Film Report: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Released on November 25, 1987, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a definitive American road-trip comedy written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. Departing from his signature teen dramedies, Hughes created a story about adulthood, empathy, and the chaotic nature of holiday travel. Director/Writer: John Hughes
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. A buddy comedy unlike no other. Planes, Trains & Automobiles
While the plot is driven by slapstick and verbal sparring, its lasting legacy is the "soul" revealed in the final act, specifically John Candy's monologue regarding his character's loneliness. Film Report: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Released
Steve Martin (Neal Page) and John Candy (Del Griffith) A buddy comedy unlike no other
Produced on a budget of $15 million , the film earned approximately $49.5 million at the box office. Thematic Elements
Neal Page, an uptight marketing executive, attempts to travel from New York to Chicago to reach his family for Thanksgiving dinner. After a snowstorm diverts his flight, he is forced into a three-day odyssey alongside Del Griffith, an overly friendly and talkative shower curtain ring salesman.
The film explores the frustration of a "control freak" (Neal) when faced with the unpredictability of life, specifically through failing infrastructure (canceled flights, delayed trains, broken cars).