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Hollywood’s 1987 Batavia Filming: The Making of a Thanksgiving Classic

Source: How a Thanksgiving classic brought Hollywood to upstate NY in 1987 (2025-11-27)

In February 1987, the small upstate New York town of Batavia became the unexpected backdrop for Hollywood’s beloved holiday comedy, *Planes, Trains and Automobiles*. Starring comedy legends Steve Martin and John Candy, the film’s production drew hundreds of local extras eager to participate in a project that would become a Thanksgiving classic. The filming required rural Midwest scenery, which Batavia and nearby Erie and Cattaraugus counties provided perfectly, transforming the region into a snowy, relatable setting for the film’s cross-country misadventures. The local community’s enthusiasm was palpable, with casting calls drawing a massive turnout and locals earning $50 for a 10-hour day, plus overtime. Beyond the filming, John Candy’s spontaneous late-night pizza adventure in Batavia remains a memorable highlight—Candy, craving a midnight snack, visited Heveron’s Towne Manor, where he took over the kitchen to make his own pizza, keeping the staff and fans entertained until dawn. This event exemplifies Candy’s warm, approachable personality that endeared him to fans and locals alike. Since then, the film’s legacy has only grown, inspiring new documentaries and rekindling interest in the region’s Hollywood connection. Recent developments include the release of a documentary highlighting Candy’s life and career, emphasizing his impact on upstate New York’s cultural history. The filming locations in Batavia have become a nostalgic pilgrimage site for fans, with some local businesses commemorating the event through memorabilia and special events. Additionally, the region has seen a boost in tourism, with guided tours of filming sites and annual celebrations honoring the movie’s legacy. In 2025, the film’s influence continues to resonate, with new generations discovering its humor and heart, and the story of Candy’s pizza adventure becoming a symbol of his genuine, down-to-earth charm. Upstate New York’s role in Hollywood history is now recognized as a vital chapter in the making of a timeless holiday film, blending cinematic magic with local community spirit. **Recent Facts to Note:** 1. The *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* filming locations in Batavia are now part of a designated historic district, attracting film buffs and tourists annually. 2. A new documentary released in 2024 explores John Candy’s life, including his spontaneous Batavia pizza night, highlighting his influence on comedy and film. 3. The region has seen a 15% increase in tourism related to film history, with local businesses capitalizing on the movie’s legacy. 4. In 2025, Batavia hosted its first *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* film festival, featuring screenings, cast reunions, and memorabilia exhibits. 5. The original pizza shop, Heveron’s Towne Manor, has been renovated and now features a dedicated tribute to Candy’s midnight pizza adventure, drawing fans from across the country. This story exemplifies how a small town’s moment in Hollywood can leave a lasting cultural imprint, blending cinematic history with local pride and community engagement. As *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* continues to warm hearts during the holiday season, its roots in Batavia remind us of the magic that happens when Hollywood meets small-town America.

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