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Comedic Duo's Hilarious Road Trip: Behind the Scenes of a Thanksgiving Classic
7 Oct
Summary
- Steve Martin and John Candy's natural comedic chemistry on set
- Challenges of filming in harsh winter conditions and chasing the weather
- Improvisation and on-set antics that added to the film's iconic moments
According to a new book published in 2025, the making of the 1987 comedy classic "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" was a chaotic yet hilarious journey for its stars, Steve Martin and John Candy. The two comedians quickly found a natural groove together, with Candy's improvisational skills and Martin's dramatic flair complementing each other perfectly on set.
The film's director, John Hughes, was known for his willingness to let his actors ad-lib, and Martin and Candy took full advantage of this, coming up with countless memorable moments that were not in the original script. From their playful on-set banter to their now-iconic shared bed scene, the two comedians fed off each other's energy and made the most of the challenging filming conditions.
Despite the harsh winter weather and logistical hurdles, Martin and Candy remained dedicated to bringing their characters to life and delivering a film that would become a Thanksgiving staple. Their natural chemistry and ability to make each other laugh, even in the face of adversity, is what ultimately made "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" the beloved comedy it is today.
