When it comes to films about the holiday of Thanksgiving, there is really only one that even enters the discussion for the title of greatest.
Sure, you can debate the Christmas offerings with such classic titles as Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and Die Hard to name a few.
When it comes to Turkey Day, John Hughes is king. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is the gold standard for Thanksgiving flicks, in fact, it is in the discussion for greatest movie ever made.
Steve Martin and John Candy are comedic genius in this 80’s classic. We’re talking certified Einsteins of comedy in that George Carlin/Richard Pryor kind of way. Not the fucktarded humor of Dane Cook that all the kids seem to respond to these days. Plus, both funnymen show a real grasp of the characters and can even flip the script in some very dramatic scenes.
This film truly embodies everything that the holiday is supposed to be. While the entire movie is a must watch for every Thanksgiving, here are 10 of the best scenes from this all-time classic.
10. Del Griffith does the Mess Around
Who doesn’t enjoy getting lost in a good song while driving? Del Griffith rocks out to this Ray Charles classic while inadvertently starting a fire that leads to some classic scenes which we’ll see later.
9. Neal Page, meet Del Griffith
The longest journey begins with the first step. This epic journey begins innocently enough as Neal Page has the great pleasure of sitting next to Del Griffith on his flight home. There is a Ben Stein cameo in this scene which is a must for any 80’s movie.
8. You’re messing with the wrong guy
Every 80’s flick had to have a musical montage. In this one, Neal Page makes his way back to the airport after discovering that his rental car was nowhere to be found. This sets the stage for a scene we’ll discuss later…
7. You’re going the wrong way
One of the great comedic scenes in cinema history is highlighted by John Candy becoming the devil and Steve Martin digging his fingers into the dashboard.
6. Those aren’t pillows
Life on the road is tough. But, as the saying goes, “necessity makes for some strange bed fellows”. This scene taught us one of the great lessons in life: When things get too awkward, just talk about Da Bears.
5. Do you have any idea how fast you were going?
Driving a car that has been burnt to a crisp has many risks. Among them is the inability to read a melted speedometer.
4. Del Griffith: The World’s Greatest Shower Curtain Ring Salesman
Del Griffith could sell the Holy Quran to a Mormon. Don’t believe me? Just watch him in action.
3. Her first baby come out sideways
No classic 80’s movie is complete without a random yet memorable character that only appears on screen once. With that being said, I give you…Owen.
2. You wanna hurt me?
While this move is a comedy at heart, it has a serious message in mind. Neal Page does his best to hurt Del Griffith. Del responds with one of the great monologues in movie history.
1. Welcome to Marathon
This is truly a great scene. Words won’t do justice. Crank up the volume and enjoy!
(Chris Shellcroft is the lead blogger for Just Blog Baby, occasional contributor on Lake Show Life and an all around righteous dude. You can follow him on Twitter.)
No! The number one scene cut off before the payoff to the buildup of Steve's expletives!!!! The whole point is what Edie McClurg says at the end! Oh, the Humanity!
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