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del griffith

23 Nov 2005

Del Griffith

You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I’m an easy target. Yeah, you’re right, I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynic like you… but I don’t like to hurt people’s feelings. Well, you think what you want about me; I’m not changing. I like… I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. ‘Cause I’m the real article. What you see is what you get.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is the first movie that ever made me cry. I couldn’t have been more than 10 the first time I saw it. If you don’t cry at the end of this movie, you’re not paying attention. If you don’t cry at least 2 more times the second time you watch it, you’re not even human.

Del Griffith is possibly the most likeable character ever created on film, and John Candy is no small contribution to the phenomenon. In a lot of ways, I think his character was a prototype for the morality that has guided me my entire life.

Lessons I have learned from Del Griffith:

  • Never take a friend for granted.
  • Never let money between you and a good time with a friend.
  • Never take anything too seriously.
  • Don’t be afraid to giggle like a school-girl at summer-camp after $5 worth of hotel liquors.
  • Never give up.
  • Never wear a parka in a car with manual seat-controls.
  • Realize that “homeless” is an adjective, not an identity.

Happy thanksgiving, and RIP John Candy.

Comments

John Hutcheson — November 24, 2005 at 16:50 · reply

I’m not sure how many ‘Thanksgiving movies’ there are in the universe, but this one is not only the best, but just a damn good and damn funny movie. Martin’s f-bomb explosions in the car-rental place still make the tears flow.

And, you are right..by the end of this movie, if you are not crying real tears, something is missing in your heart and soul.

thanks for reminding me about this great movie.

Amanda — November 24, 2005 at 17:07 · reply

*smile*

Aaron — December 01, 2005 at 09:58 · reply

I just recently told someone, when asked what the last movie i cried at was, “well, I can’t remember exactly, but the first one that comes to mind is Planes Trains and Automobiles. When John Candy talks about his wife…” So yeah, good frickin call.

Faith — March 23, 2007 at 19:57 · reply

Yeah this is a funny and great movie. I love it. RIP John Candy.

Bruce — March 29, 2007 at 20:40 · reply

I will always love this film….John Candy, may he rest in peace, was a lovable comic actor. NO ONE could have played this part like him. I agree with earlier posters that this is the definitive Thanksgiving movie.

Ken — August 12, 2009 at 15:41 · reply

Still one of the best movies out there.”Yes I’m fine , yes I’m fine….”and lets not forget…“You’re going the wrong way!” and…“Have a point”. Thanks John for the laughs and tears! You’re the best.

Mikey — November 24, 2009 at 18:26 · reply

I am so thankful I found this entry. It made my day, and my holiday. Thank you.

kim — November 25, 2009 at 18:57 · reply

This is positively one of the best movies ever. John Candy was awesome….

Alextoast — June 08, 2011 at 16:03 · reply

i totally agree with everything you wrote :) my fav film and my fav character from anything! i think he pretty much sums up everything i like about the human race - hes friendly, warm, kind, funny, eccentric, caring, selfless but most of all just the principle that he has NOTHING but his love for his wife and an all-round passion for life and making friends. Even though he makes so many mistakes and messes everything up, neil needed him to realize what he had (the family, money, kids to come home to) and also what he didnt have (the warm, optimistic and comedic outlook on life that del has)…i think the main message of the story is in dels smile at the end - be thankful for what you have and just be happy for others who have more than you). I think the film has sentimental value attached with me as it seems only i and my family have seen it!! - a seriously underrated and beautiful film :)

Chip — November 24, 2011 at 04:47 · reply

One of my favorite movies ever. John Candy was born to play Del Griffith–like in life, there are so many funny, happy, and sad moments that are often intertwined.  John Hughes wrote a very moving piece about the human condition especially around the busy holiday season–and to be a true friend is one of the highest virtues in life.  To quote a line from “It’s a Wonderful Life”—“Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends.”  RIP John Candy & John Hughes–this movie has stood the test of time.

Andre Harb — February 10, 2014 at 11:37 · reply

I have seen this movie numereous times and It is by far my favorite choice. I actually know someone in real life whose character resembles that of Del Griffith’s. No one could’ve played that role better than John Candy. Thank you a million times John Candy and Hughes for this. You will always be remembered.

js — July 16, 2014 at 13:08 · reply

Why “Jackass?” That flies in the face of everything else stated above.

James Brister — November 10, 2014 at 14:49 · in reply to 20140716130802-ff842e67 · reply

Me and my family watch this together throughout the year but multiple times throughout the thanksgiving season it is our Superbowl candy has been a part of my life forever and is now a part of my family and yes Del Griffith helped shape my life and morality much in the same way….thnx john love and miss you..

Hugh G. Scroats — December 18, 2019 at 05:33 · reply

Great post. I quote it every year.

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