454. AIRPLANE!

Larry Wolff viz Zoom

Attendees will learn the backstory to this little 1980 film that became a blockbuster and forever changed the way film-making approached comedy. A very influential piece of work, it left its mark on the many films and television programs which followed. This PowerPoint presentation will cover the beginnings of the Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker team from their college days to the making of Airplane!, which became a modern film classic. We will also take a look at the little-known film that inspired their creation and learn all about the joke that went too far, even for this irreverent piece of cinematic history! Find out how Leslie Nielsen kept the cast and crew in stitches in what was, surprisingly, his first comedic film role. See which actor thought the film was trash, was eventually convinced to appear in it, and then laughed harder than anyone else at the premier. Full of irreverent humor and visual gags, Airplane! remains a favorite to this day. Repeated viewings will disclose gags that you missed the first dozen times you watched it. Nothing, and no one, is sacred, and the great thing about this unique creation is that it has the ability to revive in us the willingness to laugh at ourselves. Film highlights will be screened after the presentation.

1:00-3:00 p.m.                                                                                                1 Session

Tuesday, May 13                                                                                                        Fee:  $25

[A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to each session, typically on the day before your class and the morning of your class.  If you have any questions or need help getting online, feel free to call us at 516-480-5733 and we’ll get right back to you with assistance.]

ABOUT THE LECTURER

Lawrence (Larry) Wolff began his appreciation of film at a young age and it has blossomed over time. His original interests concerned film comedians, gangsters and ghouls, but his love of film now includes classics of all genres. He presents a historical perspective on such different subjects as silent film icons, comedians, dramatic actors, and films from the 1920’s through the 1970’s. He has been The Grand Sheik (President)of the Long Island chapter of the Sons of the Desert (the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society) for over ten years and is a contributor to the  New York and national Abbott and Costello Fan Clubs.