Airport Minute Podcast

Summary Credits continue — the scene is a sunny winter morning at Lincoln International Airport. MEL BAKERSFELD – Burt Lancaster VERNON DEMEREST – Dean Martin TANYA LIVINGSTON – Jean Seberg GWEN MEIGHEN – Jacqueline Bisset PATRONI – George Kennedy ADA QUONSETT – Helen Hayes D. O. GUERRERO – Van Heflin INEZ GUERRERO – Maureen Stapleton ANSON […]

Summary Tanya and Mel walk away from the Trans Global hangar, toward the MelMobile. “I’m too keyed up to sleep,” says Mel. “What about some breakfast?” “Sounds like a good idea,” says Tanya. “Where should we go?” Mel stands between Tanya and the MelMobile. “Your apartment?” asks Mel. Tanya looks at Mel, surprised. “Well,” says […]

Summary Vern is at Gate 33, holding Gwen’s hand as she’s wheeled off the Tourist Jetway. Sarah Demerest stands behind a fence, unnoticed, listening in to Vern’s conversation. “I’m going to the hospital with her,” says Vern to the airport physician. The doctor signals to the attendants to take her to the ambulance. Vern follows, […]

Summary Flight Two’s passengers are exiting from the First Class Jetway at Gate 33. Suddenly, Inez Guerrero moves a velvet rope set up for crowd control and rushes to the exiting passengers, crying. “I’m so sorry!” says Inez. “He didn’t mean it! He didn’t mean it! I’m sorry!” Inez stumbles past the wounded passengers, and […]

Summary Flight Two’s passengers are exiting from the First Class Jetway at Gate 33. “A wheelchair!” calls Mel, locking the Jetway door open. Sarah leans over the railing to talk to Stewardess Maria. “I’m Mrs. Demerest,” says Sarah. “Is the Captain–” “He’ll be coming off the Tourist Jetway,” replies Maria. Maria grabs a wheelchair and […]

Summary Vern hovers over Gwen in the rear doorway of the 707. Dr. Compagno and the nurse nun look on. “Hold on,” says Vern. “You’re gonna be all right. We’re going to make it!” Vern leans over and kisses her. Gwen squeezes Vern’s hand. Flight Two arrives back at Gate 33. There’s a rush of […]

Summary Vern, Anson, and Cy are resting after their dramatic stop at the end of Runway Two-Niner. Vern unbuckles his seat belt and turns to Harris. “Okay with you if Jordan watches the right side for a minute?” Harris nods. “I’ll be right back,” says Vern, climbing out of his seat. Controller #4 says, “Global […]

Summary Trans Global Two’s wheels are down on Runway Two-Niner. The cabin shakes on touchdown. Passengers are hunched over in crash positions. Dr. Compagno and Sr. Katherine Grace hold Gwen firmly to the floor of the aft exit. The 707 continues to roll over the snowy runway. Emergency vehicles follow the plane. Mel and Tanya […]

Summary Frank at the Lincoln Approach radar screen continues to talk down Flight Two. “Two miles from touchdown,” says Frank. “Course good, glide path good. Looks okay. Advise when approach lights in sight.” Vern and Anson stare out into the murk. Vern picks up the microphone. “We’ve got the lights.” The bright lights of Runway […]

Summary Frank at the Lincoln Approach radar screen continues to talk down Flight Two. “Now six miles  from touchdown,” says Frank. “Course and glide path good. Now drifting left – – turn further right, heading three zero five. Slightly high on glide path, adjust your descent.” The crack in the aft section continues to shudder. […]

Summary After being slapped by the priest, Marcus Rathbone has quit complaining. Frank at the Lincoln Approach radar screen continues to talk down Flight Two. “Maintain heading two eight five,” says Frank. “Position eight miles from the airport. Final approach turn in one mile. Maintain two thousand feet. You need not acknowledge further transmissions. ” […]

Summary The MelMobile scoots down Runway Two-Niner, its searchlight scanning for debris. Mel picks up the microphone. “Runway Two-Niner clear and open,” he tells the Lincoln Tower. Frank at the Lincoln Approach radar screen calls Flight Two. “Global Two, turn right, heading two eight five. Runway Two Niner is now open.” “Roger, Lincoln,” says Vern. […]

