Planes, Trains & Automobiles: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Film

If we don’t find a way home I am going to explode!

After a tumultuous holdup at the airport, Planes, Trains & Automobiles drove into theaters in 1987. Neal is in a bind to get home to Chicago for his Thanksgiving dinner. With the help of Del Griffith, a shower curtain salesman, their adventure home is a stressful adventure for the books.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles never get old. I reviewed this film five years ago. Since then I have discovered new facts and an abundance of deleted scenes that have enhanced my perspective on the film. This film is about friendship, travel, and learning to be more open-minded about people.

Steve Martin and the late John Candy are the ultimate comedic team. Martin’s annoyed countenance blends splendidly with Candy’s oblivious enthusiasm. Both are remarkable in their performances and the growth of their friendship.

Neal is not the most open-minded person but Del reminds him he must go with the flow. Steam is shooting out of Neal’s ears. Neal’s 1-minute F-bomb episode at the car dealership is the signature scene (out of several) of the film.

I miss the late John Candy. His performance as Del is one of his best. Del can chat your ear off for sure. Candy’s remarkable ‘real article’ speech is a heartwarming narrative. If you are happy with who you are, don’t listen to what other people think.

Neal and Del run into fascinating people on their travels. As I have said, there is no such thing as a small part. Some characters only have 1-minute of screen time, but they make the best of it.

Dylan Baker (Owen) made up his whole part from the snorting, facial tics, and chewing tobacco. Edie McClurg (Car Rental Agent) improvised the phone conversation. And have you ever wondered what the man with mice crawling on his legs story was?

An hour's worth of deleted scenes were released from this movie. Editors cut back on a lot of dialogue and scenes with Del. Honestly, Del is so unbearable in these scenes coming off as oblivious, manipulative, and a total slob.

Some scenes would have enhanced the film and characters. The pizza guy is the best example. The robber who steals from the duo is actually the pizza guy who was only given a $1 tip by Del. Including this scene would have given more context. And a very funny scene with Neal eating the terrible pizza and beer exploding everywhere.

In a deleted subplot, Neal’s wife Susan (Laila Robins) tearfully believes that Neal is having an affair. Robins’ scenes are reduced to mere cameos. This subplot would have heightened the character and added urgency for Neal to return home in time.

The editing team for Planes, Trains & Automobiles deserves recognition for their hard work on this film. I have so much gratitude for the editors, especially after seeing how much was cut from this movie.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles is a rollercoaster of laughs and poignant moments. John Hughes did a remarkable job in his direction. He crafted authentic characters, a tight narrative, and the chaos of traveling.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is not just a holiday classic. It’s a cinematic masterpiece. No matter how many times I have seen this film, I still have the same reactions. I laugh at Neal’s reactions, I utter ‘Oh no’ when Del drives onto the wrong side of the highway, and the ending always makes me happy.

Whether you're a first-time viewer or revisiting it for the umpteenth time, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles is a memorable holiday comedy.