,” says Tanya, “And when they caught ’em, they tossed them overboard! The airlines won’t do a thing about it and she knows it — crafty, little old biddy!”

“Oh come on now,” says Mel. “Relax. After all, she only stole a ride, not a plane.” Mel puts a hand on Tanya’s shoulder.

Tanya says, “I know! But – -” She pauses, as Mel now has two hands on her shoulders. “Mel… they’ve been pressuring me about that transfer to San Francisco. I think I’ll take it.  The pay is better, and… the change of climate’ll do me good.”  She smiles. “No snow,” she says.

“Yes,” says Mel, continuing to hold her shoulders.

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonset
John Findlater as Peter Coakley

Summary

Mel stands behind Tanya, with his hands on her shoulders, in the Trans Global Executive Lounge. Tanya said TGA is pushing her for a transfer to San Francisco.

“It’s a beautiful city,” says Mel. “I’ll miss you.”

“Will you?” asks Tanya. “Enough not to let me go?” Mel drops his hands from her shoulders. Tanya turns around. “I’m sorry,” she says. “I had no right to say that. You’ve been honest with me from the beginning — no false hopes, no promises…”

“I’m not as honest as you think,” says Mel. “I said I invented excuses not to go home and that’s true — but I didn’t mention the real reason I needed to stay here.”

Mel walks behind the sofa and ponders his situation. “I tell myself I’ve got to try to hold things together — ‘for the sake of the children’ — but I’m not sure that’s true, or even kind. They know what’s going on, and it’s hurting them — especially Roberta.”

Mel continues, “And I think about my mother and father, and God knows they — they had their ups and downs, but somehow they — somehow they worked it out. I feel I ought to be able to do the same, or else I’ve failed. And I don’t like to f-”

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld

Summary

Mel is talking to Tanya about his failing marriage, and how “he doesn’t like to fail.”

“I don’t know what to do about it,” says Mel.

“Maybe you love your wife more than you realize,” says Tanya.

“No, no,” replies Mel. “Not for a long time now. The only thing we’ve got left in common is the same address.”

Tanya steps closer to Mel. “I’m not pressing you, Mel, ” she says. She puts her hand on his shoulder. “I wouldn’t play that kind of game with you,” says Tanya. “But I think I’d better take that job in San Francisco.”

Just then, one of the TGA gate agents walks into Tanya’s office unannounced. “Excuse me, Mrs. Livingston, but Customs just called,” says the agent. “The chief would like you to come down. He says it’s rather important.”

“All right,” says Tanya. She grabs her notepad, takes a sidelong glance at Mel, and follows the agent out of the Executive Lounge.

“Seems that one of our passengers is demanding to speak to someone in authority from Trans Global,” says the agent as they head out of the office. Mel watches them leave.

The scene shifts to the Custom inspection room.

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Unknown as TGA agent

Summary

Tanya is in the Customs inspection hall, talking to Trans Global passenger Mrs. Harriet DuBarry Mossman, a woman wearing a fur coat and fur hat. Her tiny white poodle sits atop a pet shipping crate, while Customs officer Harry Standish stands behind the counter.

“Would you explain to this man that we’re no longer living in the Dark Ages?” asks Mrs. Mossman, pointing at Harry. “That, nowadays, stores in this country import clothes from France?” She turns to Harry. “If you’d bothered to look, you’d see the Bergdorf-Goodman labels.”

“Oh, I did bother to look, Madam, rather closely,” says Harry. “and I find the– the sewing of the labels isn’t up to Bergdorf’s usual standard.  They’re always very professional, very neat.”

“As you can see,” says Harry, pointing at a label,  “that’s a pretty sloppy job. But, I suppose everybody’s having trouble getting good help these days.”

“Especially the Customs Service,” replies Mrs. Mossman. Harry looks back at Mrs. Mossman.

The poodle whines and scratches at his jeweled collar. Harry walks over and asks the dog what’s bothering him. Harry examines the collar more closely.

