Ex-fighter
pilot Ted Striker (Robert Hays) became traumatized after an incident
during the war, leading to his fear of flying. Recovering his courage,
Striker attempts to regain the love of his life from the war, Elaine
(Julie Hagerty), now a stewardess. In order to win her love, Striker
overcomes his fear and buys a ticket on a flight she is serving on,
from Los Angeles, California to Chicago, Illinois. However, Elaine
rebuffs his attempts.
After dinner is served, many of the passengers fall ill, and Dr. Rumack
(Leslie Nielsen) quickly realizes that one of the meal options gave the
passengers food poisoning. The stewards discover that the pilot crew,
including Captain Oveur (Peter Graves) and Roger Murdock (Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar), have all come down with food poisoning, leaving no one
aboard to fly the plane. Elaine is instructed by the Chicago control
tower supervisor Steve McCroskey (Lloyd Bridges) to activate the
plane's autopilot – a large blow-up doll named "Otto"
–
which will get them to Chicago but will not be able to land the plane.
Elaine realizes that Striker is their only chance, and he is convinced
to fly the plane, though he still feels his trauma will prevent him
from safely landing the plane.
McCroskey, after hearing Striker's name on the radio, sends for
Striker's former commander, Rex Kramer (Robert Stack) to help talk him
down. As the plane nears Chicago, Striker neglects to check the oil
temperature and one of the engines is damaged and a bad thunderstorm
reduces visibility, making the landing even more difficult. Thanks to
Kramer's endless stream of advice, Striker is able to overcome his
fears and safely land the plane with only minor injuries to some
passengers. Striker's courage rekindles Elaine's love for him, and the
two share a kiss while Otto takes off in the evacuated plane after
inflating a female autopilot doll.
|
