Airport Minute Podcast

James is an industrial design engineer living in Portland, Oregon. He claims to be the son of one of the co-hosts of the show, although Mark has hired an army of attorneys to refute the paternity. James grew up watching Airport almost weekly, and says that the film has shaped his frequent-flying career in seeking out fireplaces in Delta Sky Clubs. There’s apparently one in Memphis, for example.

Commissioner Ackerman and Mel Bakersfeld are meeting in a conference room. Mel told Ackerman that he’s keeping Lincoln International open tonight.

“You’ve got the right to fire me,” says Mel. “but until you do, this airport is staying open.” Mel exits the conference room.

Meanwhile, Inez Guerrero arrives home to her apartment. There’s “Notice of Attempted Delivery – Special Delivery Mail – Letter Under Door” message on her door knob. Inez unlocks the door, turns on the light, and picks up the envelope off the floor.

Enclosed in the envelope is a check from City Trust & Savings Bank, made out to D.O. Guerrero on January 19th, 1970 for three dollars and 76 cents, on the account of the World Wide Travel Agency. There’s also a letter:

Mr. D. O. Guerrero

Dear Mr. Guerrero:

Hoping to serve you again in the future, I remain

Inez is floored. She calls Trans Global.

“Do you wish to make a reservation?” asks the TGA agent.

“No, I don’t,” says Inez, in a split screen. “Could you please tell me if there’s a flight to Rome tonight?”

“Uh, yes,” says the TGA agent.

In this minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld

James is an industrial design engineer living in Portland, Oregon. He claims to be the son of one of the co-hosts of the show, although Mark has hired an army of attorneys to refute the paternity. James grew up watching Airport almost weekly, and says that the film has shaped his frequent-flying career in seeking out fireplaces in Delta Sky Clubs. There’s apparently one in Memphis, for example.

Commissioner Ackerman and Mel Bakersfeld are meeting in an conference room. Several dozen chairs sit empty in the room, next to a large map and model of a proposed, future airport. Mel is telling Ackerman what he and the other commissioners have been doing wrong.

“When Congress cut airport appropriations, you never even sent in a letter of protest,” says Mel. “And where were you when the airlines and the pilots and the rest of us were pleading for more airports and better traffic control? You were picking out the colors in the ladies’ lounge! So now, you’ve got your consequences: congested air traffic, where Sunday pilots hold up airliners with thousand of people aboard, and force us to stack up planes bound for New York as far away as Denver.”

“When it comes to politics,” says Ackerman, “you’re a child. Two of our councilmen live in Meadow Wood. Think what they could do to us downtown!”

“I’m thinking of those pilots upstairs,” says Mel, “Waiting to land, flying blind in that muck and circling in holding patterns, and praying to God that some tired, overworked, underpaid controller in the tower doesn’t have another plane on the same course. Now, you can call it pig-headed, call it anything you want — but as long as we’re not below FAA minimums, we’re not closing down.” Mel stubs out his cigarette in an ashtray.

“Alright,” says Ackerman, “If that’s the way you want it. I’m calling the other commissioners and I’ll let you know what our decision is, within an hour.”

“That’s your privilege,” asks Mel “You hired me, and -”

In this minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld

James is an industrial design engineer living in Portland, Oregon. He claims to be the son of one of the co-hosts of the show, although Mark has hired an army of attorneys to refute the paternity. James grew up watching Airport almost weekly, and says that the film has shaped his frequent-flying career in seeking out fireplaces in Delta Sky Clubs. There’s apparently one in Memphis, for example.

Commissioner Ackerman and Mel Bakersfeld are meeting in an conference room. Several dozen chairs sit empty in the room, next to a large map and model of a proposed, future airport. Mel just asked Ackerman if he thought lying to the public was going to make things better.

“Oh, Mel,” says Ackerman, frustrated.

“There’s your answer,” says Mel, pointing at the table-sized model. “A modern, expanded airport, big and efficient enough to take anything the designers can throw at us.  That means buying up Meadow Wood, and rezoning it for industrial use, so the noise won’t make any difference.”

“I didn’t come here to talk about the future of aviation,” says Ackerman.

“Well, you’d better start,” asks Mel “and you’d better start looking ahead a few years. What are we going to do about these jumbos – – that seat 500 passengers? And how are we going to get the people to and from the airport?”

“Aw, Mel,” says Ackerman. “Save that for the women’s clubs and the Rotary luncheons. We’ve got to be practical!”

