Burgess Meredith is a well-known American actor who starred in numerous films and television shows during his career. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to play a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes. One of his most memorable roles was in the movie “The Hindenburg,” where he played a Nazi sympathizer who helps to sabotage the famous airship. In this movie, Burgess Meredith flew a jet, which was a unique experience for him and for the audience.
The Hindenburg
The Hindenburg was a German airship that was destroyed in a famous accident in 1937. The film “The Hindenburg” is a fictionalized account of what might have happened on that fateful day. Burgess Meredith played a character named Emilio Pajetta, who was a journalist and a Nazi sympathizer. He was part of a group of conspirators who were trying to sabotage the airship and blame the accident on the United States.
The Jet Scene
In one of the most memorable scenes in the movie, Burgess Meredith flies a jet. This was a unique experience for him, as he had never flown a jet before. The scene was filmed using a real jet, and Burgess Meredith had to undergo extensive training to learn how to fly it. He did most of the flying himself, with the help of a co-pilot who was sitting behind him. The scene was shot in a real airfield, and the jet was flying at a high altitude, which added to the realism of the scene.
The Making of the Movie
The movie “The Hindenburg” was directed by Robert Wise, who was an experienced director with many successful films to his credit. The movie was shot on location in Germany and the United States, which added to the authenticity of the film. The special effects were done using a combination of models and miniatures, as well as computer-generated imagery. The music for the film was composed by John Williams, who went on to become one of the most famous film composers of all time.
The Legacy of Burgess Meredith
Burgess Meredith was a talented actor who left a lasting legacy in the world of film and television. He appeared in over 200 movies and television shows during his career, and he was nominated for two Academy Awards. He was also a respected director and producer, and he was known for his work in the theater. He died in 1997 at the age of 89, but his legacy lives on through his many memorable performances.
Conclusion
“The Hindenburg” was a unique movie that featured a memorable performance by Burgess Meredith. The scene where he flies a jet was one of the highlights of the film, and it was a unique experience for both the actor and the audience. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a popular film among fans of historical dramas. Burgess Meredith’s legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of film and television, and he will always be remembered as one of the great actors of his generation.