Comedy doesn’t age easily, but Flying High is the rare exception. In this Born to Watch episode, Whitey and Gow revisit the parody that set the standard for every comedy that followed.
Released in 1980 and known as Flying High in Australia, this film redefined what spoof comedy could be. Serious actors, absurd dialogue, visual gags stacked on top of visual gags, and a refusal to slow down for even a second. Watching it again in 2026 raises the question: Does it still work?
The answer is a loud yes.
From the opening airport chaos to the final landing, Flying High delivers jokes at a pace most modern films would never dare attempt. There’s always something happening, whether it’s in the background, in a throwaway line, or buried inside another gag entirely.
Whitey and Gow break down the legendary cast, including Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Peter Graves, and why playing everything completely straight is what makes the comedy explode. They talk about favourite scenes, forgotten moments, iconic quotes, and the sheer insanity of situations that make no sense but are endlessly funny.
The episode also dives into how Flying High influenced everything that came after it, from Naked Gun to Hot Shots, while explaining why so many parody films failed to capture the same magic. Commitment, awareness, and never blinking at the joke.
With a 7.7 IMDb score and a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Flying High sits comfortably alongside some of the greatest films ever made. This is more than nostalgia; it’s comedy craftsmanship.
If you love classic movies, parody films, or just laughing until something hurts, this episode is for you.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at BornToWatch.com.au
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