What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family. What he got was three days with the turkey.|Nov. 26, 1987|USA|93 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy
Description: Neal Page, an advertising executive, is on a business trip in New York City and is eager to return to his family in Chicago before Thanksgiving, which is just two days away. After a long and frustrating meeting with an indecisive client, Neal struggles to catch a cab during rush hour. His attempt to bribe someone for a cab fails when another man takes it. Neal eventually reaches JFK Airport only to find his flight delayed. While waiting, he encounters Del Griffith, a talkative and overweight shower curtain ring salesman, who Neal recognizes as the man who unintentionally took the cab earlier. To Neal’s dismay, he is seated next to Del on the crowded flight to O’Hare.
Due to a blizzard in Chicago, their flight is diverted to Wichita, forcing them to stay overnight. Neal is unable to secure a hotel room, but Del, a seasoned traveler, manages to find one and invites Neal to share it. During check-in, Del accidentally takes Neal’s credit card. In their shared room, Neal loses his temper over Del’s annoying habits, while Del criticizes Neal’s ungrateful attitude. Despite their argument, they eventually reconcile and awkwardly share the bed. During the night, however, all their cash is stolen by an intruder.
The next day, with flights still delayed, Neal buys train tickets to Chicago for both of them, but they are seated in separate cars. Unfortunately, the train breaks down near Jefferson City, Missouri, stranding the passengers. Neal feels sorry for Del, who is struggling with his heavy trunk, and they reunite. They board a crowded bus to St. Louis, where Del cleverly sells shower curtain rings as earrings to raise money for their journey. After an argument during lunch, Neal offends Del, and they part ways once again.
Cast director: John Hughes
Cast actor: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Dylan Baker, Kevin Bacon, Olivia Burnette, Carol Bruce, Diana Douglas, Martin Ferrero
Original name: Planes, Trains and Automobiles