The hidden money lessons in the Thanksgiving classic ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’

The John Hughes comedy classic explores the meaning of friendship—but don’t overlook the important money lessons mixed in with the laughs.

There’s a reason why the 1987 film Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a beloved staple of the Thanksgiving season. John Candy’s performance of Del Griffith is both hilarious and heartfelt, and the frustration Steve Martin’s character Neal Page feels about his thwarted travel is eminently relatable. The fact that this riotously funny film also offers a sweet and nuanced view of grief, kindness, and generosity is what elevates the film beyond just a road trip comedy. But Planes Trains & Automobiles also offers some surprising lessons about money within the heartwarming story.