No Time at All

This kind of scheme was largely used in the late sixties and seventies, especially with the AIRPORT series for the big screen; and not only, how many TVMs were talking about disappearance of airliners, or problems the crew and passengers had to deal with? How many? Lots of them. This tale is of course speaking of an airplane who suddenly disappears from the radar screen. And around this, the audience is given an accurate study of several people involved with the passengers or crew of the flight. One scene very shocking, although no spectacular: the one in which the airline executive shows his wrath because of the possible loss, because of the plane disappearance, of a fish shipment destined to restaurants...No matter the passengers. No comment. Interesting drama yarn, perfect for TV, especially without really suspense or climax as we can find for large screen audiences. Deserves to be discovered again, and don't forget this was a direct, live show back in the late fifties. A real performance. Worth watching.

This episode of "Playhouse 90" is unusual for two reasons. First, unlike most episodes, it was pre-recorded and not presented live. Second, it has a very large cast. While none of them are exactly A-list actors, there are MANY familiar faces...including a couple strange ones for this sort of film, Chico Marx* and Buster Keaton! You'll also see stars such as Jack Haley, Keenan Wynn, William Lundigan, Jane Greer, Cliff Edwards, Reginald Gardner, Charles Bronson, Jay C. Flippen and Sylvia Sidney.

The story begins in a control tower. A flight bound from Miami to Idlewild Airport (later renamed JFK Airport) in New York City is overdue and the tower cannot contact them. They might see the plane on radar, though they aren't sure it's the right plane AND they cannot get the radar contact to respond. This film is about those on the ground and their reactions to the overdue flight.

My favorite character in this film was played by Jack Haley. He plays an incredibly jaded and sleazy publicity agent...and he's just terrific. But the film had many nice performances...due to some excellent writing. Well worth seeing...and very suspenseful and taut.

*It was VERY interesting seeing and hearing Chico Marx, as he didn't use his familiar Italian-like accent but sounds more like himself...which is unusual and is reason enough for some folks to watch it.