Exploring the Memorable St. Louis Scenes in the Classic Thanksgiving Film
As families across the nation prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, many will embark on the annual pilgrimage back home. This journey is not always smooth sailing, as depicted in the beloved 1987 comedy “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Directed by John Hughes, the film follows the misadventures of Neal Page and Del Griffith as they try to make it from New York to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. Along the way, the duo finds 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:
Arriving in St. Louis, Neal and Del find themselves short on cash after a theft in Kansas. In an attempt to recoup some of their losses, Del, a salesman, tries to sell shower curtain rings to fellow travelers, passing them off as earrings. While this scene takes place in St. Louis, it was actually filmed elsewhere in Illinois.
Grabbing a meal:
During a meal in St. Louis, Neal and Del open up about their family lives. Neal confesses that he is missing his daughter’s recital, while Del reveals that he hasn’t been home in years, missing precious moments with his wife, Marie. After their heartfelt conversation, Neal suggests they part ways to expedite their journey, leading to some contentious discussions about the dinner bill.
Rental car search:
Desperate to continue their journey, Neal calls his family for help in arranging a rental car. However, upon arriving 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. This scene was filmed with the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in the background.
Memorable rant:
Returning to the airport terminal, Neal’s frustration boils over as he waits in line at the Marathon car rental service. The clerk is preoccupied with a personal phone call, leading Neal to unleash a memorable rant, punctuated with a certain curse word. The clerk demands documentation, which Neal admits to losing, leaving him without a resolution and the clerk with the final word.
Scary encounter:
Realizing his options are dwindling, Neal approaches a cab dispatcher and requests a ride to Chicago. The dispatcher, however, sarcastically suggests he try the airline for a faster journey and a free meal. This exchange escalates into a heated confrontation, resulting in the dispatcher punching Neal. As Neal falls to the ground, he narrowly avoids being hit by a passing car. To his surprise, the driver is none other than Del Griffith, leading to their reunion and a glimmer of hope for their journey.
Conclusion:
Though their journey is filled with mishaps and tensions, Neal and Del eventually make it back to the Chicago area on Thanksgiving Day. St. Louis serves as a backdrop for several pivotal scenes in “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” showcasing the city’s role in their tumultuous adventure. As families gather this Thanksgiving, the film serves as a reminder of the challenges and unexpected connections that can arise during the journey back home.
Where to stream?
For those looking to enjoy “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” during their Thanksgiving plans, the film is available on various streaming 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. Keep an eye out for potential free viewings on Pluto TV as well.
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