How did the director, John Hughes, approach the filmmaking process for "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"?

Hughes was known for his willingness to let his actors ad-lib, and he encouraged Martin and Candy to improvise and come up with countless memorable moments that were not in the original script.

What were some of the challenges the cast and crew faced during the filming of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"?

The harsh winter weather and logistical hurdles, such as chasing the snow and dealing with missing planes, made the filming process chaotic and difficult at times. However, Martin and Candy remained dedicated to bringing their characters to life and delivering a film that would become a Thanksgiving staple.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Comedic Duo's Hilarious Road Trip: Behind the Scenes of a Thanksgiving Classic

Comedic Duo's Hilarious Road Trip: Behind the Scenes of a Thanksgiving Classic

7 Oct

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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

Comedic Duo's Hilarious Road Trip: Behind the Scenes of a Thanksgiving Classic

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.