Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Main Plot

Planes, Trains & Automobiles follows the misadventures of Neal Page, a marketing executive trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. After a long day of work in New York City, Neal's plans go awry when a snowstorm disrupts air travel. In his quest to reach home, he reluctantly teams up with Del Griffith, a cheerful but overly talkative shower curtain ring salesman. The two embark on a chaotic journey filled with various modes of transportation, including planes, trains, and automobiles. As they navigate a series of comedic and frustrating obstacles, their contrasting personalities lead to both humorous and poignant moments. Throughout their travels, the unlikely duo faces mishaps that test their patience and resilience, ultimately revealing deeper themes of friendship and the importance of human connection during the holiday season.

Characters

• Steve Martin plays Neal Page, a stressed-out marketing executive desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving, facing numerous travel mishaps alongside an eccentric salesman.
• John Candy plays Del Griffith, a talkative shower curtain ring salesman who helps Neal Page, a stressed marketing executive, navigate a chaotic journey home for Thanksgiving.
• Laila Robins plays Susan Page, Neal Page's wife, who anxiously awaits his return home for Thanksgiving amidst his travel misadventures.

Ending Explained

At the end of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, the main characters, Neal and Del, finally reach their destination after a series of comedic and frustrating travel mishaps. After enduring a chaotic journey filled with unexpected obstacles, including a car fire and being stranded overnight, they arrive in Chicago just in time for Thanksgiving. However, Neal is initially focused on getting home to his family, feeling the weight of the holiday and the stress of his journey. In a poignant moment, Neal discovers that Del has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. This revelation shifts Neal's perspective, highlighting themes of compassion and connection. Instead of leaving Del behind, Neal invites him to join his family for the holiday. This act of kindness resolves the main conflict of the film, which revolves around the struggle to connect with others amidst chaos and adversity. The ending emphasizes the importance of human connection, especially during the holidays. Neal's decision to include Del not only solidifies their bond but also reinforces the film's overarching message about the value of friendship and the unexpected relationships formed during challenging times. The film concludes on a heartwarming note, showcasing the joy of togetherness and the spirit of Thanksgiving.