Screenplay data
Traumatized former pilot Ted Striker boards a flight to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend, Elaine, a flight attendant. When food poisoning incapacitates the pilots, Elaine attempts to fly the plane, but a malfunction forces her to seek help. Ted, overcoming his fear and trauma, takes control of the aircraft with guidance from air traffic controller Rex Kramer. Ted successfully lands the plane, reconciling with Elaine, only for the inflatable automatic pilot to unexpectedly fly the plane away.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Airplane opens with a stylized shot of a jet and quickly establishes the absurd tone through sight gags and character introductions.
Open full beat sheetRex Kramer is listed as Captain / Air Traffic Controller. An experienced pilot and air traffic controller helping from the ground. In the parsed data, Rex Kramer is connected to 56 scenes, 98 dialogue lines, 100 text mentions, first appearing around scene 140.
56 scenes / 98 dialogue linesTed Striker is listed as Protagonist / Former Pilot. A former Air Force pilot struggling with a drinking problem and war trauma. In the parsed data, Ted Striker is connected to 45 scenes, 104 dialogue lines, 108 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
45 scenes / 104 dialogue linesElaine Dickinson is listed as Stewardess. A flight attendant and Ted's former love interest. In the parsed data, Elaine Dickinson is connected to 43 scenes, 96 dialogue lines, 99 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
43 scenes / 96 dialogue linesSteve McCroskey is listed as Chief Dispatcher. The stressed chief dispatcher at Chicago Air Control. In the parsed data, Steve McCroskey is connected to 24 scenes, 59 dialogue lines, 61 text mentions, first appearing around scene 124.
24 scenes / 59 dialogue linesRandy is listed as Stewardess. A flight attendant on Flight 209. In the parsed data, Randy is connected to 23 scenes, 43 dialogue lines, 123 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
23 scenes / 43 dialogue linesCaptain Clarence Oveur is listed as Pilot. The captain of Flight 209. In the parsed data, Captain Clarence Oveur is connected to 20 scenes, 46 dialogue lines, 50 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
20 scenes / 46 dialogue linesDr. Rumack is listed as Doctor. A physician on board the flight. In the parsed data, Dr. Rumack is connected to 19 scenes, 45 dialogue lines, 113 text mentions, first appearing around scene 96.
19 scenes / 45 dialogue linesHINSHAW is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, HINSHAW is connected to 13 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 46 text mentions, first appearing around scene 125.
13 scenes / 21 dialogue linesP.A. SYSTEM is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, P.A. SYSTEM is connected to 8 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 28 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
8 scenes / 12 dialogue linesJACK is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, JACK is connected to 8 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 36 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
8 scenes / 10 dialogue linesGUNDERSON is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, GUNDERSON is connected to 7 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 195.
7 scenes / 8 dialogue linesMRS. HAMMEN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, MRS. HAMMEN is connected to 6 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 78.
6 scenes / 9 dialogue linesRoger Murdock is listed as Co-pilot. The co-pilot of Flight 209. In the parsed data, Roger Murdock is connected to 5 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 25 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
5 scenes / 21 dialogue linesMRS. SCHIFF is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, MRS. SCHIFF is connected to 5 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.
5 scenes / 8 dialogue linesVictor Basta is listed as Flight Engineer. The flight engineer of Flight 209. In the parsed data, Victor Basta is connected to 4 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
4 scenes / 9 dialogue linesSISTER ANGELINA is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SISTER ANGELINA is connected to 4 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 79.
4 scenes / 7 dialogue linesAIR CONTROLLER #2 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, AIR CONTROLLER #2 is connected to 4 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 147.
4 scenes / 7 dialogue linesSHIRLEY is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SHIRLEY is connected to 4 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
4 scenes / 6 dialogue linesAIR CONTROLLER #1 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, AIR CONTROLLER #1 is connected to 4 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 125.
4 scenes / 4 dialogue linesGROUND CONTROL is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, GROUND CONTROL is connected to 4 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 44.
