This was not the original movie with the crew becoming ill. " Zero Hour with Dana Andrews from 1957 was the same story as he had to fly the plane with only military experience that haunted him. There was one other that I can't seem to remember, but I think that it had Scottie from Star Trek involved. In any case it was definitely Zero Hour that was best known and was probably the reason behind Airplane's spoof and Terror in the Sky's sequel. The crew became ill from eating the same spoiled food and the flight attendant had to solicit from the passengers a new pilot. Andrews reluctantly became the man and overall it was quite entertaining.
11 Reviews
Just when you thought it was safe to have the chicken...
Coventry25 August 2021
The term "Terror" is a bit inaccurate to use for the title, really. "Nausea in the Sky" would make a more honest, albeit admittedly less appealing, title. The plot of this 1978 made-for-TV movie may sound very familiar. It's quite likely that you have seen the underrated disaster movie gem "The Zero Hour", released in 1957 and starring Dana Andrews, of which this film is a remake. It's even more likely the premise of food poisoning aboard a domestic airliner reminds you of that brilliant ZAZ-parody "Airplane!"
Nevertheless, this modest TV-film has every possible right to exist, especially because it contains a handful of suspenseful moments and a couple of very strong acting performances. When on a flight to Seattle a number of passengers, and then subsequently the two pilots, become seriously ill after having bad chicken as meal, it's entirely up to the people who had lamb for supper to save the day! The heroes include Dr. Baird (the always genius Roddy McDowell; for once in a "normal" role), strong and independent stewardess Janet (Lovely Lois Nettleton) and the former Vietnam helicopter pilot George Spencer (Doug McClure) who reluctantly must land the plane with a bit of voiceover help from below in the tower.
Obviously a quick attempt to cash in on the contemporary popular "Airport", "Terror in the Sky" has absolutely nothing special to offer, but it's still worth checking out for fans of disaster movies or admirers of any of the above-mentioned actors.
Nevertheless, this modest TV-film has every possible right to exist, especially because it contains a handful of suspenseful moments and a couple of very strong acting performances. When on a flight to Seattle a number of passengers, and then subsequently the two pilots, become seriously ill after having bad chicken as meal, it's entirely up to the people who had lamb for supper to save the day! The heroes include Dr. Baird (the always genius Roddy McDowell; for once in a "normal" role), strong and independent stewardess Janet (Lovely Lois Nettleton) and the former Vietnam helicopter pilot George Spencer (Doug McClure) who reluctantly must land the plane with a bit of voiceover help from below in the tower.
Obviously a quick attempt to cash in on the contemporary popular "Airport", "Terror in the Sky" has absolutely nothing special to offer, but it's still worth checking out for fans of disaster movies or admirers of any of the above-mentioned actors.
Campy aero-terror at its best
sfm31 October 1999
I have seen this movie several times, mostly after 11pm. The concept of the flight crew all getting food poisoning, becoming incapacitated and a reluctant passenger/pilot having to take over the flight, facing his demons, may sound familiar. After watching this movie I would recommend you immediately re-watch Airplane. I can only assume that Terror in the Sky was the basis of hysterical Abrahams/Zucker film and knowledge of this 'classic' will really make the gags in Airplane even funnier. Doug McClure is excellent as the pilot in this film, he really takes a bad script and made it look believable. My favorite part is watching him trying to learn to fly the aircraft, dipping and rolling, all the while the stewardess screaming from the copilot's seat next him.
McClure & McDowall shine...
Dr Neurotica25 July 2002
I too remember seeing this film, first time (I believe) as part of the "ABC's Tuesday Night Movie Of The Week" series, back in the early 70's, then racked into those late night repeats, that seemed to have lasted for the whole first part of that decade! But I have yet to ever see "Terror..." released in VHS or DVD form...not even BETA, hence the early days! All to say McDowall seemed to shine as a straight-faced, but yet very intense physician...that showed only two types of emotion...Silence & Rage! And, McClure acted exceptionally well in his role...an X-Vietnamer, with all that very clear war imagery still freshly pent up in his mind...hence adding a good dose of paranoia & neurosis, that really added believable chaos and a wee bit of craziness to the script. You see, he flew a "chopper" in Nam...therefore was "elected" by the panicked gang of passengers, to bring the aircraft to a "safe" landing, hence both the pilots incapacitated due to food poisoning. Excellent film still, for them late night video sojourns...but my only question is...why has not any one company ever released this little gem...even to go directly into the $5.99 bargain bin? I will never know...and will forever covet them to do so!
