Planes, Trains & Automobiles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A businessman just wants to get home for Thanksgiving, but a shower curtain ring salesman turns his life into a hilarious series of unfortunate events, teaching him the true meaning of friendship (and how to deal with extreme annoyance).

🍿 Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Hectic Departure

Neal Page, a high-strung advertising executive, is in New York City trying to finalize a marketing campaign before Thanksgiving. His client is indecisive, causing Neal to run late for his flight back home to Chicago. He faces numerous obstacles, including losing a cab to another man and ultimately taking a crowded bus to the airport, setting the stage for a chaotic journey.

The Unlikely Encounter

At the airport, Neal encounters Del Griffith, a boisterous shower curtain ring salesman. Their initial interactions are strained, as Del inadvertently ‘steals’ Neal’s taxi. Fate brings them together on the same delayed flight, where Neal is bumped from first class and forced to sit next to Del. This unexpected proximity marks the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that bind them together.

Stranded in Wichita

Due to a severe snowstorm in Chicago, their flight is diverted to Wichita, Kansas. With all hotel rooms booked, Neal begrudgingly agrees to share a room with Del at a dingy motel. Their already strained relationship is tested as they navigate shared spaces, deal with stolen money, and struggle to find alternative transportation to Chicago.

The Long Road Home

The journey from Wichita to Chicago becomes a comical odyssey filled with mishaps. They experience a broken-down train, a crowded bus, and a disastrous rental car experience. The tension escalates when Neal unleashes a profanity-laced tirade at a car rental agent. They even end up driving on the wrong side of the highway, narrowly avoiding a collision.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Neal Page (Steve Martin): An uptight advertising executive desperately trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving.
• Del Griffith (John Candy): A well-meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman who becomes Neal’s unlikely travel companion.
• Susan Page (Laila Robins): Neal’s supportive wife who anxiously awaits his return for Thanksgiving.
• State Trooper (Michael McKean): The police officer who impounds the duo’s damaged car, adding another obstacle to their journey.
• Car Rental Agent (Edie McClurg): The unhelpful and indifferent car rental agent who bears the brunt of Neal’s frustration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Neal: “You can start by wiping that fucking dumb-ass smile off your rosy fucking cheeks!” – Neal’s iconic outburst at the car rental agent after discovering his car isn’t available.
• Del: “You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better.” – Del’s heartfelt response to Neal’s insults, revealing his own vulnerability.
• Del: “I like me.” – Del firmly states his self-acceptance despite Neal’s criticisms.
• Neal: “Those aren’t pillows!” – Neal’s startled reaction upon waking up in the motel and discovering the intimate situation.
• Del: “Where are we going?” – Del’s calm question while driving the wrong way down the highway, moments before a near-fatal encounter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $49,530,280
• Worldwide Gross: $49,530,280

💥 Planes, Trains & Automobiles Reviews

Personal Review

This movie is a Thanksgiving staple in my house. I laugh every single time, even though I know all the jokes by heart. The airport scene is legendary, and John Candy’s performance is just so endearing. I always tear up at the end. This movie makes me appreciate the importance of kindness and connection, especially during the holidays. It is hilarious and heartwarming at the same time, a perfect blend of humor and emotion.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve Martin and John Candy”
  • “Viewers who enjoy road trip comedies”
  • “People looking for a heartwarming Thanksgiving movie”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Profanity (including frequent use of the F-word in one scene)”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Smoking”
  • “Adult themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A hilarious and heartwarming film, with a touch of sadness. Martin and Candy are perfectly cast. The ending avoids corniness and provides genuine emotional impact. One of the best comedies of the 80’s.
• Variety: “A riotous road movie, filled with slapstick and great comedic timing. The chemistry between Steve Martin and John Candy is undeniable, elevating the film beyond typical buddy comedies.

Audience Reactions

The car rental scene is iconic, with Steve Martin’s profanity-laced rant being both shocking and hilarious.: Viewers praised the perfect blend of comedy and heart, making it a relatable and enjoyable experience.

John Candy’s ‘You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead’ monologue is deeply moving and reveals the hidden depths of his character.: Fans appreciate the film’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotion, creating a memorable and impactful story.

Overall Consensus: A beloved comedy classic that combines laugh-out-loud moments with heartwarming emotion, making it a timeless Thanksgiving favorite.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Candy and Steve Martin both considered this their favorite film they had worked on.”
• “John Hughes wrote the script in just three days.”
• “The film was shot in sequence, following the characters’ journey from New York to Chicago.”

🖥️ How to Watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles?

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video (for rent or purchase), Apple TV (for rent or purchase), and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings, especially around Thanksgiving. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available at most retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Planes, Trains & Automobiles, you might like these similar films:

• The Great Outdoors (1988): Also starring John Candy in a comedy about a family vacation gone wrong.
• Due Date (2010): A modern road trip comedy with similar themes of mismatched travelers and disastrous circumstances.
• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): Embodies the spirit of a family road trip gone hilariously awry.
• Midnight Run (1988): A buddy road movie from the same era, blending comedy with action and character development.

🛒 Planes, Trains & Automobiles Related Products

• Planes, Trains & Automobiles (Blu-ray): Own the classic comedy on Blu-ray with enhanced picture and sound quality for the ultimate viewing experience.
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• Planes, Trains & Automobiles: The Deluxe Edition [Soundtrack]: Own the classic soundtrack from the movie.
• You Wanna Hurt Me T-Shirt: Show your love for Planes, Trains and Automobiles with this iconic movie quote t-shirt.

🎧 Soundtrack

Planes, Trains & Automobiles features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mess Around” – performed by Ray Charles
• “Holiday Road” – performed by Lindsey Buckingham
• “Ba-Na-Na-Bam-Boo” – performed by Westworld

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

john candy mess around

Prepare for a good laugh, as John Candy brings the house down with his iconic ‘Mess Around’ routine. This side-splitting clip will make you appreciate his comedic genius all over again.

What You Never Knew About Planes Trains and Automobiles

Ever wonder what went on behind the scenes of ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’? This video will give you the scoop, uncovering little-known facts and trivia that will enhance your appreciation for this classic comedy.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Planes,Trains,&Automobiles

Did you think you knew everything about ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’? Prepare to be surprised as this video reveals 10 captivating trivia points that will expand your knowledge and make you a walking encyclopedia of movie facts.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Deleted Scene

Attention, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles devotees! Here’s a rare treat—a deleted scene that didn’t make it into the final cut of the movie. Witness a previously unseen moment that adds depth to the characters and story.

✨ Rate