4 scenes / 4 dialogue linesMILTON is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, MILTON is connected to 3 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 24 text mentions, first appearing around scene 61.
3 scenes / 11 dialogue linesBERNICE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, BERNICE is connected to 3 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 61.
3 scenes / 10 dialogue linesSOLDIER is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SOLDIER is connected to 3 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 25.
3 scenes / 8 dialogue linesCAREY is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, CAREY is connected to 3 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 139.
3 scenes / 8 dialogue linesThis scene block serves as the title page for the screenplay "Airplane," listing the writers and production dates, and concludes with the opening transition "FADE IN:".
An ominous jet plane emerges from the clouds, its tail fin resembling a shark's, as music builds to a crescendo before the title "AIRPLANE!" appears on screen, followed by credits.
The scene opens with an exterior shot of an airport terminal at night, using stock footage to establish the location.
Stewardess Elaine Dickinson arrives at the terminal while a humorous argument about "red zones" and "white zones" unfolds over the P.A. system.
P.A. SYSTEMElaine navigates an airport terminal, avoiding a religious zealot and checking flight information, while a couple, Shirley and Jack, inadvertently cause their acquaintance Fred to be arrested by airport security after calling out to him.
ZEALOT #1, Elaine Dickinson, FRED, SHIRLEY, JACKAt an airport passenger loading zone, a limousine arrives with two men, and Hare Krishnas walk towards the terminal, all while a P.A. system broadcasts a heated, personal argument between a man and a woman about abortion.
P.A. SYSTEMIn a terminal building at night, a Religious Zealot approaches the Krishnas, offering a flower and asking for a donation, which one of the Krishnas politely declines.
ZEALOT #2, KRISHNAA blonde woman spits on a wall in an airport terminal, then an Elderly Woman cheers on "O.J." from outside a men's room.
ELDERLY WOMANAt a security checkpoint, a SECURITY CHECK LADY watches an X-ray scanner and then instructs a man who sets off the metal detector to remove his metal objects, which turn out to be his prosthetic arm and leg.
SECURITY LADYThe Hammen family arrives at a chaotic airport terminal where the P.A. system broadcasts confusing and alarming messages, including a domestic dispute, while a businessman hails a taxi whose driver, Ted Striker, quickly abandons it.
Ted Striker, P.A. SYSTEM, BUSINESSMANStriker enters a terminal's baggage pickup area, searching for someone, and observes a surreal scene where people are on the conveyor belt like luggage, and luggage waits for people.
Striker avoids a persistent Zealot #3 by slipping out of his jacket, while an announcement for Flight 733 from Milwaukee plays over the P.A. system.
P.A. SYSTEMA ground crewman, distracted by a conversation about a forklift, accidentally directs Flight 733 into the terminal building.
GROUND CREWMAN #1, GROUND CREWMAN #2Flight 733 crashes into the terminal, causing panic among the waiting crowd, and a woman abandons her infant child as she flees.
Striker confronts Elaine, attempting to reconcile after finding her note, but Elaine expresses her desire to end their relationship due to a lack of respect and then leaves, prompting a frustrated comment from Striker.
Ted Striker, Elaine DickinsonCaptain Oveur is paged over the P.A. system while browsing magazines and, after some confusion, finally connects to a call from the Mayo Clinic.
TURNANSKY, OPERATOR, P.A. SYSTEM, Captain Clarence OveurDr. Turnansky instructs someone about a young girl, Lisa Davis, who needs a heart transplant and for whom a donor has been found, emphasizing the urgency of the surgery while a beating heart on his desk unexpectedly jumps off.
TURNANSKYAn operator interrupts Turnansky's voice-over to inform Captain Oveur of an emergency call from a Mister Hamm, to which Oveur responds with a pun.
TURNANSKY, OPERATOR, Captain Clarence OveurAn ambulance arrives at an airplane on the runway at night, and attendants along with Mrs. Davis unload Lisa Davis into a wheelchair.
Striker attempts to reconcile with Elaine, who is leaving him due to his lack of responsibility since the war, and after she departs, he angrily punches a religious zealot.