"By the way, is there anybody aboard who knows how to fly a plane?"
mark.waltz9 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, surely I can't be serious, but I began humming the "Airplane!" theme the minute I read the plotline. Okay, so there's no fish or steak (or lasagna!), just lamb and chicken pot pie. and fortunately, there is a doctor (Roddy McDowall) aboard. This is an unofficial remake of "Zero Hour" which of course got spoofed as "Airplane!". Douglas McClure is the late arrival passenger who turns out to have flying experience, much needed when head pilot Kenneth Tobey reveals that he had the chicken which has made several passengers sick. Keenan Wynn, usually gruff but likeable (except when in a Disney movie), is an obnoxious passenger who keeps making demands in spite of sole stewardess Lois Nettleton's attempts to ignore him.
Certainly the situation is serious so there's plenty of tension, especially when fading pilot Tobey tells McDowall that there's no way he can land in Seattle and that on autopilot, the plane would end up crashing in the ocean. Like every other airplane disaster movie, this switches back and forth between the control tower and the plane. So if you can force yourself to put aside the memories of the infamous comic spoof (difficult with all those familiar references), you will find yourself biting your knuckles like those in the movie, in the air and on the ground.
Certainly the situation is serious so there's plenty of tension, especially when fading pilot Tobey tells McDowall that there's no way he can land in Seattle and that on autopilot, the plane would end up crashing in the ocean. Like every other airplane disaster movie, this switches back and forth between the control tower and the plane. So if you can force yourself to put aside the memories of the infamous comic spoof (difficult with all those familiar references), you will find yourself biting your knuckles like those in the movie, in the air and on the ground.
A pretty good TV movie
danzeisen16 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
My family and I watched a lot of these TV movies, and honestly I hadn't seen this one in a LONG time. This is a remake of the old movie "Zero hour" 1957 with the same plot line of a flight crew disabled by a bad meal.
It's hardly Shakespear, but the cast is professional and do a great job with the story. Keenan Wynn is a complaining passenger. The ever beautiful.and classy Lois Nettleton brings a likeable and believable stewardess role to life. Doug McClure.does a really nice job with the angst of a man who is haunted by his memory of being the only survivor of a rescue flight he piloted during Vietnam. I'd like to add this was a VERY unpopular war in America, with some of the returning veterans being spit upon at the airport on their return.
Leif Erikson is great as the crusty retired pilot brought back to try to get McClure back on the ground. He's very believable in his role.
There are a few noticeable flaws in the film that really do somewhat detract from it, but its still fun.
Like the original the plane lands and then the brakes are slammed on and the landing gear breaks off. REALLY? The tires would skid first. Pilot MCClure is really ham fisted when he tries to fly the aircraft causing it to pitch up and down and all over the sky, then he insists on no practicing and demands to come right on in. OK then.
And in the landing, the gear and it appears at least one of the engines is broken off with flaming debris scattered about. Yet nobody is hurrying to get off and they all slowly file out of the plane, eventually. I guess they never saw later air crash movies where flames often cause burns.
All gripes aside its an enjoyable blast from the past, with good performances by some really well respected actors and actresses. Pop the popcorn, snap open a soda and enjoy.
It's hardly Shakespear, but the cast is professional and do a great job with the story. Keenan Wynn is a complaining passenger. The ever beautiful.and classy Lois Nettleton brings a likeable and believable stewardess role to life. Doug McClure.does a really nice job with the angst of a man who is haunted by his memory of being the only survivor of a rescue flight he piloted during Vietnam. I'd like to add this was a VERY unpopular war in America, with some of the returning veterans being spit upon at the airport on their return.
Leif Erikson is great as the crusty retired pilot brought back to try to get McClure back on the ground. He's very believable in his role.
There are a few noticeable flaws in the film that really do somewhat detract from it, but its still fun.
Like the original the plane lands and then the brakes are slammed on and the landing gear breaks off. REALLY? The tires would skid first. Pilot MCClure is really ham fisted when he tries to fly the aircraft causing it to pitch up and down and all over the sky, then he insists on no practicing and demands to come right on in. OK then.
And in the landing, the gear and it appears at least one of the engines is broken off with flaming debris scattered about. Yet nobody is hurrying to get off and they all slowly file out of the plane, eventually. I guess they never saw later air crash movies where flames often cause burns.