Mrs. Mossman’s attitude changes. “Officer,” says Mrs. Mossman, “About the fur and the dresses – – perhaps I did make a mistake. I did buy them there, and there are some other things that I –”

Harry removes the dog’s collar.

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Jessie Royce Landis as Mrs. Harriet DuBarry Mossman
Lloyd Nolan as Harry Standish
Frank Jamus as Customs Inspector Frank Barrow

Summary

Tanya is in the Customs inspection hall, at the request of Trans Global passenger Mrs. Harriet DuBarry Mossman, a woman wearing a fur coat and fur hat. Her tiny white poodle sits atop a pet shipping crate, while Customs officer Harry Standish inspects the poodle’s jewel-encrusted collar.

Harry finds a diamond bracelet taped inside the dog collar. “Sorry, Madam,” says Harry.

Standish walks over to the other Inspector and hands him the bracelet. “Check everything else,” says Harry. “very carefully. Inspect the linings of the bags and the cases. Make a list.”

Inspector Barrow nods, “Yes, sir.” Harry pets the poodle. “Sorry, fella,” says Harry.

Mrs. Mossman pleads with Inspector Barrow, “I’d like to change that declaration please, Officer — I beg of you! My husband will be -”

“Madam, why don’t you sit down?” suggests Inspector Barrow. “This might take quite some time.”

Harry walks away from the counter to stand next to Tanya. “When will they ever learn?” asks Harry. “The duty would have been about one tenth of what the fine is going to be.”

Tanya shakes her head. “You are amazing,” says Tanya. “I never would have suspected her.”

Harry says,” Well, after thirty years, you kind of know. First I look in their eyes — and then the luggage.”

Harry pauses. “Thanks for coming down,” he says, “now, may I ask you another favor?”

Tanya smiles. “If you want me to smuggle anything in, the answer is no!”

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Jessie Royce Landis as Mrs. Harriet DuBarry Mossman
Lloyd Nolan as Harry Standish
Frank Jamus as Inspector Frank Barrow

Summary

Tanya is in the Customs inspection hall, talking to Customs Inspector Harry Standish. Standish has a favor to ask.

“My sister’s girl, Judy Barton,” says Standish, “is going to be on your Number Two flight to Rome tonight. Can you get her a window seat?”

“I’m sure of it,” answers Tanya.

“Good,” says Harry.  Tanya turns to leave, but Harry calls to her again. “With this weather, do you think it’ll get off on time?”

The scene shifts to the Trans Global Customer Support Center. A dozen women are seated at computer terminals. A woman on a phone says, “Trans Global Flight Two, the Golden Argosy, will depart on schedule.”

The scene shifts again to a man holding the receiver of a pay phone in a dingy tenement hallway. “Good. Fine. Thank you,” he says, hanging up the phone. The man walks back to his shabby apartment, and crosses the living room, grabbing a cigarette from an ashtray before walking into his bedroom. He stuffs a passport and plane tickets into a coat hanging on a hook, while the camera zooms in on several items laid out on his brass bed: a lantern battery, electrical tape, electrical wires — and three sticks of dynamite.

The man sits down on the bed, with an open briefcase in his lap.

In This Minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston
Lloyd Nolan as Harry Standish
Unknown as TGA Customer Service Agent
Van Heflin as D.O. Guerrero

A man in a shabby apartment sits on a brass bed, with an open briefcase in his lap.  Next to him are three sticks of dynamite, a lantern battery, and electrical wire.

There is a block of wood inside the briefcase, with a spring-operated clothespin attached to the wood. Two cotter pins with wires leading from each side are attached at the contact points of the clothespin. There is a plastic square held by the clothespin’s pincers, and a short length of string leading outside the briefcase near the briefcase handle. The man tugs on the string, and the plastic square pulls free of the clothespin, bringing the cotter pins in contact with each other and completing the wires’ electrical circuit.