Summary The 707 , at full power, lunges out of the snow drift. Patroni maintains a firm grip on the throttles. Mel opens the door of the MelMobile, standing up to watch the 707 drive onto Runway Two Niner.  The Conga Line comes to a halt as the 707 rolls down the runway. Patroni steers […]

Summary Mel is on the radio, talking to Danny at the Snow Desk. “Mobile One,” says Mel. “Go ahead, Mel,” says Danny. “Start the plows,” says Mel. “Roger,” replies Danny. Danny throws two switches on his radio. “Conga Leader? Snow Desk. Move!” The Conga Line begins to head toward the 707. “Joe, this is Mel,” […]

Summary Flight Two is headed back to Lincoln. No one knows if Joe Patroni will get the stuck 707 out in time. The engines on the stuck 707 are running. The APU truck gets out of the way.  Patroni nudges the throttles forward. Slowly, the 707 rolls forward on the lumber. Mel watches intently from […]

Summary Joe Patroni and Copilot Rollings are running the engine start checklist on the stuck 707. “Light on Number Three,” says Rollings. Mel and Tanya watch intently from the MelMobile. The engines are spinning up. Meanwhile, Flight Two is heading back to Lincoln International. Vern and Anson are talking to Toronto Center. “Thirty miles east […]

Summary Mel and Tanya are sitting in the MelMobile. Mel is talking to Doug in Lincoln Tower, asking if Doug can put the radio in the stuck 707 on the same frequency so he can listen to Joe’s progress. “Roger,” says Doug. “Can I speak directly to Patroni?” asks Mel. “That’s okay,” says Doug. Doug […]

Summary Vern tells Toronto Center they’re holding steady at six thousand feet and on course two zero five. “What’s the status on Runway Two Niner?” asks Vern. “No change,” says Toronto Center. “We’ll keep you advised.” “Roger” says Vern, glaring as he looks at Anson. Back on the ground, the MelMobile is parked near the […]

Summary Joe Patroni is bargaining with Mel Bakersfield about the use of the snow plows on the stuck 707. “Keep those Dinky Toys out of my hair and away from this aircraft for fifteen minutes,” says Joe. “Maybe less — I’ll drive it out!” “Joe,” says Mel, “Let’s get one thing straight. When the tower […]

Summary Joe Patroni is supervising the other ground crew, hammering lumber under the wheels of the stuck 707 on Runway Two Niner. “Get it as close under the wheel as possible,” says Joe. “Then, give it a whack on the other side!” Patroni hears the sound of trucks, and turns around. The plows of the […]

Summary A split screen: Vern on the left, the Chicago ATC in the middle, and Mel, sitting in the MelMobile at right. Vern is loudly complaining to the Chicago ATC that if Trans Global Flight Two is brought in for a landing on Runway Two Two, then there’ll be a broken airplane and “a lot […]

Summary Vern stares off in the distance, considering Gwen’s medical condition. Flight Two continues its descent to six thousand feet over Cleveland. Meanwhile, Doug in the Lincoln tower calls Mel on the radio. “Mobile One, Ground Control,” says Doug. “Yes, Doug, this is Mel,” replies Bakersfeld. “Cleveland just handed off Flight Two to Chicago Center,” […]

Summary Dr. Compagno is briefing Vern and Anson about Gwen’s eye condition. It’s too early to draw conclusions, “but ophthalmic surgery can do extraordinary things.” Campagno says he’d better get back to see her. “Doctor,” interrupts Vern, “Gwen — Miss Meighan — she’s… she’s — she’s pregnant.” Harris looks on. “Does that make a difference?” […]

Summary Mel is talking to Lincoln Tower manager Doug on the radio, about the airport fire chief. “Tell the chief to take a position between Runway Two Niner and Two Two,” says Mel, “so that they can move either way. Will notify which runway later.” “Roger,” says Doug. The fire truck passes in front of […]

