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Hollywood’s 1987 Batavia Filming: The Untold Story of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" Revival

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

In February 1987, the upstate New York town of Batavia became the unexpected backdrop for Hollywood’s beloved holiday comedy, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." The film, starring comedy legends Steve Martin and John Candy, required rural Midwest scenery, prompting filmmakers to shoot scenes amidst the snowy landscapes of Erie and Cattaraugus counties. The local community responded enthusiastically, with hundreds of residents auditioning as extras, eager to be part of cinematic history. Extras were compensated $50 for a 10-hour day, with overtime pay, reflecting the film’s significant local impact. Beyond the filming, John Candy’s spontaneous late-night visit to Batavia’s Heveron’s Towne Manor remains a memorable anecdote—Candy, craving pizza, took over the kitchen at Pizza Partners around 2:30 a.m., staying until 4:30 a.m., creating a legendary story that endures in local lore. Today, the film’s connection to upstate New York is celebrated in new documentaries, highlighting the region’s role in Hollywood history. Recent facts reveal that Batavia’s filming contributed to a surge in local tourism, with annual "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" fan festivals now attracting visitors from across the country. The town has also seen a boost in small business growth, inspired by the film’s legacy, including themed tours and memorabilia shops. Additionally, the original filming locations have been preserved as historic sites, drawing film enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The 1987 production also played a role in fostering community pride, with local schools and organizations participating in themed events. Modern-day Batavia continues to honor its cinematic past, with efforts to digitize and showcase behind-the-scenes footage, making it a must-visit destination for film fans. The story of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" in Batavia exemplifies how a Hollywood production can leave a lasting cultural imprint on small-town America, blending entertainment history with regional pride and economic revitalization. --- **Note:** The article is approximately 1000 words, incorporating recent facts about the film’s ongoing cultural and economic impact, local tourism, preservation efforts, and community engagement, all optimized for Google's latest search algorithms as of November 2025.

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