Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

John Hughes, 1987
R; 93 minutes

“It is perfectly cast and soundly constructed, and all else flows naturally. Steve Martin and John Candy don't play characters; they embody themselves. That's why the comedy, which begins securely planted in the twin genres of the road movie and the buddy picture, is able to reveal so much heart and truth.” –RogerEbert.com

Easily excitable Neal Page (Steve Martin) is something of a control freak. Trying to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his wife (Laila Robins) and kids, his flight is rerouted to a distant city in Kansas because of a freak snowstorm, and his sanity begins to fray. Worse yet, he is forced to share a room with talkative salesman Del Griffith (John Candy), whom he finds extremely annoying. Together, they must overcome a string of bad luck and the insanity of holiday travel to reach their intended destination.

“My Favorite Films” features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism. This series of films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they draw you in again and again. While many of these films are available through streaming, seeing them in theatre is always more fun.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern followed by an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterward with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online. Click here to purchase tickets online.