
Movie spotlight
San Francisco International
This pilot for the TV series stars Pernell Roberts as Jim Conrad, who runs an airport, much to the chagrin of his boss, "his way." In this, two plots run - a kid whose parents are splitting up decides to take off in a little red prop plane (and Conrad talks him down), and thieves played by the handsome Tab Hunter and his truly ugly sidekicks try to steal a money shipment. Roberts was replaced by Lloyd Bridges when the show went to series.
Insights
Plot Summary
A bomb is planted on a Boeing 747 flying to San Francisco, and a retired demolitions expert is brought in to help disarm it before it detonates. The bomber is a disgruntled former employee of the airline seeking revenge for his dismissal. As the plane circles the city, the experts race against time to neutralize the threat while dealing with the panicked passengers and crew.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for 'San Francisco International' was mixed. While some praised the suspenseful premise and the performances of its leading actors, others found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the execution lacking in originality compared to other disaster films of the era. The film achieved moderate success at the box office.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tense atmosphere and star-studded cast, particularly Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood.
Criticized by some for a formulaic plot and a lack of fresh ideas within the disaster movie genre.
The special effects were considered competent for their time but not groundbreaking.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be an entertaining and suspenseful thriller, appreciating the high stakes and the performances. Some viewers felt the plot relied on convenient coincidences and that the film could have benefited from a more innovative approach to its disaster scenario.
Fun Fact
The film was one of the first to extensively feature the then-new Boeing 747 jumbo jet, showcasing its interior and exterior in detail.
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