ZEALOT #3, Ted Striker, Elaine DickinsonPilots Clarence Oveur and Victor Basta discuss various flight routes to avoid a storm, eventually deciding on Denver, until Roger Murdock arrives with new information indicating that route is also compromised.
Victor Basta, Roger Murdock, Captain Clarence OveurStewardesses Elaine and Randy greet boarding passengers, including the Hammens and Sister Angelina, who is carrying a guitar.
Two Hari Krishnas discuss a football game, debating the Steelers' defensive strategy during a critical moment in the game against Dallas.
HARI KRISHNA #2, HARI KRISHNA #1Jack asks Shirley for her opinion on 'Great Expectations', and Shirley responds that it wasn't what she had hoped for.
SHIRLEY, JACKA soldier and a girl share a tearful goodbye on a runway before he boards a plane, promising to write each other, until an airport steward urges the soldier to board.
SOLDIER, GIRL, AIRPORT STEWARDStriker approaches a check-in counter to inquire if Elaine Dickinson is on a flight. After confirming she is, Striker requests a ticket to Chicago.
Ted Striker, CHECK-IN LADYThe scene is set at night outside a terminal building's passenger loading area, where a businessman is patiently waiting in Striker's cab.
At Gate 89, a check-in lady asks Striker about his smoking preference, and he requests a smoking ticket before exiting.
Ted Striker, CHECK-IN LADYStriker emerges at the terminal, terrified by the sight of an airplane which triggers war recollections, but he eventually gathers his courage and approaches it.
Two men, identified as "Black Dude #1" and "Black Dude #2," discuss a confrontation involving a "honkey mo'fo'" and one of their wives, with accompanying subtitles providing a more polite translation of their dialogue.
BLACK DUDE #1, BLACK DUDE #2Striker boards a plane, sees Elaine working as a flight attendant, and then has a brief conversation with an elderly woman next to him about his nervousness, revealing he was once a pilot.
Ted Striker, Randy, MRS. ELDERLYElaine, a flight attendant, helps Mrs. Davis and Lisa prepare for takeoff, reminding them to fasten their seatbelts and get some rest.
Elaine Dickinson, MRS. DAVIS, LISAMilton, an eight-year-old boy, fastens his seatbelt and reads a magazine, then observes a seven-year-old girl named Bernice in the aisle.
The scene opens on the exterior of an airplane at night, where dramatic music plays as the engines rev up.
Murdock and Oveur look toward the left wing of the cockpit.
The scene is set outside an airplane at night, where engines three and four rev up.
Murdock and Oveur look towards the right wing of the aircraft.
The scene opens on the exterior of an airplane at night, where two more engines begin to rev up.
Inside the cockpit at night, Murdock and Oveur look towards the left wing and do a double take.
The scene opens on the exterior of an airplane at night, where two more engines begin to rev up.
In the cockpit at night, Murdock and Oveur are confused and counting on their fingers.
A soldier waves goodbye to his tearful girlfriend from the doorway of an airplane as the stairs are removed.
A pilot named Oveur contacts ground control to report that their aircraft is loaded and ready to taxi.
Captain Clarence OveurThe scene is set outside a tower at night, where Ground Control gives instructions to an aircraft, telling them they are third in line for takeoff and to taxi into position.
GROUND CONTROLThe scene is set at night on a runway, featuring an Air Israel airplane described with human-like religious attire.
Ground Control clears Air Poland for takeoff from a tower at night.
GROUND CONTROLThe scene is set inside the Air Poland cockpit at night, introducing the crew as Jose Feliciano and a Ray Charles look-alike.
At night, Ground Control gives a taxi instruction to runway one-niner.
GROUND CONTROLIn the cockpit at night, Oveur manipulates console levers as if preparing to shift gears.
As an airplane begins to taxi, a soldier leans out the door and says goodbye.
SOLDIERA girl runs alongside an accelerating plane, exchanging emotional goodbyes and a watch with a soldier named Bill, until she stops running as a train whistle sounds.
