Planes, Trains & Automobiles 1987

Neal Page, a highly-strung advertising executive, is determined to make it home to his family in Chicago just two days before Thanksgiving. However, his plans quickly unravel as he grapples with the hustle and bustle of New York City’s rush hour. Following a frustrating meeting with his indecisive client, Mr. Bryant, Neal is compelled to navigate the city’s notoriously unreliable cab-hailing system, resorting to bribing a stranger simply to secure a ride to LaGuardia Airport. Unfortunately for him, fate takes an unexpected turn when he comes across Del Griffith, a quirky shower curtain ring salesman who inadvertently hijacks his cab.

While waiting for a delayed flight at LaGuardia, Neal finds himself awkwardly seated next to Del, the very man who stole his cab earlier that day. With the two of them on an ill-fated journey to O’Hare International Airport, they are forced to endure not just bad weather but also each other’s company through turbulence and comedic chaos.

Their troubles escalate when the plane is rerouted to Wichita, Kansas, owing to a hefty blizzard blanketing Chicago. Left scrambling for a place to stay, Neal hesitantly accepts Del’s invitation to share a room at a nearby motel, only to discover that the accommodations have been accidentally double-booked. As they are thrown together in a cramped hotel room, their starkly contrasting personalities spark a series of uproarious misunderstandings and confrontations.

As the night stretches on and their money mysteriously disappears, Neal and Del find themselves with no choice but to unite once again, this time boarding an old train bound for Chicago. Amidst their train travel trials, they engage in comical arguments over trivial matters like snack choices and seating, showcasing their growing discomfort with each other.

When the train unexpectedly breaks down near Jefferson City, Missouri, they find themselves stranded in a field where their differences seem insurmountable. But as they bide their time waiting for help, an unexpected bond begins to form, allowing them to discover shared struggles that ultimately lead to an unlikely friendship.

In the chaos of St. Louis Airport, Neal’s series of misadventures continues, beginning with an exasperated encounter regarding his missing rental car. His attempts to book a taxi spiral into a chaotic physical altercation prompted by his own impatience. Just when he hits his breaking point, Del comes to the rescue, whisking Neal away in his own rental car. Their journey quickly turns chaotic as Del’s reckless driving nearly leads to disaster, and an unfortunate accident with a careless cigarette results in the renting car going up in flames. Adding to the absurdity, Neal learns that Del had used his credit card to secure the vehicle, adding a twist to their unfolding tale.

As night falls, Neal faces a challenging predicament, having lost his cards in the fire. Desperate for shelter, he trades his watch for a motel room while Del finds himself stuck in the wreckage of their fiery vehicle. The following morning, sympathetic to Del’s misfortunes, Neal invites him in, and they bond over tiny liquor bottles and tales of their wild escapades.

With no functioning vehicle, the duo embarks on yet another wild journey, this time hitching a ride in a truck driver’s refrigerated trailer, leading to an eye-opening experience on the road. Upon finally reaching his destination, Neal reflects on the extensive tribulations faced along the way, realizing something crucial on a commuter train into the city: Del has not been journeying home in the traditional sense. Understanding gradually dawns on Neal, leading him back to the station where Del waits patiently.

Upon discovering the heartbreaking truths about Del’s life as a widower turned homeless man, Neal’s heart is moved with compassion. He extends an invitation to Del for Thanksgiving dinner at his home, introducing him warmly to his family. By the end of the festive meal, the undeniable bond formed between these two seemingly mismatched individuals becomes evident, forever altering the course of their lives.

In a touching post-credits scene, Mr. Bryant is found still entrenched in his office, surrounded by remnants of a Thanksgiving meal gone cold. As he contemplates the perfect concept for his latest marketing campaign, it becomes apparent that even the simplest tasks can be imbued with warmth and humanity amidst life’s chaos.