The man places the lantern battery inside the briefcase, and tears a piece of electrical tape off the roll…

Time passes. The same man, dressed in a hat and coat, and carrying a suitcase, walks along a snowy street past brownstone buildings.  He takes a short flight of stairs to a dimly-lit coffee shop, where a painted sign on the window says “OPEN 8AM to 10 PM” and “BREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER SERVED.”

Inside the coffee shop, a jukebox plays. The coffee shop cook / waitress settles a bill with a customer. Meanwhile the man with the briefcase takes a seat at the counter.

The woman, Inez Guerrero, talks to the man with the briefcase. “I thought you said you were leaving tomorrow?”

“No,” replies the man, “I said I have to start work tomorrow. I’ve got to be in Milwaukee tonight, remember?”  Inez picks up a large tin of sugar and begins filling sugar dispensers for the coffee shop tables.

“This isn’t going to be one of those hello – ” begins Inez.

In This Minute

Van Heflin as D.O. Guerrero
Maureen Stapleton as Inez Guerrero

Inez Guerrero is working as a waitress in a shabby coffee shop, talking to her husband, who says he needs to be in Milwaukee tonight to start his new job tomorrow. Inez hopes it’s not another “hello – goodbye” job.

“I talked to Mister Williams himself, ” he explains. “$175 a week! Look, this is a 30-storey building, the job will last, oh, eight months at least.”

“I hope so,” says Inez. She puts down the tin of sugar. “This time, do me one favor, ” says Inez. “If your boss says two and two is six, agree with him.”

“Whatever way he wants to do anything,” says her husband, waving his hands, “that’s my way.”

“Just don’t lose your temper,” says Inez.

“… and Williams said that, after the job in Milwaukee, they’re going to build a new building in Detroit, and he even said they may subcontract the excavating to me!” says her husband.

“Be satisfied that you’re working,” says Inez.

“I am,” says her husband. “But you’ll see. Everything will be fine. It’s gonna be the way that it used to be.”

Inez looks at him, “Nothing’s the way it used to be. But I’m not complaining.”

“You never do,” says her husband. “How – how you could stick with me -”

” ‘For better or for worse,’ I meant what I said,” replies Inez.

“It’s gonna be better again, I promise,” says her husband. “No – I’ve got an idea”

In This Minute

Van Heflin as D.O. Guerrero
Maureen Stapleton as Inez Guerrero

The Guerreros are discussing their future, while Inez fills sugar dispensers in her shabby coffee shop.

“The kids aren’t going to have to live with your sister anymore, and you’re going to have money, and a nice home, and — and clothes –” he continues.

“Dom,” says Inez, “Stop dreaming. Just hold onto the job.”

Dom Guerrero nods his head. “I’ll do it right, this time. I won’t mess it up.” Inez walks away to tend to some bread cooking on the stove.

“How are you going to get to Milwaukee?” asks Inez.

“The bus,” replies Dom, “That leaves in just a few minutes. I’ve got enough for that, and I can draw an advance on my salary tomorrow, but I will need something for a hotel room tonight, if you could let me have a few dollars –”

“Well, all I’ve got is a few dollars to put something on the rent,” says Inez. Dom nods his head, sadly understanding. Inez looks at him, and puts her hands on his hands.

“Dom,” says Inez.”The silverware is gone, my watch is gone. My mother’s ring: don’t pawn that.”

In this minute

Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero
Maureen Stapleton as Inez Guerrero

Summary

Dom Guerrero tells Inez he’s heading to a new job in Milwaukee on the bus tonight, but he has no cash for a hotel.

“Here,” says Inez, reaching into her handbag. “I can give the landlord another hard luck story.” She hands a few bills to Dom, then empties her tip jar.

“Goodbye, Dom,” says Inez.

Dom becomes very serious. “Inez,” he says, “I haven’t been a very good provider, but I will be –I promise you that. Goodbye, Inez. I love you. I want you to always remember that.” Inez puts her hand on his cheek. Dom kisses her hand, then picks up his suitcase and leaves the coffee shop.