Summary Dr. Compagno tells Gwen he’s giving her something for the pain, but not to move her head. Vern, on the intercom, is explaining their plan. “Later on,” he says, “Second Officer will give you instructions on landing procedures. Please do exactly as he says and — I promise you we’ll all get together through […]

Summary Cy is talking to Father Lonigan. He tells the priest he’s putting him “in charge of praying.” Fr. Lonigan replies, “If that’s an order, you’re about thirty minutes too late, son.” In the cockpit, Vern makes an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he says, “this is Captain Demerest. I want to thank you for moving […]

Summary Mel gets ready to head out to the field while Harry and Bert listen to the aircraft radio. “Global Two,” responds the Cleveland ATC operator,”will relay your condition and request.” Mel grabs his gloves and heads out of his office. “Keep monitoring, Bert,” says Mel. “I’ll be in Mobile One. If any change, call […]

Summary Vern is discussing landing options with the Toronto Center ATC operator. “Everything east of Lincoln on your course is closed due to weather or field conditions,” says the Toronto operator. “However, if you are declaring an emergency, Detroit possible. They report five inches of snow over ice, but they will try to clear.” Harris […]

Summary Cy is updating Vern on the damage to the ship. Vern’s asked if Cy can see damage to the aircraft’s control surfaces. “Possible damage to rudder power,” says Cy. “and it looks like we have stabilizer problems. Most of the blast, thank God, went sideways.” “Can we stay in the air an hour?” asks […]

Summary Mr. Davidson tells Sr. Felice to take car of the injured man behind him. Meanwhile, in the aft entryway, Cy Jordan watches as Dr. Compagno and Sr. Katherine Grace tend to Gwen, who head is bloodied. Dr. Compagno shines a flashlight in Gwen’s left eye while Sr. Katherine Grace takes her pulse. “How is […]

Summary Vern tells Cy to go back and check the damage and report by interphone. And, according to the manifest, “there’s three doctors aboard.” “Let’s hope they’re not dentists,” says Harris. “They’re probably pitching in already,” says Vern to Cy, “and get anybody else that can help.” Cy gets ready to leave the cockpit. “And,” […]

Summary TGA Flight Two is in a steep dive. Captain Harris is trying to bring the plane down to an altitude where the air is thick enough to breathe. Meanwhile, Toronto Center continues to monitor the double bloom of the aircraft’s transponder on their radar screen. As Vern arrives back in the First Class cabin, […]

Summary In the aftermath of the explosion, Stewardess Joan is tending to the Tourist passengers. Vern, in the aft entryway, puts an oxygen mask on the unconscious Gwen, who’s sprawled on the floor of the cabin. Meanwhile, Stewardess Joan removes Ada’s hat, and helps her with her mask. Marcus Rathbone, not wearing a mask, is […]

Summary D.O. Guerrero has locked himself into the starboard lavatory. Gwen rushes to try and open the door. Guerrero takes a final moment, looking at himself in the lavatory mirror. He hears the noise and clamor of people outside. While staring at his reflection, he reaches for the trigger on the briefcase handle. Outside the […]

Summary Vern is standing in the aisle, trying to talk Guerrero out of detonating his briefcase bomb, while the entire Tourist section of Flight Two watches. Vern tells Guerrero that blowing up the plane will hurt his family. “They’ll be hounded and blamed,” says Vern. “Listen to me. Think.” Vern gestures to the passengers behind […]

Summary Gwen and Ada are continuing their play-acting in Row 23. Mr Davidson objects. “Can’t you see the lady is upset?” asks Mr. Davidson. “I told you, keep out of it!” says Gwen, shoving him aside. She grabs the weeping Ada. “Sit down and be quiet!” she says, yanking Ada into her seat. “You hurt […]

Summary Mel, Tanya, Bert Weatherby, and Harry Standish continue to listen to Trans Global Two’s voice traffic on Mel’s aircraft radio. Cleveland Center approves Flight Two’s descent to flight level Two One Zero. Commissioner Ackerman steps into Mel’s office, inexplicably from Mel’s work room. “Mel,” says Ackerman, “I’ve just talked to the other commissioners, and […]

