A Treasured Piece of Comedy Gold

There's always gonna be those pieces of movie history that you won't ever forget. "Star Wars," "Gone With The Wind," "Indiana Jones," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and the like. However, there is one that I'm pretty sore about since it's not as big as the aforementioned films. That is one of John Hughes' lesser-known hits, "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles." 

The film stars an incredible lineup of Hollywood icons such as Steve Martin, John Candy, and Michael McKean. I discovered it through my uncle who, just like me, was a huge film buff. Unfortunately, my uncle has passed on but I continue his legacy of worshiping films and all-things Hollywood through my hobby of autograph-hounding. Yes, I'm one who chases after celebs to get their autographs. However, I never stalk them or anything like that! I just go to red carpet events, get tickets for talk shows, and things like that. 

When I look at my uncle's collection of signed memorabilia, I get excited thinking that not only am I keeping his legacy alive, but I'm building one for myself as well. Though truth be told, his is far more impressive. Throughout his life, he was able to get the autographs of some of the most impressive stars available. Including, of course, the cast of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles." 

Before he passed on, my uncle actually told. me the story of how he got the cast of this comedic cult classic to sign the movie posters he acquired from his friends who managed movie theaters in LA. He told me that he got the posters before the movie actually premiered and that he was able to meet the actors during the primer night itself. He shared that in those days, although a lot of fans did attend these sorts of events too, it was less of a hassle than how Hollywood does it today. It wasn't as loud, as hectic, and the photographers were actually nice and weren't shouting at the celebrities. 

He also told me how each of the cast members he was lucky enough to have met made an impression on him. Steve Martin, according to my uncle, was a handsome devil. His hair was already white at the time yet he still looked youthful and handsome. He thought that it might have been him who started the whole "silver fox" concept. Can't say I disagree! On the other hand, John Candy was large in life in person, and that's not pertaining to his weight! He remembers how vivacious of a person he was and how he seemed as jolly in person as he did on screen. 

He also met a couple of the other cast members but he always emphasized that those two leads were really the ones that made the most impact. It's probably why they got the main roles in the films in the first place! His only regret? That he didn't meet and get John Hughes’ autograph. I couldn't even imagine if he did though!? To see that legendary director's autograph on any of his memorabilia would give me a heart attack! Alas, my uncle never managed to get it! 

Now that he left most of his memorabilia to me, I decided to share these pieces of comedy gold with all of you! Do yourselves a favor and watch "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" yourself! It's a classic that deserved more recognition than it got!