The V.I.P.s

The V.I.P.s is a 1963 British drama film directed by Anthony Asquith and written by Terence Rattigan, who based his screenplay on actual events that took place at an airport. The film boasts an ensemble cast led by Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Louis Jourdan, alongside other notable stars like Maggie Smith, Orson Welles, and Rod Taylor. The V.I.P.s weaves together the tense and intriguing tales of several individuals, all of whom are temporarily stranded at London's Heathrow Airport due to a fog-induced delay of their flights.

At the heart of the movie is an emotionally strained couple, Frances and Paul Andros, portrayed by the real-life iconic duo Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Frances is a stunning and wealthy woman, while Paul is a successful but preoccupied businessman. Their marriage is on the rocks as Paul is caught up in the whirlwinds of his financial empire and Frances feels neglected and seeks solace in the company of another man, Marc Champselle, played by Louis Jourdan. Marc is a suave and charming playboy, a somewhat fading actor who ignites Frances's desire for attention and recognition that she doesn’t receive from Paul. As they navigate the tension of their troubled relationship, the fog strikes, adding a literal and metaphorical barrier to the paths they each intend to take.

Meanwhile, other passengers are dealing with their own personal crises and tales of misadventure. There's the Duchess of Brighton (Margaret Rutherford), a financially troubled aristocrat who needs to get to Florida to secure a job that could save her ancestral home from foreclosure. Rutherford’s portrayal of the duchess adds a touch of humor and poignancy to the narrative, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

Then, multi-millionaire business magnate Les Mangrum (played by Rod Taylor) finds himself in a race against time. Accompanied by his loyal secretary Miss Mead (Maggie Smith), he must reach New York to prevent a hostile takeover of his company. The film depicts both the high-stakes tension of business deals and personal loyalty, as Mangrum battles to maintain control of his life’s work while coming to terms with his feelings for Miss Mead.

Orson Welles adds to the impressive cast by playing Max Buda, a powerful movie producer who is traveling with actress Gloria Gritti (Elsa Martinelli). They are trying to escape to New York for tax purposes but find that the fog has disrupted their intricate plans, leading to a reflection on their lives and careers in a humorous and somewhat satirical thread of the story.

In the background are airport staff and crew, including the operations manager, played by Richard Wattis, who bear the responsibility of managing the airport's contingent state and the escalating stress levels of the stranded passengers. Through the individual vignettes of the characters, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition, despair, and the unexpected chances life can present.

The V.I.P.s is not just a drama of relationships and personal crises; it also takes a look at societal classes and the differences between them, as the title hints at the privileges and pressures of being 'very important people.’ The characters are from various walks of life, and their interactions shed light on the human condition, their hopes, dreams, and the shared experience of being halted in their tracks by circumstances beyond their control.

The dynamics between Taylor and Burton, who were at the peak of their celebrity, add a sizzling on-screen chemistry that mirrors their much-publicized off-screen romance, resulting in a compelling watch. Taylor's magnetic screen presence and the emotional depth Burton brings to his character create a captivating portrait of a rocky marriage under extreme pressure.

What sets The V.I.P.s apart is its ability to combine glamour with thought-provoking storytelling, highlighting the vulnerabilities of its characters, who are flawed and deeply human despite the polished facades they present to the world. The fog serves as a profound equalizer, forcing the characters to confront their situations and make decisions that could change the courses of their lives.

Anthony Asquith’s direction artfully captures the glamour of the '60s, along with the tension and claustrophobia of the airport setting, and his use of close-ups emphasizes the emotional intensity brewing beneath the surface. Complemented by Rattigan's sharp and engaging dialogue, the film engages the audience on multiple levels.

The V.I.P.s is celebrated for its star-studded cast, insightful storytelling, and the subtle introspection it offers into the lives of the rich and famous, making it a compelling film to watch from its generation and a gem in the crown of classic cinema.