“Sure, sure  – – ignore it,” says Mel, “Don’t stick your neck out. Well, it’s about time that you and all the other commissioners  began fighting for a bond issue to finance this kind of an airport, instead of running around — checking to see if the toilets flush. ”

“I don’t think insulting me is going to solve anything,” says Ackerman. “so why don’t we get back to our immediately problem: we’ve got to make a decision about tonight!”

“I’ve made it,” says Mel, “the airport’s staying open.”

“Mel, stop being so bull-headed,” says Ackerman, “Think of the consequences!”

“Don’t talk to me about consequences,” says Mel. “When Congress voted to -”

In this minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld

Brett Stillo loves movies. He loves to watch them, discuss them, write about them, and work on them. His new short film, “Swing Shift,” was recently accepted for the 2016 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Brett has tumbled head-first into the world of minute-movie podcasts, joining forces with Josh Horowitz of the Wing Kong Exchange.net to bring you “5 Minutes of Trouble,” a weekly podcast that examines John Carpenter’s cult classic five minutes at a time.

Commissioner Ackerman and Mel Bakersfeld are meeting in an conference room. Several dozen chairs sit empty in the room, next to a large map and model of a proposed, future airport. Ackerman tells Mel he was just about to have him paged.  Mel explains that he had to go out to the field.

“We’ve got trouble, Mel,” says Ackerman. “I just talked to the lawyer for those Meadow Wood people, and he says unless we stop planes from taking off over their houses by midnight, he’s starting a damage suit first thing in the morning – – for ten million dollars.”

Mel removes a cigarette from a pack he’s holding, and runs his finger across the cigarette. “That’s a nice, round figure, “says Mel. He takes a seat. “But he hasn’t got a prayer.” Burt sticks the cigarette in his mouth.

“He might not win, but he can sue,” says Ackerman. “And any legal action will only make our public relations worse than they already are. And that’s something the other commissioners and I don’t want to risk.”

Mel lights his cigarette and takes a drag off it. “Then what do you propose to do about it?” asks Mel.

“Well, there’s only one answer,” says Ackerman. “Shut down Runway Two Two and cut out the noise over Meadow Wood.”

“With Two Niner out,” says Mel, “that means closing down the airport completely.”

“Only until morning,” says Ackerman. “After all, you’ve promised them dozens of times you wouldn’t disturb their sleep.”

“I promised them we wouldn’t take off over their houses,” says Mel, “unless there was an emergency. And I promised them something else:  in the foreseeable future, the noise problem would not get any better.”

“Well,” says Ackerman, “If you don’t want to spend a couple of months in court, you’d better start conning them a little.”

“You think lying to them is the answer?” asks Mel.

In this minute

Burt Lancaster as Mel Bakersfeld<

Brett Stillo loves movies. He loves to watch them, discuss them, write about them, and work on them. His new short film, “Swing Shift,” was recently accepted for the 2016 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Brett has tumbled head-first into the world of minute-movie podcasts, joining forces with Josh Horowitz of the Wing Kong Exchange.net to bring you “5 Minutes of Trouble,” a weekly podcast that examines John Carpenter’s cult classic five minutes at a time.

At the main terminal, Tanya searches for Ada Quonset and Peter Coakley. She spots them, seated next to each other in the main concourse.

Ada is talking to Peter Coakley. “Of course,” says Ada, “if it’s not crowded, I-” Peter notices Tanya approaching.

“Here’s the tickets,” says Tanya. “It’s Flight One Oh Three.” Ada Quonset reaches for the ticket folder, but Tanya snaps it away.

“Oh, no you don’t,” says Tanya, handing the tickets to Coakley. Tanya walks away as Ada watches her leave. Ada turns back to Peter.

“My, she has a suspicious nature,” says Ada.  Peter wants to get back to talking about stowing away on a plane.

“Now, now go on,” says Peter. “You were saying that you preferred the flights that aren’t direct, huh?”

“Yes,” replies Ada. “That’s why your Flight 86 is my favorite: St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago.”

“Yes,” says Peter, “but I should think that they’d check at all the intermediate stops!”

“I pretend to be asleep,” explains Ada. “Usually they don’t disturb me.”

“But this time they caught you,” says Peter. Ada frowns.

“It was that man sitting next to me,” says Ada. “I confided in him, and he betrayed me to the stewardess. He was a policeman from San Diego. I think they should make them always wear their uniforms – – otherwise, how is a person to know?”

The scene shifts to an empty Lincoln conference room. Commission Ackerman is hanging up a phone as Mel enters the room.

