Bechdel Test Movie List

It's great to revisit the media we were immersed in as young kids because it illuminates how many bogus attitudes get internalised just for being norms at the time, as well as how far we've come.

This film leaves a fair bit to be desired - many of the men are shouty and conversely many of the women portrayed as semi helpless. Even when they're conquering their fears they look a bit wobbly compared to the steely demeanour of the men.

Yet hostie Nancy saves the day in the cockpit, plausibly figuring out how to operate the 747 with some moral support from Helen.

For the era, it could be worse.

There are some sexist attitudes in the film but often they are subtly challenged by the woman in the scene. Aboard the plane the all male flight crew and the male purser (who goes flying down the spiral staircase in the crash) are incapacitated immediately. The film clearly has to do this so flight attendant Nancy can take the controls of the plane. Nancy has conversations with Helen and Bette. Sister Ruth speaks with Sister Beatrice, Janice and Janice's mother. Gloria Swanson mainly speaks to Winnie. Hard drinking passenger Mrs. Devaney orders a boilermaker from Nancy and a different passenger orders 'a double' from a different flight attendant.