[6]

This star-studded best picture Oscar nominee is credited for kicking off the boom of disaster flicks that plagued (or bedazzled?) the 1970s. It’s entertaining enough, though I much prefer The Towering Inferno. All of the Airport movies (there would be two more over the next seven years) are fun if for no other reason than watching major Hollywood stars and revered actors slumming it for a few bucks. The maiden film features none other than Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Maureen Stapleton, and Van Heflin. Helen Hayes took home the best supporting actress trophy for her performance as a serial stowaway.

Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress (Helen Hayes)

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Maureen Stapleton), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Score