How Steve Martin and John Hughes Created a Comedy Classic
John Hughes, known for redefining coming-of-age movies, also penned the ultimate Thanksgiving comedy, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, starring Steve Martin—whom Hughes famously dubbed “the funniest man alive.”
John Hughes is often celebrated for breathing new life into the coming-of-age genre, and his knack for making young characters feel authentic is clear in films like The Breakfast Club and the Home Alone series. But his creative reach went far beyond stories about teenagers. In 1987, Hughes wrote and directed a holiday movie that would become a staple for generations. While plenty of films are set around Christmas or New Year’s, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stands out as the quintessential Thanksgiving movie, capturing the hectic energy and deep emotions that come with the holiday season.
Despite being one of the funniest scripts Hughes ever crafted, Planes, Trains and Automobiles needed a major star to bring its R-rated humor to life. Hughes didn’t have to search long before landing on Steve Martin, a comedian he once called
“the funniest man alive.”
Martin was already a legend in stand-up and had made a name for himself in film. While many comics end up playing versions of themselves on screen, Martin had already shown his range in movies like All of Me and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.
Unexpected Chemistry on Set
Even with Martin’s impressive resume, Hughes admitted he was nervous about meeting him before filming began. In an interview with The Boston Herald, Hughes recalled being surprised by Martin’s down-to-earth attitude and how quickly he clicked with his co-star.
“He was the first real rock-and-roll comedian who appeared in arenas, not little clubs,”
Hughes said.
“So I was a little in awe when he came to my home for a meeting for Planes, Trains. I found him disarming and cooperative. Then I met John Candy, he was the same sort of man. We became fast friends.”
On paper, pairing Martin with John Candy might have seemed odd. Both were huge comedic talents, but their styles were worlds apart. Martin’s films leaned toward clever satire, while Candy was known for his physical comedy and roles in National Lampoon movies. Yet, the chemistry they found together on set turned Planes, Trains and Automobiles into a career-defining moment for both actors.
A Timeless Duo
The film’s blend of sharp wit and slapstick humor explored the ups and downs of friendship and family, making it both hilarious and heartfelt. After Candy’s untimely death in 1994, Planes, Trains and Automobiles was mentioned in nearly every tribute to his career. While many beloved comedies from the 1980s have been remade with new casts, the unique dynamic between Martin and Candy has made the idea of a reboot almost unthinkable. Hughes managed to capture a kind of movie magic with these two icons that still resonates decades later.