All gripes aside its an enjoyable blast from the past, with good performances by some really well respected actors and actresses. Pop the popcorn, snap open a soda and enjoy.
Not original, Not the inspiration for Airplane!
Barticus8810 July 2005
When I first saw Airplane! (1980), it reminded me of Terror in the Sky (1971). However, the primary inspiration for Airplane was actually Zero Hour! (1957). Arthur Hailey wrote both Zero Hour and Terror, as well as Airport (1970).
This movie was typical Movie of the Week fare: The budget was low, the story was old, the plot has holes. MOTW was something different from episodic television, and that made it popular for a few years, but very few of them are worth seeing again.
Many MOTW shows were remakes of black and white movies. Hailey may have intended the novel on which this film is based as a rewrite of Zero Hour!, as opposed to an entirely original work. However, this movie was never billed as a remake.
This movie was typical Movie of the Week fare: The budget was low, the story was old, the plot has holes. MOTW was something different from episodic television, and that made it popular for a few years, but very few of them are worth seeing again.
Many MOTW shows were remakes of black and white movies. Hailey may have intended the novel on which this film is based as a rewrite of Zero Hour!, as opposed to an entirely original work. However, this movie was never billed as a remake.
Unnecessary....like most remakes.
planktonrules29 May 2022
"Terror in the Sky" is a remake of "Zero Hour!"...and offers no improvements at all over the original. In fact, in most ways (especially the cast), the original is a far better film.
Speaking of "Zero Hour!", this film is the one that was parodied in "Airplane!". Despite this, it's a very good air disaster movie...one of the best of the 1950s.
A rowdy group of folks have chartered a plane cross-country...not realizing that they nearly paid the ultimate price for not flying commercial! It's because the food aboard the craft is tainted...and anyone eating the chicken pie will become deathly ill. Unfortunately, that means BOTH the pilot and co-pilot...so it's up to one of the passengers to try to land the craft.
If "Zero Hour!" had never been made, I probably would have enjoyed "Terror in the Sky" much more. But again and again, I couldn't help but think the original was just so much better than this cheap made for TV version.
Speaking of "Zero Hour!", this film is the one that was parodied in "Airplane!". Despite this, it's a very good air disaster movie...one of the best of the 1950s.
A rowdy group of folks have chartered a plane cross-country...not realizing that they nearly paid the ultimate price for not flying commercial! It's because the food aboard the craft is tainted...and anyone eating the chicken pie will become deathly ill. Unfortunately, that means BOTH the pilot and co-pilot...so it's up to one of the passengers to try to land the craft.
If "Zero Hour!" had never been made, I probably would have enjoyed "Terror in the Sky" much more. But again and again, I couldn't help but think the original was just so much better than this cheap made for TV version.
great thriller!
majorca-111 October 2004
I saw this TV movie a long time ago but still remember the excitement that took me for its hour and half duration time. Seen by today standards it would be a very common story, due to the fact that the plot has been painstakingly cloned by hundreds of very bad film killers. But not this one. It's atmosphere involves you in a special way and makes you feel as if you're one of the unfortunate passengers caught on that death trap. Doug McClure is mostly convincing in this role of a Vietnam war ex-chopper pilot,
obliged to recall his skills to lead that plane into a safe landing, counting only on the help from the voice of a controller who gives him an instant training on flying that special aircraft. I've missed this one for many years to be issued in video or in DVD, and hope that someday it will, for the joy of the genre fans.
obliged to recall his skills to lead that plane into a safe landing, counting only on the help from the voice of a controller who gives him an instant training on flying that special aircraft. I've missed this one for many years to be issued in video or in DVD, and hope that someday it will, for the joy of the genre fans.
If you like Roddy, you'll like this film
collie-121 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not sure if what I'm going to say here might be considered a spoiler or not, so I'm not taking any chances. I won't reveal the ending or anything like that, but I will reveal a lot of Roddy's bits here.
I caught the last 20 minutes of "Zero Hour!" tonight on TCM and that made me want to see THIS version again, for this film is the first remake of Zero Hour! (I won't mention the more famous remake/spoof here). I first saw "Terror in the Sky" on the late show back in the mid-80s and I liked it. Of course the main reason I liked it, the main reason I watched it, in fact, was that I'm a big Roddy McDowall fan. For a made-for-TV movie, the film itself is pretty good overall, I recall, but what made it for me was Roddy.
