Imagine a holiday classic so beloved that it has become a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations, yet most viewers don't realize just how many fascinating secrets lie behind its familiar scenes. But here's where it gets intriguing: the beloved film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles didn't even start with the stars or the script you know today. Its origins and behind-the-scenes stories are far richer and more surprising than you might think.
Released in 1987, the comedy featuring Steve Martin and John Candy has secured its place as a perennial favorite for holiday movie marathons. Its hilarious depiction of travel mishaps—through planes, trains, and automobiles—paired with a heartfelt narrative about friendship, resonates universally. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the film, these seven intriguing facts will deepen your appreciation for this Thanksgiving gem.
First, the story’s roots are grounded in reality. Before John Hughes became a legendary name associated with iconic movies and teen comedies, he worked in advertising—much like Neal Page, Martin’s character. Hughes’s own experience of being rerouted through various cities on a flight from New York to Chicago served as inspiration. His journey involved diversion to Des Moines, then Denver, followed by Phoenix, before finally reaching Chicago after several days’ delay. This real-life ordeal undoubtedly shaped the movie’s humor and authenticity.
Next, the original cut was an astonishing four hours long. The version most of us cherish clocks in at a tight 92 minutes—ideal for a comedy. However, Hughes initially envisioned a film with a 145-page script and over six hours of footage shot, totaling more than 600,000 feet of film. Sadly, most of this extra material was trimmed during editing, leaving behind the polished, fast-paced comedy fans adore today.
Now, here’s a brief but memorable cameo you might not catch—Kevin Bacon’s. In the opening scenes, Bacon races Neal for a cab at the airport, silently making a quick impression. Additionally, he appears later via a voiceover, reminiscing from a clip of another John Hughes film, She’s Having a Baby, which came out the following year. His moments, though brief, add a fun layer of connection to other Hughes works.
Contrary to popular belief, Neal’s house isn’t the same as Kevin McAllister’s from Home Alone. Fans often assume they are the same because they share similar styles and are situated in the Chicago suburbs. Interestingly, Neal’s home is just a few blocks away from Kevin’s neighborhood, which sparks fun speculation about possible crossover encounters—if only within the universe of John Hughes’ films.
What about casting decisions? While Steve Martin and John Candy seem like perfect choices today, they almost weren’t. Hughes originally considered Tom Hanks for Neal and John Travolta for Del Griffith. Other actors like Rick Moranis and John Goodman were also in the running. The roles ultimately went to Martin and Candy, whose performances set a high bar for comedic chemistry.
And here’s a controversial highlight: one scene is responsible for the film’s rare R rating. Neal’s explosive rant at the car rental counter, where Martin unloads 17 F-words in about a minute, is the culprit. Edie McClurg, playing the counter clerk, improvised her part and added her own line during the scene, contributing to its raw intensity. Despite being mostly family-friendly, this moment nudged the movie into R territory.
Finally, there’s an unfinished musical chapter in the film’s history. Elton John was set to compose the theme song, with lyrics by Gary Osborne, but business disputes prevented its release. Paramount wished to own the master recording, but John’s record company refused—leaving the song hypothetical, never reaching audiences.
So, whether you're a dedicated fan or discovering these details for the first time, you've now uncovered some of the most fascinating secrets about this holiday classic. Do you agree with the choices made in the film’s editing or casting? Or do you think the original longer version might have been even better? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation about one of the most heartwarming comedies of all time—because, after all, holiday traditions are all about sharing stories, laughs, and sometimes, a bit of controversy.
