Exploring the Key St. Louis Scenes in the Beloved Thanksgiving Classic
As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of people across the country are preparing for the annual pilgrimage back home to celebrate with their families. This time-honored tradition is not always smooth sailing, as depicted in the 1987 hit comedy “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Directed by John Hughes, the film follows the misadventures of Neal Page (played by Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (played by John Candy) as they navigate various modes of transportation in a desperate attempt to make it back to Chicago from New York in time for Thanksgiving. Along their tumultuous journey, St. Louis plays a significant role, providing the backdrop for several memorable scenes. Let’s take a closer look at five key moments in the film that take place in the Gateway to the West.
Selling Shower Curtains
Upon arriving in St. Louis, Neal and Del find themselves short on cash due to an unexpected theft in Kansas. In a bid to recoup their losses, Del, a salesman, tries to sell shower curtain rings to fellow travelers, even marketing them as earrings to female customers. Although this scene was filmed elsewhere in Illinois, it captures the resourcefulness and determination of the characters as they navigate their way through the city.
Grabbing a Meal
During a meal together, Neal and Del engage in a heartfelt conversation about their family lives. Neal reveals his regret over missing his daughter’s recital, while Del confesses that he hasn’t been home in years, longing for the “precious moments” with his wife Marie. This poignant scene highlights the unlikely bond that forms between the two characters amidst their chaotic journey. However, tensions arise when the topic of who should pay the dinner bill sparks a heated debate.
Rental Car Search
Desperate to find a way to continue their journey, Neal calls his family for assistance in arranging a rental car. Unfortunately, when he arrives at the rental car lot, the car he reserved is nowhere to be found. Frustrated, Neal throws his paperwork in the air and trudges back to the airport terminal through the snow. The scene was filmed against the backdrop of the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, adding a touch of authenticity to the story.
Memorable Rant
Returning to the airport terminal, Neal’s frustration reaches a boiling point as he waits in line at the Marathon car rental service. The clerk, preoccupied with a personal phone call, provokes Neal’s ire. In a scene that contributed to the film’s R-rating, Neal unleashes a memorable rant, using a certain curse word 18 times in roughly one minute. The clerk’s lack of assistance only further exacerbates Neal’s predicament, leaving him without a resolution.
Scary Encounter
With limited options, Neal decides to seek a cab to Chicago, only to be met with a sarcastic remark from the dispatcher, who reminds him that he is in St. Louis. A heated exchange ensues, culminating in the dispatcher punching Neal, causing him to fall to the ground and narrowly escape being run over by a passing car. To his surprise, the driver of the car is none other than Del Griffith, reuniting the two and providing a glimmer of hope for their journey ahead.
Conclusion:
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” takes viewers on a chaotic and hilarious adventure, with St. Louis serving as a pivotal setting for several memorable scenes. From the shower curtain ring sales pitch to the rental car mishap and the unforgettable airport encounter, the city becomes a character in its own right. Through the ups and downs of their journey, Neal and Del’s bond grows stronger, reminding us of the importance of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. As Thanksgiving approaches, this timeless comedy continues to resonate with audiences, offering a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection and the joy of coming home.
Where to stream:
For those looking to revisit this Thanksgiving classic, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo, fuboTV, and Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. It can also be purchased on YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, and AppleTV. Additionally, keep an eye out for opportunities to watch it for free on Pluto TV. So gather your loved ones, buckle up, and embark on a journey filled with laughter, mishaps, and ultimately, the spirit of Thanksgiving.
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