Of course the main plot of this film is that the only person on-board, not suffering from food poisoning, who knows how to fly and can safely land them, is now, due to a bad past experience, afraid to pilot a plane. That person in played by Doug McClure. But in this version, he is not the only person on-board with a fear of flying. Roddy as the doctor is also not fond of flying, to put it mildly. I'm not a big fan of flying myself so I could relate to his character's fear. I'm not sure, but I think that character trait of the doctor is unique to this version. One reviewer here said that Roddy's emotions in this film are "silence and rage." I guess that is true, but I'd also add "fear," "forced composure," and "unexpected bravery" to the list. His character is introduced to us, if I remember correctly, as looking out the window, watching the prop engines rev-up, and commenting to McClure that he suspected they did that so if anything was going to fall off the plane, it would happen on the ground instead of in the air. McClure then says something technical that reassures Roddy that flying is safe, or at least that the pilots know what they're doing. From that little exchange, we learn that Roddy is nervous about flying and that McClure has some knowledge of how one flies a plane. So when Roddy soon after realizes both pilots are suffering from food poisoning, he does two things that in retrospect save EVERYONE on the ill-fated plane: first, he is able to put his own, now rather justified, terror of flying aside in order to medically treat the others, and more importantly, he is the one who realizes, because of their earlier exchange, that McClure is holding out on them and knows how to fly a plane. He then pretty much forces McClure into the cockpit. From that point on, the focus is mainly on McClure and Nettleton, and Roddy has little to do. In the first half of the picture, however, Roddy really shines.
I caught the last 20 minutes of "Zero Hour!" tonight on TCM and that made me want to see THIS version again, for this film is the first remake of Zero Hour! (I won't mention the more famous remake/spoof here). I first saw "Terror in the Sky" on the late show back in the mid-80s and I liked it. Of course the main reason I liked it, the main reason I watched it, in fact, was that I'm a big Roddy McDowall fan. For a made-for-TV movie, the film itself is pretty good overall, I recall, but what made it for me was Roddy.
Of course the main plot of this film is that the only person on-board, not suffering from food poisoning, who knows how to fly and can safely land them, is now, due to a bad past experience, afraid to pilot a plane. That person in played by Doug McClure. But in this version, he is not the only person on-board with a fear of flying. Roddy as the doctor is also not fond of flying, to put it mildly. I'm not a big fan of flying myself so I could relate to his character's fear. I'm not sure, but I think that character trait of the doctor is unique to this version. One reviewer here said that Roddy's emotions in this film are "silence and rage." I guess that is true, but I'd also add "fear," "forced composure," and "unexpected bravery" to the list. His character is introduced to us, if I remember correctly, as looking out the window, watching the prop engines rev-up, and commenting to McClure that he suspected they did that so if anything was going to fall off the plane, it would happen on the ground instead of in the air. McClure then says something technical that reassures Roddy that flying is safe, or at least that the pilots know what they're doing. From that little exchange, we learn that Roddy is nervous about flying and that McClure has some knowledge of how one flies a plane. So when Roddy soon after realizes both pilots are suffering from food poisoning, he does two things that in retrospect save EVERYONE on the ill-fated plane: first, he is able to put his own, now rather justified, terror of flying aside in order to medically treat the others, and more importantly, he is the one who realizes, because of their earlier exchange, that McClure is holding out on them and knows how to fly a plane. He then pretty much forces McClure into the cockpit. From that point on, the focus is mainly on McClure and Nettleton, and Roddy has little to do. In the first half of the picture, however, Roddy really shines.
"This is nothing like flying a helicopter!"
kissel1234521 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this with my mom in the early or mid-70s. We both had a crush on Roddy McDowell. I hadn't remembered it until Airplane! and Zero Hour! I'm glad I know the whole sequence now. At the time, I had no idea what a chicken pot pie was, but resolved never to eat one.
McClure reminded me of my cousin, Tommy. I remember the scene where he breaks down in the cockpit. That was the first time I'd seen a man become emotional. Is it available through Netflix?
I'm pretty sure that I saw this without benefit of the "Airport" movies. That's why it made an impression on me.
Someone needs to list this at Wikipedia's "Movies taking place on an airplane."
McClure reminded me of my cousin, Tommy. I remember the scene where he breaks down in the cockpit. That was the first time I'd seen a man become emotional. Is it available through Netflix?
I'm pretty sure that I saw this without benefit of the "Airport" movies. That's why it made an impression on me.
Someone needs to list this at Wikipedia's "Movies taking place on an airplane."
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