In this minute

Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero
Maureen Stapleton as Inez Guerrero

Summary

Inez watches Dom through the coffee shop window as he walks away.

The scene shifts to the interior of the Trans Global airport shuttle bus. Passengers are boarding as the bus operator takes their fares at the door. Dom hands the bus operator several bills and the operator hands him back change. Dom boards the bus as the next passenger, Marcus Rathbone, steps forward.

“Two dollars,” says the bus driver.

“It’s highway robbery,” complains Rathbone. “Why the airlines don’t provide free transportation, I’ll never know!”

“Look, Mister,” says the bus driver, “I don’t own the bus, I just drive it – – two dollars, huh? You’re holding up the line!” Rathbone digs out his wallet and hands over the bills. “Here, here, here,” he grumbles.  Two nuns then board the bus after Rathbone.

Meanwhile, Guerrero gingerly takes his seat on the bus, carefully cradling his bomb-filled briefcase.

The scene shifts to the Trans Global hangar. 707 tail number N324 is being pushed out to the tarmac, tail first. Captain Anson Harris and Flight Engineer Cy Jordan are looking at a maintenance report in the foreground.  Jordan walks back to the 707 as Vernon Demerest joins Captain Harris in the hangar.

“Hi, Anson,” says Demerest. “What are you doing here so early? Trying to impress your check pilot?”

Harris smiles. “I thought you’d give me an ‘A’ for effort!” Harris points his thumb in the direction of the 707. “No, we’re using Three Two Four tonight — on her last flight, number two engine gave them some trouble and I -”

In this minute

Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero
Maureen Stapleton as Inez Guerrero
Michael Bell  as Bus Driver
Peter Turgeon as Marcus Rathbone
Unknown as Italian Mother Passenger
Unknown as Paulo
Gary Collins as Cy Jordan
Barry Nelson as Anson Harris
Dean Martin as Vernon Jordan

Summary

Inside the Trans Global hangar. 707 tail number N324 is being pushed out to the tarmac, tail first. Vernon Demerest is listening to Anson Harris talk about Three Two Four’s number two engine.

“I wanted to see what maintenance did about it,” says Harris.

“Well,” says Demerest, “I hope they gave us a new one.” Demerest looks at the maintenance report.

“Yeah, well they even replaced all the wiring,” says Harris. “Just to be on the safe side.”

“Well, that’s the side I like to be on,” says Demerest. He holds out his hand and stops Harris.

“What is it?” asks Harris. “What’s the matter?” Demerest examines Harris’s shirt collar.

“I was just thinking about the last time you checked me out,” says Demerest. “You marked me down for not wearing a regulation shirt. I was just hoping to get even.”

Harris shakes his head. “Not a chance,” says Harris. “Knowing how tough you can be, tonight I even polished my wings!”

The scene shifts to a highway patrol car, sirens and lights on, pulling up to the Trans Global maintenance and crew offices. Joe Patroni steps out of the back of the cruiser, slaps the roof of the car and yells, “Thanks, fellas!” to the highway patrolmen. Patroni walks over to Bakersfeld, who’s standing next to the MelMobile with an overcoat for Joe.

“I tried to get some more help for you, Joe,” says Mel, “but no luck. I’ve only got twenty men out there.”

Patroni smiles. “I knew you’d blow it,” says Patroni, “so I did a little phoning from my car. I got fifty!”

“Where did you get them from?” asks Mel.

“Braniff, Delta, Continental,” says Joe, “We’re not like those stiffs up in the front office who wear ties, and spend all their time stealing passengers from each other.  Maintenance? It’s like a circus: one of us gets in trouble, he yells, ‘Hey Rube!’ – –  they all come running.”  Joe puts on his gloves and says, “Okay, let]]>

Summary

Inside the Trans Global hangar. 707 tail number N324 is being pushed out to the tarmac, tail first. Vernon Demerest is listening to Anson Harris talk about Three Two Four’s number two engine.

“I wanted to see what maintenance did about it,” says Harris.