Summary Ada is explaining to Captain Harris why she boarded a flight to Rome when she wanted to go to New York. Ada says that, according to the schedule, the next flight back from Rome “is to New York, and it’s your Number Five, and I thought they’d — want to get rid of me […]

Summary In front of a plane full of passengers, Gwen tells Ada what’s going to happen when they land in Rome. “You’ll be handed over to the authorities,” says Gwen. “Now, come with me. The Captain has to make a report on you, but first he’d like to see you.” Gwen turns to Mr. Davidson. […]

Summary Vern heads back to the cockpit after talking to Gwen. Meanwhile, Gwen is in the Tourist section. She stops at Row 23, and confronts Ada. “Excuse me, Madam,” says Gwen. “May I see your ticket?” Ada looks up from her knitting. “My ticket?” she asks. “Oh, that nice young man at the gate took […]

Summary Mr. Schultz doesn’t understand Captain Demerest’s double-talk, so he asks his son, Schuyler. Schuyler doesn’t have a clue, either, but won’t admit it. “What did he mean by that, Son?” asks Mr. Schultz. “Never mind, Father,” replies Schuyler. “I’ll tell you later.” Vern walks through the Tourist section, nodding and smiling at the passengers. […]

Summary As the stars sweep to the right in the cockpit windows, Flight Two begins its slow turn back to Lincoln International. Vern is talking to Gwen in the First Class galley. “So, delay serving dinner,” says Vern. “Put every cup, bottle, glass, and everything else away and lock it up.” Vern gestures with a […]

Summary Gwen and Vern are talking about the man in 23A, D.O. Guerrero. “Ruth told me that when she was serving the snacks, he wouldn’t use the pull-down table,” says Gwen. “He insisted on putting his tray on top of his case.” “Sounds as if that’s where he’s got it,” says Captain Harris. “Then he […]

Summary Joe Patroni  is in Mel’s office, explaining the dangers of high-altitude explosive decompression. If the passengers don’t get on oxygen in forty-five seconds, “It’s goodbye,” according to Joe. Back on board Flight Two at the same location Joe Patroni was talking about with the model. Guerrero maintains a tight grip on his briefcase. Ada […]

Summary Joe Patroni continues to explain the potential damage to the 707 if Guerrero sets off his bomb in 23-A, and how it’s fortunate there’s nothing critical in the skin of the ship. He points at the cross-section model in Mel’s office. “All the control cables run along here,” says Joe, running his hand along […]

Summary Vern gets ready to copy down the New York TGA dispatcher’s message. “Okay, New York,” says Vern, “go ahead.” “Strong probability, repeat: strong probability,” says the New York dispatcher, “exists that passenger D.O. Guerrero, seat assignment twenty-three A, may have an explosive device in his attaché-type briefcase.” The cockpit crew glances at each other. […]

Summary Mel is interviewing Inez Guerrero about her husband in his office. Tanya sits next to Inez. “I mean,” says Mel, “what was he in the hospital for?” “He, um, was sick,” says Inez. She looks away from Mel. Mel looks at her. “A mental patient?” She nods. “Mrs Guerrero,” says Mel, “what did your […]

Summary Inez is explaining to Tanya about the letter from the travel agency she received just that night. “I only saw it after he left,” says Inez. Mel leans forward. “Does your husband have business in Italy?” he asks Inez. Inez shakes her head. Mel stands up and walks toward where Inez is seated. “What […]

Summary Vern and Gwen are talking in the First Class galley. “How do you feel?” asks Vern. “I feel great, Vern!” replies Gwen, “No fainting spells, no craving for pickles, no morning sickness… It’s funny — I didn’t think you were the kind of a guy who would worry about a thing like this.” “Neither […]

Summary Ned Ordway’s men found Inez Guerrero. Mel points at Tanya. “Hold that call,” he says, “we may have something to add.” “I’ll call you right back,” says Tanya, hanging up the phone. Back in the cockpit of Flight Two, Stewardess Maria is complaining to Flight Engineer Cy Jordan. “Now, they say it’s too cold!” […]