“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”: The Best Thanksgiving Film for the Family

Ian D’Amato 

Staff Writer 

As the holiday season approaches many during the month of November begin to watch Christmas movies, but they tend to forget all about Thanksgiving. Why are there no Thanksgiving movies you ask? Well there are, and the best one in my opinion is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”. Disclaimer: spoilers ahead!

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” features famous comedy actors Steve Martin, and John Candy and was directed by John Hughes who directed many famous 80s classics, like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, “Sixteen Candles”, and “The Breakfast Club”. Steve Martin plays a rigid marketing executive named “Neal Page” who is in New York City attending an important meeting just before Thanksgiving. 

Neal can’t wait to make it back to his wife and kids at home in Chicago for the holiday but runs into unexpected delays. Neal’s board meeting unfortunately runs late, and he rushes to get to his cab on time, only to have it stolen by Del Griffith, a goofy shower curtain ring salesman played by John Candy. Neal chases the cab down but cannot get in, and is forced to take another cab which makes him late to the airport. 

When he arrives at the airport he sits down next to no one other than Dell Griffith whom he confronts about stealing his cab. The two then end up on the same flight which is delayed, and then rerouted to Wichita due to inclement weather. The two then end up in the same dingy, shady motel after a rough cab ride together to discover the fact that this motel only has one bed. 

Neal is driven insane by Del as he is obnoxious and does whatever he pleases such as smoke and drink in the hotel room which bothers Neal, causing him to scream at Del in a comedic fashion. The two end up having their money stolen, eating in poor diners, getting pulled over, and having their car destroyed, all while traveling all over the midwest from Wichita to St Louis, to southern Illinois finally back to Chicago. 

During this journey Neal yells at Del more than once, and begins losing his temper on everyone due to the stress of this trip. This film is filled with ridiculous scenes that highlight the culture of the midwest and cross country travel, and shares the unusual bond that develops between these two distinctly different characters as they learn to overcome their differences, and help one another make it home. 

In the end it is discovered that Del’s wife sadly passed away, and he is homeless, as once in Chicago he stays at the train station and mentions it’s now his home. Neal learns a lesson about humility and empathy, as he feels sorrow for Del and invites him over Thanksgiving and apologizes for his verbal abuse along their journey. 

Even though this film is a comedy it has a deeper meaning of uniting with those who you’d least expect, helping others overcome hardship, and shares the meaning of being thankful for our families.