Exploring the Memorable St. Louis Scenes in the Classic Thanksgiving Film
As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of people embark on the annual pilgrimage back home to celebrate with their families. This journey can often be filled with unexpected twists and turns, much like the iconic 1987 comedy film, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Directed by John Hughes and starring Steve Martin and John Candy, the film follows the misadventures of two strangers, Neal Page and Del Griffith, as they try to make it from New York to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they find themselves in St. Louis, where several key scenes unfold. Let’s take a closer look at these memorable moments in the Gateway City.
Selling Shower Curtains:
After being rerouted to Wichita, Kansas, Neal and Del eventually find themselves in St. Louis, both short on money. In an attempt to recoup their losses, Del, a salesman, tries to sell shower curtain rings to fellow travelers, passing them off as earrings. Although the scene was filmed elsewhere in Illinois, it captures the resourcefulness and comedic desperation of the characters in St. Louis.
Grabbing a Meal:
Amid their chaotic journey, Neal and Del find a moment of respite in St. Louis. They share a meal together, where they open up about their family lives. Neal reveals his regret for missing his daughter’s recital, while Del confesses that he hasn’t been home in years, missing precious moments with his wife. The conversation deepens their bond and offers a glimpse into the complexities of their characters.
Rental Car Search:
Desperate to continue their journey, Neal arranges for a rental car over the phone. However, upon arriving at the lot, he discovers that the car he reserved is not available. Frustrated and disheartened, Neal throws his paperwork in the air and trudges back to the airport terminal through the snowy St. Louis weather. The scene, filmed with the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in the background, perfectly captures Neal’s mounting frustration and the harsh realities of travel.
Memorable Rant:
Returning to the airport terminal, Neal’s frustration reaches its peak when he encounters a clerk at the Marathon car rental service. Frustrated by the clerk’s lack of assistance, Neal unleashes a memorable rant, punctuated by a certain curse word. This scene, which contributed to the film’s R-rating, showcases Steve Martin’s comedic talent and perfectly captures the exasperation felt by many travelers.
Scary Encounter:
With limited options, Neal approaches a cab dispatcher outside the Lambert Airport terminal, requesting a ride to Chicago. The dispatcher, unaware of Neal’s situation, sarcastically suggests taking a flight instead. This exchange escalates quickly, leading to a physical altercation in which the dispatcher punches Neal. As Neal falls to the ground, a car nearly runs him over, only to be revealed as Del Griffith, who comes to his rescue.
Conclusion:
“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” takes viewers on a wild and hilarious journey, with St. Louis serving as a pivotal backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. From the desperate attempts to sell shower curtains to the heated encounter with the cab dispatcher, the Gateway City adds an extra layer of chaos and comedic charm to the story. As Thanksgiving approaches, this classic film reminds us of the unexpected adventures that can arise when we embark on the journey back home. So, whether you’re traveling this holiday season or enjoying the film from the comfort of your home, let the spirit of “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” bring a smile to your face and gratitude to your heart.
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