SOLDIER, GIRLIn the cockpit, the flight crew receives takeoff and vector instructions from Ground Control, with Murdock expressing confusion while Oveur responds and manipulates the controls.
Victor Basta, Roger Murdock, GROUND CONTROLLER, Captain Clarence OveurFlight 209 takes off erratically while a confusing radio conversation takes place between several characters, ending with the seat belt and smoking signs turning off.
Victor Basta, Roger Murdock, TOWER, Captain Clarence OveurStriker walks to the rear of the plane, takes some pills, and is then approached by Randy, who asks if he's alright. Striker responds that he hasn't flown in a long time.
Ted Striker, RandyElaine, a flight attendant, is surprised when Striker appears on her flight wanting to talk, and after a brief exchange, he sits down and begins to reminisce about their past.
MRS. ELDERLY, Victor Basta, MRS. SCHIFF, Elaine Dickinson, Ted Striker, Captain Clarence OveurStriker, seated in the Magumba Bar, narrates his past experiences in the rough establishment while a woman plays trombone and two Girl Scouts engage in a brawl.
Ted StrikerAn unsavory character puts a quarter in a jukebox while two Girl Scouts fight, with one repeatedly bashing the other against the jukebox, causing song selections to change. The unsavory character approves of the resulting song choices.
Striker narrates his experience at a bar, instantly falling in love with Elaine, whose dancing partner is conveniently stabbed, allowing Striker to join her for an elaborate, acrobatic disco routine.
Ted StrikerElaine and Striker are dancing in a closing bar when a Girl Scout suddenly flies into the frame and falls lifelessly at their feet, leading to a dissolve.
Striker talks about his past, seemingly unaware that Mrs. Elderly, who was sitting next to him, has hung herself.
Ted StrikerMilton offers Bernice coffee on a plane, leading to a conversation where they introduce themselves and their professions, with Bernice making a suggestive remark about her preferences.
BERNICE, MILTONElaine, a flight attendant, takes dinner orders from a family, promising their son Joey a potential cockpit visit. She then moves on to two other passengers whose unintelligible dialogue is clarified by subtitles.
Joey Hammen, BLACK DUDE #1, Elaine Dickinson, BLACK DUDE #2, MR. HAMMENRandy, a flight attendant, takes dinner orders from two Hari Krishnas who decline food but request hot water for tea; after Randy leaves, one of the Hari Krishnas makes a lewd comment about her.
HARI KRISHNA #2, HARI KRISHNA #1, RandyElaine notices Striker boring another passenger, then moves to an alcove to pour coffee as the camera focuses on her, leading to a dissolve.
Striker and Elaine share a passionate moment on the beach, expressing their love for each other, which is then interrupted when Striker reveals he has received orders to ship out for an important mission the next day.
Elaine Dickinson, Ted StrikerElaine returns to reality in the stewardess alcove at night.
The scene is set outside an airplane at night, which is in level flight.
A young boy named Joey visits the cockpit and recognizes co-pilot Roger Murdock as basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, leading to Murdock accidentally revealing his true identity while defending his playing style.
Joey Hammen, GROUND CONTROL, Elaine Dickinson, Roger Murdock, Captain Clarence OveurStriker attempts to reconcile with Elaine by reminiscing about their past, but Elaine, teary-eyed, rejects his plea, insisting he lives in the past before she leaves.
Ted Striker, Elaine DickinsonA fighter plane dives and crashes after the Squadron Leader warns the pilot, Ted, that he is too low, followed by a dissolve.
SQUADRON LEADERThe scene opens on the exterior of a U.S. Army Psychiatric Hospital, revealing a sign that humorously advertises "PENTATHOL AVAILABLE" and accepts various credit cards, before transitioning to the next scene.
In a hospital, Elaine informs a despondent Striker that he has been cleared of blame for a recent raid, but he struggles with the loss of his men, including Lieutenant Zipp. Elaine attempts to comfort him, while a doctor with a mysterious STP insignia is briefly seen in the background.
