In the 1980 parody film "Airplane!", what is the name of the plane's autopilot?

In the movie "Airplane!", it is a film written and directed by the brothers David and Jerry Zucker, along with Jim Abrahams in their directorial debuts. It was produced by Jon Davison. It stars Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty and features Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Lorna Patterson. It is a parody of the disaster film genre; it is known for its use of surreal humor and fast-paced slapstick comedy.

Within the film's plot, there are scenes concerning the flight crew being incapacitated. Elaine Dickinson (Hagerty) contacts the Chicago, IL control tower for help and is instructed by tower supervisor Steve McCroskey (Bridges) to activate the plane's autopilot, a large inflatable dummy pilot dubbed "Otto". Otto should be able to get the plane to Chicago but will not be able to land the plane.

Elaine and Dr. Rumack (Nielsen) convince Ted Striker (Hays) to take the controls. When Steve learns Ted is piloting, he contacts Ted's former commanding officer, Captain Rex Kramer (Stack)—now serving as a commercial pilot—to help talk Ted through the landing procedure. Ted becomes uneasy when Kramer starts giving orders and he briefly breaks down amid more wartime flashbacks. Elaine and Dr. Rumack both bolster Ted's confidence and he manages to again take the controls of the plane.

Released by Paramount Pictures, "Airplane!" was a critical and commercial success, grossing $171 million worldwide against a budget of $3.5 million.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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24 Comments

Neal Christopher Wigley

Don’t call me Shirley.

Corey Taylor

Nav. Murdock: We have clearance, Clarence. Capt. Oveur: Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?

catmom

Robert Hays had the same neck injury that Christopher Reeve had but the difference was that Robert Hays held his neck still so he wouldn't end up paralyzed. It's a shame that Christopher Reeve couldn't do that. Both excellent actors. Christopher Reeve & Robin William's roomed together @ Juilliard & when Christopher Reeve got hirt Robon William's paid his hospital Bill's, very generous of him.

catmom

This is without a doubt of of THE funniest movies that I have ever seen, including the sequel. Every time I see it I'm in tears bc I'm laughing so hard. I still pick up on more things when I see these movies. They are excellent.

Player

Don't call me Shirley.

Kathleen Vopalecky

I first saw Airplane! with a bunch of pilots. They laughed, giggled and howled. They were so raucous, other movie goers moved away from our group. For months afterward, they'd quote lines from the film and crack themselves up every time. Good times.

Shelley Welch Dunivan

My first time seeing Leslie Nielsen in a comedic role! I thought he was just so funny in that movie.

Tom Knox

What's sad is that this extremely hilarious movie could not be made in today's world thanks to the lack of sense of humor by the woke mob.

lady draggon

I love this film - Leslie Nielsen just made it for me.

Kevin Dale Streets

"I just want to tell you both, 'Good luck. We're all counting on you.'" Leslie Nielsen said that same line again, twice in another parody movie: Scary Movie 3!

David Stuckey

Fun Fact; autopilots in real life are usually called George. This dates from an old slogan and tradition on the Pullman cars on the US railways system, where all porter's answered to the name of George in order to make it easier for passengers to communicate with them in a relaxed fashion. The slogan of the Pullman's became "Let George do it", as a shorthand way of describing the total and complete service offered by the Pullman porter's. Later, there was even a radio serial about a detective and general investigator for hire with the same title as the slogan; and pilots used the phrase to describe handing control of the aircraft the the autopilot.

Corey Taylor

"What it is, Big Mama? My Mama din'raise no dummies, I dug her rap!"

Corey Taylor

Buck Murdock: Striker... we were close, until... Lt: Until, Sir? Buck Murdock: Until that day over Macho Grande. Lr: Over Macho Grande, Sir? Buck Murdock: No, I'm afraid I'll never get over Macho Grande.