As a child, I didn't have too many experiences with horror or violence on T.V. and movies. I watched a lot of fluffy stuff. But you never can tell just what can traumatize a little kid, and thus begins the story of how I could not stand the thought of watching AIRPLANE! well through adulthood. Since it wasn't a movie that would raise the suspicions of my parents, I found myself watching it in my Dad's living room with the family on T.V. in 1984. The eminent plane crash idea wasn't bothering me too much and everything was going just peachy until that ridiculous inflatable autopilot showed up.
The horror that seeped into me at that moment was insidious and tricked me into thinking everything was fine, until I went to sleep. You see, I was only five and I had just started being ferried between Texas and Florida as a "child traveling alone" the year before; and obviously, I hadn't gotten over the whole plane ride thing. The fact that I had nightmares about the inflating autopilot gag is kind of embarrassing and yet I couldn't shake my acquired revulsion to the thought of ever giving the movie another chance.
I did finally see AIRPLANE! all the way through for the second time in college. I am proud to say that I experienced no fear when watching the autopilot inflate, but I have to confess I still hold a bit of a grudge against them.
AUNT JOHN SEZ: Thanks LeEtta for the great TRAUMAFESSION! Surely, y'all must check out LeEtta's super crafty site The LeEMSmachine. Just don't call her Shirley.
UNKLE LANCIFER SEZ: AIRPLANE!'s inflatable Otto Pilot as an icon of fright? I can see it…
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue."
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking."
AGHHHHHHH! It's John Candy in a bear suit again! (THE SHINING)
P.S: I know its not REALLY John Candy…but it has always reminded me of him. I'm sure Mr Candy was really a nice guy who didn't dress up like animals and blow people. But, hey: You never know.
@ mrcanacorn: "Do you like gladiator movies?"
Auntie, "have you ever been to a Turkish prison?"
"You ever seen a grown man naked?"
@ mrcanacorn & mickster: Umm… yes & yes.
Oh, and "Stewardess… I speak jive!"
Then, "Get me Ham on five – hold The Mayo."
What movie is the third still from? the one with the guy in the bear suit?
northernlad:
The third pic, like the second is from THE SHINING.
God, I thought I was the only one terrified of Otto…that unblinking, unmoving face….sheesh.
"Don't call me Shirley."