Elaine Dickinson, SGT. MCCOBB, Ted StrikerSgt. McCobb poses uncomfortably for Striker's painting, holding a machine gun and a crying baby, before asking for and receiving a break from Striker.
Ted Striker, SGT. MCCOBBElaine describes a new apartment, but is interrupted by Captain Geline, who is hallucinating about being a pilot. Striker then explains Captain Geline's delusion.
Elaine Dickinson, CAPTAIN GELINE, Ted StrikerIn a hospital, Captain Geline is seen agonizing and making bombing and machine gun noises.
Elaine inquires about Lieutenant Hurwitz's condition, and Striker explains that Hurwitz suffers from severe shell shock, believing he is Ethel Merman.
Elaine Dickinson, Ted Striker, LIEUTENANT HURWITZEthel Merman, restrained in a hospital bed, sings "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and breaks free during the finale, prompting attendants to try and restrain her again.
Randy, a flight attendant, offers coffee to Striker and then to the Hammens, prompting Mrs. Hammen to observe her husband's unusual request for a second cup.
MR. HAMMEN, Ted Striker, Randy, MRS. HAMMENRandy borrows a guitar from Sister Angelina to cheer up a sick little girl named Lisa. Randy sings a song for Lisa, which eventually brings smiles to all the passengers on board.
MRS. DAVIS, SISTER ANGELINA, Randy, LISAMurdock and Oveur share a sweet smile in the cockpit at night.
P.A. SYSTEM (female v.o.) The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only. There is no stopping in the red zone. P.A. SYSTEM (male v.o.) The red zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers. There is no stopping in the white zone. P.A. SYSTEM (female v.o.) No. The white zone is for loading and unloading, and there is no stopping in the red zone. P.A. SYSTEM (male v.o.) The red zone has always been for loading and unloading, and there is never stopping in a white zone. P.A. SYSTEM (female v.o.) Don't tell me which zone is for stopping and which zone is for loading. P.A. SYSTEM (male v.o.) Listen, Betty. Don't start up with your white zone shit again!
DR. RUMACK Then a dryness in the throat. As the virus penetrates the red blood cells the victim becomes dizzy and begins to experience a rash and itching. From there the poison works its way into the central nervous system causing severe muscle spasms, followed by the inevitable drooling. At this point, the entire digestive system is rendered useless, causing the complete collapse of the lower bowels, accompanied by uncontrollable flatulence...until finally the poor bastard is reduced to a quivering, wasted piece of jelly.
KRAMER (v.o.) Don't worry about that. It's perfectly normal. You must watch your airspeed closely. Don't let it fall below 520. Both your rudder pedals and elevator trim will have additional play due to increased drag, but you can compensate by lowering manifold pressure below 154. Now there's one other thing. Have you someone up there who can work the radio and leave you free for flying?
OVEUR (v.o.) Good evening, this is Captain Oveur speaking. We'll be cruising at thirty-six, thousand feet, and arrival time in Chicago is ten-forty-five Central Time. The temperature there is sixty-two degrees, with a twenty percent chance of precipitation. And now here's Victor with People in the news.
STRIKER I'll take it, Elaine. Listen, Kramer, I'm coming in. Do you hear me? I'm coming in right now! We have people up here who will die in less than an hour, never mind two. I may bend your precious airplane, but I'll get it down! Now get on with the landing check. I'm putting the gear down now.
MILTON After my wife died, I felt like a fifth wheel. You know, so many years being with one person -- a very wonderful person -- makes you always think of yourself as part of a pair...When Ethel passed away, I was lost. I couldn't function socially and I couldn't function in business.
ELAINE Mostly I remember...the nights when we were together. I remember how you used to hold me...and how I used to sit on your face and wriggle...and then afterwards how we'd watch until the sun came up. When it did, it was almost like...like each new day was created...only for us.
McCROSKEY Look, Rex -- I want you to get on the horn and talk this guy down! You're going to have to let him get the feel of this airplane on the way; you'll have to talk him onto the approach; and so help me, you'll have to talk him right down to the ground!
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