As the holidays approach, most people will kick back and enjoy their favorite Christmas movies. However, a select few will turn to a classic Thanksgiving comedy released in 1987: “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” 

Directed by John Hughes, the film focuses on Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy), who meet each other on their journeys to Chicago. Page, already desperate to get home for Thanksgiving and even more desperate to get away from Griffith, endures a streak of bad luck, including flight cancellations, train malfunctions and car crashes. 

Page, a classy corporate man, cannot stand Griffith’s chatty, cheesy jokes and messy lifestyle. The two work together as they make their way to Chicago, arguing the entire time. Page suspects that Griffith is leeching off his money, and cannot ditch him despite his best efforts. The two share hotels, taxi cabs, rental cars and a bed. Griffith, though annoying, is compassionate and empathetic towards Page’s cold personality. 

Throughout the film, Griffith makes several references to his wife, Marie. Once the duo finally reaches Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, Griffith reveals to Page that he is homeless, and his wife had passed away eight years prior. In a change of heart, Page invites Griffith to his home for Thanksgiving dinner.

Behind the hilarious bickering between Page and Griffith and countless disasters during the journey, the movie carries a deeper theme. Griffith has no home or family to return to. In fact, Griffith attached himself to Page for company, rather than money. Knowing this, the entire film can be perceived through a different lens. Even the smallest actions or gestures can help develop human connection. Griffith’s actions, such as offering to sit with Page on the train or share a meal, were gestures of someone desperate to feel a human connection. These feelings of alienation and emptiness are often amplified during the holiday season, when friends and family gather. Griffith’s easygoing tone and upbeat humour, despite the loss of his wife and home, make him a tragic character viewers can sympathize with.

On the other hand, Page goes through his own development. His trip of misfortunes forces him to remain traveling with Griffith. After disliking and scolding Griffith on multiple occasions, Page reflects on his conversations with Griffith and realizes his story doesn’t add up. Once Page learns the truth, the moments of annoyance and over-attachment make painfully perfect sense. The final scene reveals Page reunited with his family and his wife, as Griffith observes with a tearful smile. While Griffith is glad to see Page’s journey completed, he is reminded of everything he’s lost: the warmth of a home and the love of a family.

The film features a great soundtrack, including Paul Young’s “Every Time You Go Away” and Book of Love’s “Lost in Your Eyes.” Aside from Steve Martin and John Candy, recognizable actors such as Kevin Bacon, Laila Robins, and Edie McClurg make brief appearances.

In a documentary about his career and life titled “STEVE! (Martin),” Steve Martin revealed that several scenes were cut to shorten the runtime, leaving entire subplots and characters out. The final cut runs at a fast pace, clocking in at one hour and 33 minutes. 

Director John Hughes has an extensive catalogue, including “The Breakfast Club,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Sixteen Candles” and “Home Alone.” Though less recognized, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” has the same humour, emotional depth and nostalgic 1980s charm that audiences associate with Hughes’ other works. 

Before slipping into the typical Christmas movie binge, give “Planes, Trains  and Automobiles” a watch.