Planes, Trains and Automobiles 1987
"What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family. What he got was three days with the turkey."
John Hughes' 1987 comedy masterpiece *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* follows Neal Page, a stressed-out marketing executive racing to reach Chicago for Thanksgiving, only to find his journey hijacked by an endless string of mishaps.
Director: John Hughes
Cast
Steve Martin
Neal Page
John Candy
Del Griffith
Laila Robins
Susan Page
Michael McKean
State Trooper
Dylan Baker
Owen
Kevin Bacon
Taxi Racer
Olivia Burnette
Marti Page
Carol Bruce
Joy Page
Diana Douglas
Peg
Martin Ferrero
Motel Clerk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) about?
The film follows Neal Page, a harried marketing executive trying to get home for Thanksgiving, who ends up stuck with Del Griffith, a boisterous salesman, after a series of travel disasters. Their forced journey becomes a comedy of errors that ultimately turns into an unlikely bond.
Who directed Planes, Trains and Automobiles?
John Hughes, the acclaimed writer-director behind *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* and *The Breakfast Club*, helmed this 1987 holiday comedy.
Who stars in Planes, Trains and Automobiles?
The film features Steve Martin as Neal Page and John Candy as Del Griffith, alongside Laila Robins, Michael McKean, and Kevin Bacon in supporting roles.
Is Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) worth watching?
Absolutely—this comedy blends sharp humor with heartfelt moments, making it a holiday staple. The chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy elevates the story beyond simple slapstick, offering both laughs and a touch of nostalgia.
How long is Planes, Trains and Automobiles?
The film runs for 92 minutes, a perfect runtime for a tight, engaging comedy.
🎥 Trailer
About Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) — A Comedy Classic of Travel Chaos and Unexpected Friendship
John Hughes' 1987 comedy masterpiece *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* follows Neal Page, a stressed-out marketing executive racing to reach Chicago for Thanksgiving, only to find his journey hijacked by an endless string of mishaps. Forced into an uneasy alliance with Del Griffith, a relentlessly cheerful but socially oblivious shower curtain ring salesman, Neal's meticulously planned trip spirals into a chaotic odyssey of missed flights, broken-down cars, and questionable hotel stays. What begins as a nightmare of travel woes slowly transforms into an unlikely friendship, revealing the humor and heart hidden beneath life's most frustrating detours.
Blending sharp wit with genuine warmth, this holiday classic captures the absurdity of modern travel while exploring themes of patience, connection, and the unexpected silver linings in life's most trying moments. With Steve Martin and John Candy delivering career-best performances, *Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)* is a timeless comedy that turns a simple cross-country trip into a rollercoaster of laughter and lessons.
