Minute 099: Never Seen Anything Like It

Airport Minute Podcast

Guest Host: David de Vries

Actor, director, audiobook narrator and voice-over artist, David shares his extensive knowledge of the acting and directing crafts with us this week as we examine two powerhouse actors go at it on a simple set. Find out more about David’s work at DaviddeVries.net

Summary

In front of a plane full of passengers, Gwen tells Ada what’s going to happen when they land in Rome.

“You’ll be handed over to the authorities,” says Gwen. “Now, come with me. The Captain has to make a report on you, but first he’d like to see you.” Gwen turns to Mr. Davidson. “Would you let this lady out, please?” Davidson stands up.

Ada is puzzled. “The Captain wants to see me?”

Gwen grabs Ada’s wrist. “And he doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Now, come on!” says Gwen. She pulls Ada by her arm into the aisle.

Davidson protests. “There’s no reason to treat her like a criminal!” he says.

“That’s exactly what she is!” responds Gwen, shoving Ada along. The passengers begin to murmur about the rough treatment of Mrs. Quonsett.

“Imagine,” says Marcus Rathbone, “shoving an old lady like that!”

Davidson shakes his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it in my whole life!” The passengers continue to talk among themselves.

Up in the cockpit, there’s a knock at the door. Cy opens the door, and lets Gwen and Ada into the cockpit. Ada looks around, nervously.

“Mrs. Quonsett?” says Vern, turning around in his seat to face her. “I’m Captain Demerest, this is Captain Harris. Would you come forward as far as you can?” Ada raises both eyebrows, but slowly moves closer to the front of the cockpit.

“Oh, Captain –” begins Ada, very emotionally.

“Please sit down, Mrs. Quonsett,” says Gwen, offering Ada a jump seat.

“I’m sorry to be a trouble to you,” continues Ada, “but I was on my way to New York to visit my poor daughter, who’s –”

“Then why did you get on this flight?” asks Harris, interrupting.

Ada’s voice changes and becomes very analytical. “Because, according to the schedule, the next flight back from Rome is to New- ”

In this minute

Jacqueline Bisset as Gwen Meighan
Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest
Barry Nelson as Anson Harris
Gary Collins as Cy Jordan
Whit Bissell as Mr. Davidson
Helen Hayes as Ada Quonsett
Van Heflin as D. O. Guerrero
Peter Turgeon as Marcus Rathbone