Planes, Trains and Automobiles
An irritable marketing executive, Neal Page, is heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving when a number of delays force him to travel with a well meaning but overbearing shower curtain ring salesman, Del Griffith.
Critics Sentiment
Neal delivers profanity filled tirade to car rental employee
Train breaks down near Jefferson City leaving passengers stranded
The film jumps from the train breakdown doldrums at 6.5 to the beloved car rental tirade at 9.2, a swing of 2.7 points representing the shift from travel fatigue to classic comedy gold.
The sentiment arc shows a comedy that builds steadily from good to great, with early character establishment giving way to increasingly beloved set pieces. The film peaks with Martin's legendary car rental meltdown and the wrong-way freeway sequence, before transitioning skillfully from pure comedy to genuine emotional resonance. Critics consistently praise how Hughes balances outrageous humor with heartfelt character development.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 40
Steve Martin
Neal Page
John Candy
Del Griffith
Laila Robins
Susan Page
Michael McKean
State Trooper
Dylan Baker
Owen
Kevin Bacon
Taxi Racer
Olivia Burnette
Marti Page
Carol Bruce
Joy Page
Diana Douglas
Peg
Martin Ferrero
Motel Clerk
Larry Hankin
Doobie
Richard Herd
Walt
Susan Kellermann
Waitress
Matthew Lawrence
Little Neal
Edie McClurg
Car Rental Agent
Susan Isaacs
Marie
John Randolph Jones
Cab Dispatcher
Ben Stein
Wichita Airport Rep
Lyman Ward
John
George Petrie
Martin
Crew
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