Arthur Hailey's 1956 TV Play 'Flight into Danger' Inspired Classic Comedy 'Airplane!' and Influenced BBC Drama History
In 1956, Arthur Hailey, a Luton-born author who moved to Canada in the late 1940s, produced the live television drama 'Flight into Danger' for CBC. The storyline revolves around food poisoning affecting both pilots, necessitating the assistance of a former fighter pilot to safely land the aircraft. The drama premiered on 3 April 1956, featuring performances by James Doohan and Corinne Conley. A BBC report indicated that 25% of the adult population in the UK tuned in, giving it a remarkable score of 92 out of 100. Sydney Newman, who served as the supervising producer, later helped create 'Doctor Who'. Hailey, a WWII RAF reconnaissance pilot born in 1920, conceived the drama following a flight in late 1955, which was subsequently remade several times, including the 1957 film 'Zero Hour!'.
Key facts
- Arthur Hailey wrote 'Flight into Danger' in 1956 for CBC Television.
- The play inspired the 1980 comedy film 'Airplane!' directed by David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, and Jim Abrahams.
- Hailey was born in Luton in 1920 and emigrated to Canada in the late 1940s.
- 'Flight into Danger' was broadcast live on 3 April 1956.
- James Doohan and Corinne Conley starred in the original TV play.
- Sydney Newman, producer of the play, later co-created 'Doctor Who' at the BBC.
- A BBC audience report showed a quarter of UK adults watched the play, with a 92/100 reaction score.
- Hailey's play was remade as the feature film 'Zero Hour!' in 1957.
Entities
Artists
- Arthur Hailey
- David Zucker
- Jerry Zucker
- Jim Abrahams
- Leslie Nielsen
- James Doohan
- Corinne Conley
- Sydney Newman
- Graeme Burk
Institutions
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- BBC
- BBC Sounds
- BBC Radio 2
- BBC Written Archives Centre
- Toronto Star
- ITV
- Royal Air Force
Locations
- Luton
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Berkshire
- Caversham