How Steve Martin and John Candy Created Comedy Gold

John Hughes is often recognised for breathing new life into the coming-of-age genre, with a string of films that made adolescent characters feel authentic and relatable. His knack for capturing the nuances of youth is evident in works ranging from The Breakfast Club to the Home Alone series. Yet, his creative reach extended well beyond tales of growing up. In 1987, Hughes wrote and directed a holiday comedy that would become a staple of the season.

While many festive films focus on Christmas or New Year’s, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stands out as the quintessential Thanksgiving story. The film masterfully encapsulates the mayhem and emotional intensity that often accompany the November holiday. Despite its reputation as perhaps Hughes’ most humorous script, the project demanded a leading man with genuine star power to anchor its R-rated humour. Hughes didn’t have to search far, turning to Steve Martin, a performer he once described as

“the funniest man alive.”

Pairing Comedy Icons

Martin had already cemented his status as a legendary stand-up and had enjoyed considerable success on the big screen. Unlike many comedians who simply play exaggerated versions of themselves, Martin had demonstrated real range in films like All of Me and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Nevertheless, Hughes admitted to feeling rather apprehensive before their first meeting. In a conversation with The Boston Herald, he recalled being struck by Martin’s unpretentious nature and his ability to quickly gel with his co-star.

“He was the first real rock-and-roll comedian who appeared in arenas, not little clubs,”

Hughes remarked.

“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, the idea of pairing Martin with John Candy might have seemed a touch unlikely. Both were household names in comedy, yet their styles rarely overlapped. Martin’s work often leaned towards clever satire, while Candy was known for his physical comedy and frequent appearances in National Lampoon productions. However, their on-screen chemistry would prove to be the film’s secret weapon, elevating Planes, Trains and Automobiles to a defining moment in both their careers.

Unlikely Chemistry and Enduring Legacy

The dynamic between Martin and Candy brought a unique blend of sharp wit and slapstick to the story, exploring the challenges and rewards of friendship and family ties. Their performances struck a balance between biting humour and heartfelt moments, making the film resonate with audiences for decades.

Following Candy’s untimely death in 1994, Planes, Trains and Automobiles was frequently cited among his most memorable works. While many beloved comedies from the 1980s, such as Ghostbusters and Footloose, have been reimagined for new generations, the prospect of remaking Hughes’ Thanksgiving classic has been met with widespread scepticism. The rapport between Martin and Candy is often considered so perfect that any attempt to recreate it seems destined to fall short.

By bringing together two of comedy’s most distinctive talents, Hughes managed to capture a rare kind of cinematic magic—one that continues to endure, year after year.