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

Source: How a Thanksgiving classic brought Hollywood to upstate NY in 1987 (2025-11-26)

In February 1987, the small towns of Batavia, Erie, and Cattaraugus counties in upstate New York became the unexpected backdrop for Hollywood’s holiday comedy classic, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." This iconic film, starring Steve Martin and John Candy, captured the spirit of Thanksgiving travel chaos and brought a wave of excitement to the region. Hundreds of locals auditioned as extras, eager to be part of cinematic history, with many earning $50 for a day’s work. The filming required locations that resembled the Midwest’s snowy landscape, which these upstate communities provided perfectly. Notably, John Candy’s late-night pizza adventure in Batavia remains a memorable anecdote, with Candy personally participating in making pizza at Heveron’s Towne Manor, staying up until dawn. Beyond the film, recent developments highlight the enduring legacy of this filming event: a new documentary about John Candy’s life reveals additional behind-the-scenes stories, including his affection for Western New York, and local tourism has seen a modest boost from film tourism. The 1987 filming not only left a cultural mark but also helped shape the identity of these small towns, turning them into a nostalgic pilgrimage site for film enthusiasts. Today, the story of Batavia’s Hollywood moment is celebrated through local festivals, historical markers, and renewed interest in the region’s cinematic past, illustrating how a single film can transform a community’s history and tourism landscape. Recent facts include the discovery of previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage, the establishment of a "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" themed tour in Batavia, and the release of a comprehensive documentary that explores John Candy’s connection to Western New York. Additionally, the film’s filming locations have been preserved and are now part of local heritage sites, attracting visitors from across the country. The film’s influence persists, inspiring local arts projects and annual celebrations that honor its legacy. As Hollywood continues to revisit classic films for remakes and documentaries, the story of Batavia’s role in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" exemplifies how regional communities can become integral to cinematic history, fostering cultural pride and economic growth through film tourism. This enduring legacy underscores the importance of preserving local history and embracing the stories that connect communities to Hollywood’s golden era.

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