“Well,” says Demerest, “I hope they gave us a new one.” Demerest looks at the maintenance report.

“Yeah, well they even replaced all the wiring,” says Harris. “Just to be on the safe side.”

“Well, that’s the side I like to be on,” says Demerest. He holds out his hand and stops Harris.

“What is it?” asks Harris. “What’s the matter?” Demerest examines Harris’s shirt collar.

“I was just thinking about the last time you checked me out,” says Demerest. “You marked me down for not wearing a regulation shirt. I was just hoping to get even.”

Harris shakes his head. “Not a chance,” says Harris. “Knowing how tough you can be, tonight I even polished my wings!”

The scene shifts to a highway patrol car, sirens and lights on, pulling up to the Trans Global maintenance and crew offices. Joe Patroni steps out of the back of the cruiser, slaps the roof of the car and yells, “Thanks, fellas!” to the highway patrolmen. Patroni walks over to Bakersfeld, who’s standing next to the MelMobile with an overcoat for Joe.

“I tried to get some more help for you, Joe,” says Mel, “but no luck. I’ve only got twenty men out there.”

Patroni smiles. “I knew you’d blow it,” says Patroni, “so I did a little phoning from my car. I got fifty!”

“Where did you get them from?” asks Mel.

“Braniff, Delta, Continental,” says Joe, “We’re not like those stiffs up in the front office who wear ties, and spend all their time stealing passengers from each other.  Maintenance? It’s like a circus: one of us gets in trouble, he yells, ‘Hey Rube!’ – –  they all come running.”  Joe puts on his gloves and says, “Okay, let]]> 15:52 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/episodes/a69_minute_042/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:05:48 +0000 Jim O'Kane http://www.airportminute.com/?post_type=episode&p=433

Summary

Joe Patroni and Mel Bakersfeld drive away in the MelMobile to stuck Trans Global 45. As they leave, the three flight crew and four stewardesses of Trans Global Flight Two board the employee bus to get to their aircraft.  The stewardesses wear matching grey pantsuits and hooded coats, and carry identical silver luggage and gold tote bags.  Anson Harris looks up at the falling snow.

“We should be above this in about twenty minutes or so,” says Harris, climbing into the bus. Cy Jordan gets on the bus after him. Gwen, the last person in line for the bus, sees Vern hurrying along behind her.

“Did you forget something?” asks Gwen.

“No,” says Vern. “Just checking the Rome weather. It’s not too cold, and sunny.”

“As usual,” says Gwen, “I’ve brought the wrong clothes. I don’t have a thing to wear.”

Vern smiles. “Great!” says Vern, climbing on board the bus.

Meanwhile, back at stuck Trans Global 45, workers continue to dig out the snow-covered wheels of the aircraft.  Joe Patroni pulls his hood up.

“I’ll have this mother out of here by midnight!” says Joe, leaning into the window of the MelMobile. “So, stop worrying!”

Mel leans his head out of the window. “In that case,” says Mel, “the party starts at Twelve-Oh-One.”

“I’ll settle for a box of cigars,” says Joe. “See you later.”  Mel drives away as Mel returns to the maintenance men digging out the tires. He spots one napping worker using a shovel as a kickstand.

“If you keep leaning on that shovel, Jack,” says Joe, “you’re gonna freeze solid, like Lot’s wife!” Joe raps Jack in the back of the legs with a shovel handle. “We want to move this airplane before it becomes obsolete!” Joe notices a crowd of relaxing workers drinking coffee in a nearby bus.

“The way you guys keep heading for this bus, it looks like you’ve got a broad stashed in there!” Joe bangs on the side of the bus with his fist. “OUT!”

In this minute

Barry Nelson as Anson Harris
Dean Martin as Vernon Jordan
Gary Collins as Cy Jordan
Jacqueline Bisset as Gwen Meighan
George Kennedy as Joe Patroni
Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld
Patty Poulsen as Joan
Ena Harman as Ruth
Milila Saint Duval as Maria
Sharon Harvey as Sally
Unknown as Jack