“Hi Mel,” says Ackerman. “I was just going to have you -”

In this minute

Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston

Brett Stillo loves movies. He loves to watch them, discuss them, write about them, and work on them. His new short film, “Swing Shift,” was recently accepted for the 2016 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Brett has tumbled head-first into the world of minute-movie podcasts, joining forces with Josh Horowitz of the Wing Kong Exchange.net to bring you “5 Minutes of Trouble,” a weekly podcast that examines John Carpenter’s cult classic five minutes at a time.

Joe Patroni has chased all the maintenance guys out of the coffee bus and back to their shovels under the stuck 707.

Meanwhile, back at the bustling ticket counters, a gate agent makes an announcement at Gate 33.

“Attention, attention please, ladies and gentlemen,” says the gate agent, “Trans Global Airlines regrets to announce that the Golden Argosy, Flight Two to Rome, will not depart until 11 PM. We are indeed sorry, but this is due solely to the condition of the highways, which is causing unavoidable delays to ground transportation.”

The scene shifts to the Trans Global bus, stuck on the highway with Guerrero and the other passengers. The driver explains the situation.

“So, those of you on Flight Two to Rome, don’t worry,” says the bus driver. “They’re going to hold the plane. Just relax, and we’ll get you there on-time.” Guerrero rubs his temples. Paulo, an Italian boy wanders up and down the aisle.

Marcus Rathbone is furious. “You think they could have decided that before we left the terminal!” he complains. “Making us sit here and worry – it’s inexcusable!” Rathbone glares at Paulo, who’s standing in the aisle between Rathbone and Guerrero. “Go away – your nose is running!” says Rathbone, as he shoves the child into Guerrero. Guerrero pales, and hugs his briefcase. Paulo’s mother calls the boy back to his seat. Guerrero looks flustered.

Meanwhile, back at the main terminal, Tanya searches for Ada Quonset and Peter Coakley. She spots them, seated next to each other in the main concourse.

In this minute

George Kennedy as Joe Patroni

Brett Stillo loves movies. He loves to watch them, discuss them, write about them, and work on them. His new short film, “Swing Shift,” was recently accepted for the 2016 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Brett has tumbled head-first into the world of minute-movie podcasts, joining forces with Josh Horowitz of the Wing Kong Exchange.net to bring you “5 Minutes of Trouble,” a weekly podcast that examines John Carpenter’s cult classic five minutes at a time.

Joe Patroni and Mel Bakersfeld drive away in the MelMobile to stuck Trans Global 45. As they leave, the three flight crew and four stewardesses of Trans Global Flight Two board the employee bus to get to their aircraft.  The stewardesses wear matching grey pantsuits and hooded coats, and carry identical silver luggage and gold tote bags.  Anson Harris looks up at the falling snow.

“We should be above this in about twenty minutes or so,” says Harris, climbing into the bus. Cy Jordan gets on the bus after him. Gwen, the last person in line for the bus, sees Vern hurrying along behind her.

“Did you forget something?” asks Gwen.

“No,” says Vern. “Just checking the Rome weather. It’s not too cold, and sunny.”

“As usual,” says Gwen, “I’ve brought the wrong clothes. I don’t have a thing to wear.”

Vern smiles. “Great!” says Vern, climbing on board the bus.

Meanwhile, back at stuck Trans Global 45, workers continue to dig out the snow-covered wheels of the aircraft.  Joe Patroni pulls his hood up.

“I’ll have this mother out of here by midnight!” says Joe, leaning into the window of the MelMobile. “So, stop worrying!”

Mel leans his head out of the window. “In that case,” says Mel, “the party starts at Twelve-Oh-One.”

“I’ll settle for a box of cigars,” says Joe. “See you later.”  Mel drives away as Mel returns to the maintenance men digging out the tires. He spots one napping worker using a shovel as a kickstand.

“If you keep leaning on that shovel, Jack,” says Joe, “you’re gonna freeze solid, like Lot’s wife!” Joe raps Jack in the back of the legs with a shovel handle. “We want to move this airplane before it becomes obsolete!” Joe notices a crowd of relaxing workers drinking coffee in a nearby bus.

“The way you guys keep heading for this bus, it looks like you’ve got a broad stashed in there!” Joe bangs on the side of the bus with his fist. “OUT!”

In this minute<

Brett Stillo loves movies. He loves to watch them, discuss them, write about them, and work on them. His new short film, “Swing Shift,” was recently accepted for the 2016 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon.

