So, you might have heard about this movie, a really well-known one, actually. It's called Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and it came out quite a while back, in 1987. It's a film that sort of takes you on a trip, a road trip, you know, across America, and it's also a comedy. People often find it makes them smile, or even laugh out loud, which is what a good comedy does, right? This particular picture, you see, was put together by John Hughes, who also wrote the words and was the boss behind the scenes. It has some rather famous faces in it, too, with Steve Martin and John Candy leading the way.
This film, in a way, tells the story of a man from Chicago who works in advertising. His main goal is just to get back to his home. It sounds simple, doesn't it? But, as things tend to go in stories like this, it becomes a bit of a struggle for him to make that trip happen. Many folks consider Planes, Trains and Automobiles to be the most loved Thanksgiving movie there is. It's almost a tradition for some families during that special time of year.
Yet, there's a good deal more to this holiday classic than what you just see when you watch it on the screen. It's not just about the funny parts, though there are plenty of those. There are deeper moments, too, and a lot of heart that comes through. We'll explore some of those bits and pieces, and maybe give you a fresh way to look at this movie you might already enjoy.
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Table of Contents
- The People Who Made Planes, Trains and Automobiles What It Is
- What Makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles a Thanksgiving Favorite?
- How Can You Watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles Today?
- Is Planes, Trains and Automobiles Just About Laughs?
- Where Does the Inspiration for Planes, Trains and Automobiles Come From?
- Looking at the Reception for Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The People Who Made Planes, Trains and Automobiles What It Is
This movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, was put together by John Hughes, a person known for making many films that people still talk about. He was the one who wrote the script, oversaw the whole making of it, and told everyone what to do as the director. It was a Paramount Pictures production back in 1987. The main folks who appear on screen, the ones who bring the story to life, are Steve Martin and John Candy. They are, in a way, the heart of this particular tale, and their performances really make it stand out.
Steve Martin's Part in the Trains Planes and Automobiles Story
So, Steve Martin plays a character named Neal Page in this film. Neal is a marketing man, someone who works in advertising, and he's in a bit of a rush, trying to get from New York to Chicago. His big wish is to make it home in time for his family's Thanksgiving dinner. He's presented as someone who is a little bit proper, perhaps even a bit stuffy, and he's not usually one to go with the flow. His character, as you might see, tends to be someone who likes things to go just as planned. When his airplane ride gets sent to a different city, Wichita, he finds himself in a situation he didn't ask for. He sort of has to team up with another person, someone quite different from him, which he doesn't really want to do at first. This pairing, you know, is where a lot of the movie's charm comes from.
Steve Martin's Role in Planes, Trains & Automobiles
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Character Name | Description in Film |
---|---|
Neal Page | A Chicago advertising man, quite uptight, trying to get home for Thanksgiving. |
John Candy's Part in the Trains Planes and Automobiles Story
Then we have John Candy, who plays Del Griffith. Del is a salesman, someone who sells shower curtain rings, and he's a person who just seems to bubble with life. He's very outgoing, perhaps a bit too much for Neal's liking at first. When Neal's flight gets changed, he reluctantly ends up with Del, who is presented as a rather open and friendly sort. The film shows how these two, one who is quite reserved and the other who is very expressive, clash but also, in a way, connect. Their wish, you see, is a simple one: to fly from LaGuardia to O'Hare on time. But, as the story unfolds, it follows a very clear line of events that lead them to all sorts of unexpected situations. This pairing of Steve Martin and John Candy is, in some respects, a very strong one. They both hold their own, and they bring a good deal of fun to what happens.
John Candy's Role in Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Character Name | Description in Film |
---|---|
Del Griffith | An outgoing shower curtain ring salesman, partners with Neal on a difficult trip. |
What Makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles a Thanksgiving Favorite?
Many people really hold Planes, Trains and Automobiles close to their hearts, especially around Thanksgiving. It's often called the most beloved Thanksgiving movie, and there's a reason for that. It’s a story about trying to get home for the holidays, something many of us can relate to. The struggles Neal and Del face, the funny mishaps, and the moments where they really connect, all speak to the spirit of the season. It’s a film that, you know, has a big heart. After you’ve had your laughs, it leaves you with a really good feeling inside. It shows how people, even very different ones, can find common ground and help each other out when things get tough. That, perhaps, is why it resonates so much during a time meant for family and togetherness.
How Can You Watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles Today?
If you're wondering how to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles, there are a few ways to do it. Currently, you can watch it streaming on MGM Plus, which is a service that lets you view movies over the internet. It's also possible, you know, to buy the film if you want to own it. You can often find it for purchase on platforms like Microsoft Store, Amazon Video, and Cineplex. These places also let you rent it if you just want to watch it for a short time. So, whether you prefer to stream, buy, or rent, there are options to enjoy this movie from the comfort of your home. You can also find out how to watch it, see trailers, and check out the cast on TV Guide, or look for streaming choices and rental links on Moviefone. For those who use Hoopla, you might even be able to download or stream it there with Steve Martin, John Candy, and Kevin Bacon.
Is Planes, Trains and Automobiles Just About Laughs?
While Planes, Trains and Automobiles is certainly a film that makes you laugh, it's not just a collection of jokes. It's what some might call a "screwball comedy with a heart." The humor comes from the situations Neal and Del find themselves in, and the very different ways they react to things. For example, there's a part where Del hurts his hand turning off a light in a motel, and another scene in a pickup truck that takes them to the train station. In Kansas, Neal lists off a whole bunch of things that have gone wrong, which is pretty funny. But underneath all the fun, there's a real sense of warmth and connection that builds between the two main characters. It shows that even when things go very, very wrong, there can still be moments of human kindness and understanding. So, it's an enjoyable watch, pure and simple, but it also leaves you with a nice, warm feeling.
Where Does the Inspiration for Planes, Trains and Automobiles Come From?
It's interesting to know that the idea for Planes, Trains and Automobiles actually came from a real-life experience. John Hughes, the person who wrote and directed the movie, had his own rather difficult trip from New York City to Chicago. This personal experience, you see, was what gave him the idea for this 1987 Thanksgiving classic. So, in a way, the struggles and funny moments in the film are rooted in something that actually happened to the creator himself. This kind of personal touch often makes a story feel more genuine and relatable. It’s almost like he took his own travel woes and turned them into something that could make a lot of other people smile and feel good.
Looking at the Reception for Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Planes, Trains and Automobiles has been very well received by people who watch movies and those who write about them. You can find reviews, see how people have rated it, and watch short clips on Rotten Tomatoes. This site helps you stay up to date with what both professional movie critics and regular viewers think about the film. The pairing of Steve Martin and John Candy is often pointed out as a big reason why the movie works so well. They really complement each other, and their performances bring a lot of good humor to all the events that happen. This film, as a matter of fact, marked a bit of a change for John Hughes, as it was his first big step away from writing about the troubles of teenagers. It has, in some respects, remained a very important holiday movie for many fans for nearly 40 years since it first came out. It's a film that, you know, just keeps giving people good feelings.
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