As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are preparing to travel to be with their loved ones. Traveling during this time can be stressful, as shown in the classic Thanksgiving movie, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” which takes viewers on a wild ride through St. Louis.
In this 1987 film, Steve Martin and John Candy play the lead roles of Neal Page and Del Griffith, who are trying to make it back to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they encounter a series of hilarious mishaps, including a memorable scene at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
After failing to catch a flight, Neal attempts to rent a car in St. Louis, only to find that the car he reserved is not available. Frustrated, he throws his paperwork and treks back to the airport terminal in the cold and snowy weather. This scene was filmed against the backdrop of the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.
Upon returning to the terminal, Neal confronts a clerk at the Marathon car rental service, unleashing a tirade of curse words in a fit of frustration. The clerk, unimpressed by Neal’s outburst, demands documentation for the rental car order, which Neal has lost. This interaction ends with more tension and no resolution.
Feeling defeated, Neal seeks a cab to take him to Chicago, but is met with sarcasm and aggression from the dispatcher. The situation escalates, leading to a physical altercation that ends with Neal nearly getting run over by a car – driven by none other than Del Griffith.
Despite their differences, Neal and Del eventually make it back to Chicago just in time for Thanksgiving, with Neal experiencing a change of heart along the way.
For those interested in watching “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” the movie is available for streaming on various platforms such as Paramount+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime video. It can also be purchased on YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, and AppleTV, with occasional free showings on Pluto TV.
This Thanksgiving classic serves as a reminder of the ups and downs of holiday travel, and the importance of patience and understanding during the journey to reunite with loved ones.