Brett has tumbled head-first into the world of minute-movie podcasts, joining forces with Josh Horowitz of the Wing Kong Exchange.net to bring you “5 Minutes of Trouble,” a weekly podcast that examines John Carpenter’s cult classic five minutes at a time.

Inside the Trans Global hangar. 707 tail number N324 is being pushed out to the tarmac, tail first. Vernon Demerest is listening to Anson Harris talk about Three Two Four’s number two engine.

“I wanted to see what maintenance did about it,” says Harris.

“Well,” says Demerest, “I hope they gave us a new one.” Demerest looks at the maintenance report.

“Yeah, well they even replaced all the wiring,” says Harris. “Just to be on the safe side.”

“Well, that’s the side I like to be on,” says Demerest. He holds out his hand and stops Harris.

“What is it?” asks Harris. “What’s the matter?” Demerest examines Harris’s shirt collar.

“I was just thinking about the last time you checked me out,” says Demerest. “You marked me down for not wearing a regulation shirt. I was just hoping to get even.”

Harris shakes his head. “Not a chance,” says Harris. “Knowing how tough you can be, tonight I even polished my wings!”

The scene shifts to a highway patrol car, sirens and lights on, pulling up to the Trans Global maintenance and crew offices. Joe Patroni steps out of the back of the cruiser, slaps the roof of the car and yells, “Thanks, fellas!” to the highway patrolmen. Patroni walks over to Bakersfeld, who’s standing next to the MelMobile with an overcoat for Joe.

“I tried to get some more help for you, Joe,” says Mel, “but no luck. I’ve only got twenty men out there.”

Patroni smiles. “I knew you’d blow it,” says Patroni, “so I did a little phoning from my car. I got fifty!”

“Where did you get them from?” asks Mel.

“Braniff, Delta, Continental,” says Joe, “We’re not like those stiffs up in the front office who wear ties, and spend all their time stealing passengers from each other.  Maintenance? It’s like a circus: one of us gets in trouble, he yells, ‘Hey Rube!’ – –  they all come running.”  Joe puts on his gloves and says, “Okay, let

Actor, director, audiobook narrator and voice-over artist, David shares his extensive knowledge of the acting and directing crafts with us this week as we examine two powerhouse actors go at it on a simple set. Find out more about David’s work at DaviddeVries.net

Inez watches Dom through the coffee shop window as he walks away.

The scene shifts to the interior of the Trans Global airport shuttle bus. Passengers are boarding as the bus operator takes their fares at the door. Dom hands the bus operator several bills and the operator hands him back change. Dom boards the bus as the next passenger, Marcus Rathbone, steps forward.

“Two dollars,” says the bus driver.

“It’s highway robbery,” complains Rathbone. “Why the airlines don’t provide free transportation, I’ll never know!”

“Look, Mister,” says the bus driver, “I don’t own the bus, I just drive it – – two dollars, huh? You’re holding up the line!” Rathbone digs out his wallet and hands over the bills. “Here, here, here,” he grumbles.  Two nuns then board the bus after Rathbone.

Meanwhile, Guerrero gingerly takes his seat on the bus, carefully cradling his bomb-filled briefcase.

The scene shifts to the Trans Global hangar. 707 tail number N324 is being pushed out to the tarmac, tail first. Captain Anson Harris and Flight Engineer Cy Jordan are looking at a maintenance report in the foreground.  Jordan walks back to the 707 as Vernon Demerest joins Captain Harris in the hangar.

“Hi, Anson,” says Demerest. “What are you doing here so early? Trying to impress your check pilot?”

Harris smiles. “I thought you’d give me an ‘A’ for effort!” Harris points his thumb in the direction of the 707. “No, we’re using Three Two Four tonight — on her last flight, number two engine gave them some trouble and I -”

In this minute

Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero

Actor, director, audiobook narrator and voice-over artist, David shares his extensive knowledge of the acting and directing crafts with us this week as we examine two powerhouse actors go at it on a simple set. Find out more about David’s work at DaviddeVries.net

Dom Guerrero tells Inez he’s heading to a new job in Milwaukee on the bus tonight, but he has no cash for a hotel.

“Here,” says Inez, reaching into her handbag. “I can give the landlord another hard luck story.” She hands a few bills to Dom, then empties her tip jar.

“Goodbye, Dom,” says Inez.

Dom becomes very serious. “Inez,” he says, “I haven’t been a very good provider, but I will be –I promise you that. Goodbye, Inez. I love you. I want you to always remember that.” Inez puts her hand on his cheek. Dom kisses her hand, then picks up his suitcase and leaves the coffee shop.

In this minute

Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero