Airplane! Behind-the-Scenes of a Comedy Classic
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Airplane! Behind-the-Scenes of a Comedy Classic

Clips and conversation with filmmaker David Zucker

About the Event:

When the film debuted in July of 1980, Airplane! had a budget of only $3.5 million, and yet it went on to earn nearly $200 million, gathering a rabid fan-base, inspiring countless comedians, and providing perhaps the most quotable lines of any comedy in cinematic history. In their new book, Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! , ZAZ (filmmakers David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams) share hilarious trivia and never-before-heard anecdotes about the creation of this classic movie. At Chicago Humanities, Mark Bazar of WTTW’s The Interview Show sits down with writer/director David Zucker (and a special zoom appearance from his brother and fellow Airplane! filmmaker Jerry) for a night of laughter and nostalgia, as we dive into clips, images, and stories from behind-the-scenes of this legendary comedic gem. For a special keepsake, books pre-signed by all three filmmakers will be available for purchase.


  • This program is presented as part of the Roger & Elaine Haydock Humor Series.
  • Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, a Chicago not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. Pre-order your pre-signed copy of Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! through the Chicago Humanities Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling. Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you will show to the bookseller on-site to pick up your book(s).
  • Please visit our FAQ for more information about ticketing, books, accessibility options, and other event logistics.
David Zucker

David Zucker

More than four decades after TV Guide called his first movie “vulgar and uproariously funny,” legendary filmmaker David ...

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Mark Bazer

Mark Bazer

Mark Bazer is the host and executive producer of The Interview Show, a talk show held at The Hideout and FitzG...

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[Event tile image description: The event image at the top left of the event page is a photograph of the Airplane! poster, an airplane in a blue sky. Image credit: Hulu]