Guide Note

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a 1987 American comedy film directed by John Hughes.

Fast Facts

1. Directed, Produced and Written by John Hughes
2. Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy
3. Runtime: 93 minutes
4. MPAA: R
5. Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
6. Release date: November 25, 1987

Uptight advertising executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) meets loudmouth shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) on the way to Chicago for Thanksgiving. After bad weather diverts their flight to Wichita, the two decide to stick together and find a way home.

On the journey, during which various modes of transportation fail them, Page and Griffith constantly bicker over their conflicting personalities. At one point, in a memorable scene, Page tries to rent a car to go on his own, but as fate has it, he ends up back with Del again.

The two eventually learn to accept one another's flaws, and form a bond just as they ride their way into Chicago.

As one of few Thanksgiving films, Planes, Trains & Automobiles was praised by critics and moviegoers alike upon its 1987 release. The film currently has a 97% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Roger Ebert, who considers it a "great film," praised its "poignancy" that "only becomes stronger while we're laughing."