I have moved this photo of a small, nondescript motel in Braidwood, Illinois to the front of my stream on every Thanksgiving since 2009. Originally known as the Braidwood Inn, this motel was one of the filming locations for Planes, Trains and Automobiles. If you've never seen this 1987 John Hughes film starring Steve Martin and John Candy, add it to your list of movies to rent or stream over the holidays. I promise you won't be disappointed as it is one of the best Thanksgiving (or holiday-themed) movies of all time!

In the film, advertising executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) is returning from a business meeting in New York City to his home on Chicago's North Shore for Thanksgiving. Before escaping Manhattan for the airport, he crosses paths with Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower curtain ring salesman, who unintentionally steals his cab. It turns out both characters are on the same flight to Chicago, and when Neal Page is mistakenly issued a coach seat ticket for a first-class reservation, he finds himself seated next to Del Griffith, a character both lovable and, at times, annoying.

Things go from bad to worse as a major blizzard in Chicago causes the flight to be re-routed to Wichita, Kansas. With all hotel rooms taken and passengers facing a night sleeping in the airport terminal, Del Griffith uses his shower curtain ring connections to get accommodations at the low-budget Braidwood Inn (fictionally located in Wichita in the movie). Upon their arrival, Martin and Candy learn not only must they share a small room, but quickly realize their room has only one bed! The scene showing the reluctant, traveling twosome waking up the next morning is one of the funniest in the film!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a modern classic, with one truly memorable scene after another as Martin and Candy's characters wind their way from Wichita to Chicago facing one obstacle and adventure after another. It's a great film, and the Braidwood Inn (now renamed the Sun Motel) played a memorable part in it.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and, for all of you who are traveling this holiday, I wish you a safe trip home. - Randy

Tags:   Movie Motion Picture Film Filming Location Planes, Trains and Automobiles Braidwood Inn Sun Motel Braidwood Illinois IL United States Classic Comedy Director John Hughes Actor John Candy Steve Martin Thanksgiving Holidays myoldpostcards von Liski

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