SHOW NOTES: PLANES TRAINS and AUTOMOBILES (1987)

This week’s movie

Synopsis

It tells the story of Neal Page, an uptight marketing executive, and Del Griffith, a well-meaning but annoying salesman, who become travel companions when their flight is diverted, and embark on a 3-day odyssey of misadventures trying to reach Chicago in time for Neal’s Thanksgiving Day dinner with his family.

Actors & Crew

Steve Martin: 1945-present. We all know and love him, but here are some fun facts on how he got to where he is: his first job (in high school) was at the NEWLY OPENED Disneyland from 1955-1958. He took on a passion for magic. By 1960, he had mastered several magic tricks and illusions and took a paying job at the Magic shop in Fantasyland. After high school, Martin attended Santa Ana College, taking classes in drama and English poetry. He then enrolled at CSU Long Beach, with a major in philosophy. In 1967, Martin transferred to UCLA and switched his major to theater. He dropped out of college at 21. He won an Emmy at 23 for his writing on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and his first national appearance was on this show in 1968.

John Candy: 1950-1994. John grew up in Ontario, Canada. Candy attended Neil McNeil Catholic High School.Long before considering acting, Candy dreamed of becoming a professional football player but a knee injury during his high school football career prevented him from fulfilling his dream.He started acting while in college, where he starred in plays and children’s shows, and made a name for himself on Second City TV. Candy appeared on Saturday Night Live twice (hosting in 1983) while still appearing on SCTV. Candy’s first lead role in a Hollywood film came with Summer Rental (1985). Candy died in his sleep at the age of 43, on March 4, 1994, in Durango, Mexico, while filming the movie, Wagons East;

I Like Me Documentary

Directed by John Hughes

Release/Worth:

Released: November 25, 1987 (day before Thanksgiving)

Budget: $15mil

Gross: $49.5mil

Rewatch verdict and Cringe Meter

Critics Consensus

Thanks to the impeccable chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy, as well as a deft mix of humor and heart, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a hilarious, heartfelt holiday classic.