Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a cult comedy movie famous for its funny and chaotic journey of two unconventional travelers who are trying to get back to their homes for Thanksgiving.
The movie was released back in 1987 and is celebrated for the fun scenes and plot and also for the vast picturesque locations. The movie takes its spectators on a cross-country journey. In reality, it was shot in numerous real locations to bring authenticity to the table for the audience.
Planes Trains and Automobiles takes its characters along with the audience on a fun ride across the United States. The plot of the movie revolves around New York City and Chicago, the filmmakers used numerous locations to show the essence of the journey.
The film ends in Chicago, where Neal Page re-joins with his family for Thanksgiving. Chicago serves as the emotional place for the plot of the movie. The characters and their adventures all suit Chicago’s whole Thanksgiving nature.
Planes Trains and Automobiles brilliantly uses these real-life locations to maintain the authentic vibe of the movie. The diverse settings reflect many challenges that these characters face, which converts into comedic scenes, which suit the nature of the movie.
This blend of rural, suburban, and urban location add depth to the storyline and narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
What location was the movie filmed in?
New York City, New York
The initial scenes of the movie are from bustling New York City, where Steve Martin’s character, Neal Page, starts his adventurous journey. Many scenes around this city set the tone of his frustration and the opening scenes of the movie.
Louisville, Kentucky
The majority of the movie’s scenes were shot in Louisville. This location was a major spot for the character’s journey. The international airport of Louisville was portrayed as Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita, Kansas
The journey of these characters takes them to Wichita in the movie. The filmmakers used Louisville International Airport and other locations in Louisville to give the audience airport scenes.
St. Louise, Missouri
St. Louis was also a major spot in the movie. The characters face many problems during their adventure. The Gateway City added depth to the movie, with suburban and urban settings.
Buffalo, New York
The climax of the movie happens at the Marathon Car Rental in Buffalo. Some of the scenes were shot in Buffalo. This location served as the landmark as Del and Neal tried to look for their transport to Chicago.
Is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles based on a true story?
In an interview, John Hughes said he was inspired to write the story after being on an actual flight to Chicago. His flight was diverted to Witchia. This took him five days to get home.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not based on a true story, it’s fictional, but the idea was inspired by a flight happening as mentioned above.
Where is the house located?
In the 1987 movie, the house shown was a stately colonial lakeside village of Kenilworth as Niel’s home. The suburban house shown in the movie is one of the prime locations for filming the classic comedy.
The characters go on a journey, but this house is situated in a Chicago suburb. Many scenes were filmed outside and inside the house. Neal’s family was also shown preparing for Thanksgiving.
Is the home shown in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles the same as Home Alone?
Many people have pointed out that the similarities between the homes shown in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles are the same as Home Alone.
The connection lies between the two movies, as they both share the same filming locations, using the same home in Kenilworth to portray the theme of suburban settings.
Both movies have different plots, characters, and themes, but these locations share a fun connection and have an unexpected link. John Hughes is known for portraying the real essence of the plot by using real houses in Chicago for their production.
This decision gives his movies an authentic and reliable vibe to the movie, which is liked by the audience.
