All that Neal Page wants to do is to get home for Thanksgiving. His flight has been cancelled due to bad weather, so he decides on other means of transport. As well as bad luck, Neal is blessed with the presence of Del Griffith, shower curtain ring salesman and all-around blabbermouth who is never short of advice, conversation, bad jokes, or company. And when he decides that he is going the same direction as Neal....Written by
Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
John Hughes wrote the first-draft of the screenplay in three days. His average writing time for a screenplay in those days was about three to five days with twenty-some re-writes. See more »
Goofs
At the motel, when Neil (Steve Martin) trades his watch for a room, he tells the desk clerk that he has 17 dollars on him. When the camera cuts to the desk, there actually are 20 dollars in notes and a few coins. See more »
Quotes
Del:
How about your bun?
Neal:
No, no it's too hard.
Del:
Sure?
Del:
[Del tries to get the old man's attention]
Sir? Excuse me. Would you like a bun?
Man on plane:
[the man misunderstands Del]
Oh it's fun. Flights fun.
Del:
[Del laughs]
No no no, would you like the bun?
Man on plane:
Uh what's that?
Del:
I'm offering you a bun.
Man on plane:
Speak up!
Del:
Do you want the bun?
[...] See more »
Crazy Credits
There are no opening credits after the title, which scrolls across the screen like a plane, train, and automobile. See more »
Alternate Versions
TV version show a scene during the first plane ride where they order dinner. Del talks about which he meals he orders according to what airline he's flying. Neal's dinner is lasagna, which due to various delays, has been reheated several times. Unsatisfied, Neal gives the lasagna and the rest of his food, to Del, who shares it with the old man next to Neal. Neal keeps the brownie with his meal, but a lady in front of them throws her hair back, disgusting Neal, so he gives the brownie to Del, who again shares it with the old guy giving him "the bigger half." See more »
Steve Martin and John Candy do a wonderful job playing off each other in this memorable comedy. Of friends of mine I know who have seen this movie, they all vividly remember this movie and their favorite scenes.
Martin and Candy are stuck without plane rides home and wind up trying all modes of transportation to reach their destination. Both run into unbelievable obstacles, most of them the fault of Candy, who drives Martin almost insane. Candy was the funnier of the two in this story but both comedians were at the top of their game here. Too bad there was so much profanity for a film that could have been enjoyed by everyone but some it is almost appropriate, especially with Martin's character. Candy's role would have made anyone swear. Martin's profane tirade with the rental car woman at the airport is hilarious.
In addition to the wacky story, I enjoyed the soundtrack. Critics didn't like it, but I found the sudden bursts of rock 'n roll interesting and it added to the enjoyment of watching this almost-modern day classic.
After all the aggravation, there was a nice sentimental touch at the end which somehow made the whole disastrous trip worthwhile for the two leading characters.
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Steve Martin and John Candy do a wonderful job playing off each other in this memorable comedy. Of friends of mine I know who have seen this movie, they all vividly remember this movie and their favorite scenes.
Martin and Candy are stuck without plane rides home and wind up trying all modes of transportation to reach their destination. Both run into unbelievable obstacles, most of them the fault of Candy, who drives Martin almost insane. Candy was the funnier of the two in this story but both comedians were at the top of their game here. Too bad there was so much profanity for a film that could have been enjoyed by everyone but some it is almost appropriate, especially with Martin's character. Candy's role would have made anyone swear. Martin's profane tirade with the rental car woman at the airport is hilarious.
In addition to the wacky story, I enjoyed the soundtrack. Critics didn't like it, but I found the sudden bursts of rock 'n roll interesting and it added to the enjoyment of watching this almost-modern day classic.
After all the aggravation, there was a nice sentimental touch at the end which somehow made the whole disastrous trip worthwhile for the two leading characters.