Math is very far from being my specialty, but I estimate that I’ve seen approximately 1,000 movies in my lifetime. All of the ‘Police Academies’ puts me almost at the half way point by themselves. There have been some films I really enjoyed, and others that I want to forget, by the way ‘Showgirls’ is not one of those. However, there is one cinematic masterpiece that stands alone as my absolute favorite and it’s ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles.’
The 1987 film, written and directed by John Hughes is centered around Thanksgiving, but can be enjoyed all through the year. I always schedule a November viewing, but have seen it countless other times. And despite now knowing the dialogue before it’s even uttered, I still laugh from start to finish every single time.
As Neal Page, Steve Martin plays an uptight advertising executive who is trying to get home to his family in Chicago for Thanksgiving. Beginning with the cab ride to the airport, everything becomes an obstacle due to the interference of shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith, played excellently by John Candy in perhaps his best role.
There have been many road movies, most recently ‘Due Date,’ but none the quality of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles.’ Part of its magic is the pairing of Martin & Candy, two comedic geniuses, who play off of each other perfectly. You can feel the irritation of Martin’s character with every annoyance that Candy’s blindly causes.
“Those aren’t pillows,” is the most recognized line from the film, when Del’s hand is snuggled in a warm spot while they are forced to share a bed. However, there are many other gems as everything goes wrong as they try traveling by plane, train and automobile with hilarious consequences.
Before the fear of terrorist attacks and invasive security procedures, Neal has a nightmarish flight due to being seated next to Dell. Not only does Dell never stop talking, but also releases his foot odor. But I think the film really sores during the hotel sequence, as Dell pushes Neal over the limit with his bedtime sinus clearing ritual and totally wrecking the bathroom.
Another highlight is when they must resort to traveling by car, and Del tries to adjust the seat into a comfortable position. Things become heated between the two, which leads the car to eventually burst into flames but is still believed to be safe for highway travel.
Watch closely for a cameo by Kevin Bacon, as well as Ben Stein and Michael Mckean. (Bonus points if you know who that is) And Edie McClurg appears in a notorious scene in which Neal repeatedly drops the F-bomb.
While the film contains many laughs, it also delivers an emotional punch at the end, when the real truth about Del is revealed. I have honestly watched ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ over a hundred times, and it still isn’t clear to me how Neal comes to the conclusion that he should go back to the subway station to find Del. Guess I’ll have to watch it a few more times.
For a real holiday treat this Thanksgiving, check out ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ or at least ask me to recite it for you.
