If you’re counting down to your next vacation – or simply want to feel smug about not being cramped up in an airline seat - why not ease your impatience or vent your jealousy with some flight related funnies? Here are some definite ones to watch…
1. Airplane! (1980)
That old classic of (Ted Striker): “Surely you can’t be serious” (Rumack): “I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley” fame. The uber-cheesey hit that first landed in cinemas in the eighties still lives on. It appeals to all; from curious children and nostalgic adults (admit it – you saw it at the cinema!) to the young at heart who still enjoy a giggle. Airplane! contains a wedge of slapstick humour and simple word play to tantalise even the youngest ears, while remaining risqué enough to get the old folk’s hearts a-racing (try it out on your gran).
Going from the sublime to the ridiculous, the real appeal is that there are so many gags that fire out in quick succession. If you didn’t find the last one funny, there’s bound to be another straight afterwards that will gets you guffawing. There’s plenty of visual humour to go with it. Watch out for the scene with the sick child on the drip and the happy clappy singer making him feel better! Its guaranteed to be the one that everyone remembers. Ask around if you don’t believe me!
And so, another taster! Here’s a quote for anyone not afraid of flying from character Elaine Dickinson: “There’s no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?”
2. John Cleese and the airline sketch (1968)
An unforgettable and hilarious scene with three of the Monty Python greats: John Cleese, Michael Palin and Graham Chapman. Although it can sometimes feel like watching the cool kids in the corner trying not to be cool… if very British humour which is slightly offbeat is your thing then it would be a shame to miss out.
As with any true British comedy, it would spoil it if I told you too much…but the general gist won’t hurt. The sketch involves a pilot, first officer and steward who decide to relieve their boredom by playing practical jokes on an aeroplane full of unwitting and increasingly alarmist passengers. The pranks start off as misinformation but get gradually more outrageous and confusing, using ridiculous language and scaremongering:
First Officer: “The scransons above your heads are now ready to flange. Please unfasten your safety belts and press the emergency photoscamps on the back of the seats in front of you.”
In true Python style, it bent the rigid edges of comedy, both now and in its own era, and still manages to get belly laughs. But be warned – it is very British humour and therefore, an acquired taste. Why not give it a test run?
3. Dean Martin drunken airline pilot sketch
Maybe not the modern person’s cup of tea but the old crooner was also considered a bit of a comedian in his time - and still certain to appeal to some! Teaming up with the notorious Foster Brooks, who was famed for his vivid impersonations of a sopping wet drunk, this sketch born of the 70’s has all the elements of a good old fashioned comedy. The slavering and slurring are worth it and don’t be surprised if you end up trying to impersonate Brooks himself – though I doubt you’ll master it! It might be old but for those sick of the modern penchant for offensive words and behaviour, this can provide a laugh without the need to try and be different. Plain old good fun.
4. Jeff Dunham and Achmed the Dead Terrorist (2008)
OK – so it’s not strictly an airline comedy sketch but it certainly involves aeroplanes and it’s certainly well worth a mention – particularly if political comedy is your thing. Even puppetry is not safe from the clutches of airline comedy! To give the general idea - Achmed the terrorist is a dead (you guessed it!) terrorist who doesn’t realise that he’s dead. The facial expressions, voices and script are deep guttural guffaw-tastic; the genius unfolded by puppet master Jeff Dunham.
I was sceptical when it was highlighted to me but I was quickly swayed: it’s certainly much funnier than you could ever imagine. You might believe (as I did) that ventriloquism is not your thing, but believe me – this is pretty hilarious (and the most modern contender I’ve got). It’s very tongue in cheek and wrapped up in the current political climate but surely that’s what comedy is for? One of the best scenes? Achmed spelling out his name… pure genius. So go and watch it!
And on a final note. This is just a limited selection – I’m sure there’s more. Post what you find below and give us all a giggle.
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