How Steve Martin and John Candy Created Comedy Gold
John Hughes, famed for his coming-of-age classics, also penned the ultimate Thanksgiving film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, starring Steve Martin, whom Hughes dubbed “the funniest man alive.”
John Hughes is often recognised for breathing new life into the coming-of-age genre, and it’s not hard to see why. With films like The Breakfast Club and the Home Alone series, Hughes had a knack for making younger characters feel genuine and relatable. But his talents weren’t limited to stories about teens. In 1987, he wrote and directed a holiday classic that’s still a favourite with punters today.
While plenty of films are set around Christmas or New Year’s, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stands out as the go-to flick for November’s big celebration. It nails the chaos and emotional rollercoaster that comes with the season. Many reckon it’s the sharpest script Hughes ever put together, but to really pull off this R-rated comedy, he needed a top-tier star. Enter Steve Martin, the bloke Hughes once called
“the funniest man alive.”
Martin’s Star Power and Hughes’ Nerves
Martin was already a household name, known for his stand-up and a string of successful films. While comedians sometimes just play themselves on screen, Martin had shown he could do more, especially in films like All of Me and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Despite Martin’s reputation, Hughes admitted he was a bit nervous before their first meeting. In a chat with The Boston Herald, Hughes said he was taken aback by how easy-going Martin was and how quickly he gelled 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.”
Unlikely Pairing, Unmatched Chemistry
On paper, teaming up Martin and John Candy might’ve seemed a bit odd. Both were big names in comedy, but their styles were worlds apart. Martin’s films leaned towards clever satire, while Candy was known for his work in National Lampoon productions and his knack for physical comedy. Still, the chemistry between the two was spot on, turning Planes, Trains and Automobiles into a career highlight for both.
The film managed to be both biting and silly, digging into the ups and downs of friendship and family. After Candy’s untimely death in 1994, the film was mentioned in nearly every tribute to him. Unlike other ‘80s comedies that have been remade with new casts, the dynamic between Martin and Candy is seen as so perfect that the idea of a remake is usually met with a fair bit of eye-rolling.
Lasting Impact of a Classic Duo
By bringing together these two comedy legends, Hughes captured a bit of magic that’s still going strong decades later. Their on-screen partnership is often held up as the gold standard, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those roles. The film’s mix of sharp wit and heartfelt moments has kept it a favourite for generations of Aussies and audiences around the world.