Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The Only Thanksgiving Movie That Matters

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Neil Page, a high-strung executive, teams up with the quirky Del Griffith in a desperate journey to get home for Thanksgiving. Along the way, misadventures and personality clashes lead to hilarity, unexpected friendship, and a touching realization about human connection.

In this episode, we look at Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, John Hughes’ iconic comedy featuring Steve Martin, John Candy, and an unforgettable journey home. Packed with humor, mishaps, and heartfelt moments, this 1987 classic explores travel chaos, unlikely friendships, and Thanksgiving spirit.

By the Numbers:

• Budget: $30 million
• Gross Revenue: $49.5 million
• Box Office Revenue: $49.5 million (worldwide gross)
• Streaming Revenue: Not applicable, pre-digital era
• Awards: 2 nominations, no wins

Main Cast:

• Steve Martin: Neil Page
• John Candy: Del Griffith
• Laila Robins: Susan Page
• Kevin Bacon: Taxi Racer (cameo)
• Michael McKean: State Trooper

Fun Facts:

1. John Hughes wrote the script in just three days.
2. The film originally had a runtime of over four hours.
3. Kevin Bacon’s cameo was a cross-promotion for another John Hughes film, She’s Having a Baby.
4. Elton John was slated to write the theme song but backed out due to a studio dispute.
5. Neil’s house is just a mile from the iconic Home Alone house in Chicago.
6. Tom Hanks and John Travolta were originally considered for the lead roles.
7. John Candy’s large trunk symbolizes emotional baggage, a nod to the film’s deeper themes.
8. The scene in the car rental lot, where Steve Martin swears 18 times in under 60 seconds, is infamous for pushing the film to an R rating.

Movie Mistakes:

1. The car switches models mid-scene during a highway sequence.
2. Del’s trunk changes size inconsistently throughout the film.
3. When Neil wipes off his face at the hotel, the towel is clean in the next shot.
4. A crew member’s shadow is visible during a highway driving scene.
5. The plane shown is a wide-body aircraft, but the interior shots are of a narrow-body plane.

Key Takeaways:

1. John Hughes’ ability to mix humor with heartfelt moments shines in this classic.
2. Steve Martin and John Candy’s chemistry drives the film’s emotional core.
3. The “Thanksgiving chaos” theme remains unmatched in cinematic history.
4. The film highlights the importance of empathy and friendship.
5. Subtle symbolism, like Del’s trunk, adds depth to the comedy.
6. Cameos, like Kevin Bacon’s, are a nod to Hughes’ connected universe.
7. Production struggles, including script rewrites and edits, didn’t dull its brilliance.
8. R-rated scenes, like the car rental meltdown, stand out as comedic gold.
9. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles set the gold standard for holiday films.