Interview in 'Goal' - December 1985

Not long after his succesful lead role in 'Summer Rental', John had an interview with Stu Hackel for the hockey magazine 'Goal'. John tells about his love for the Maple Leafs, his favorite players and his own hockey career when he played in the Metro Toronto Hockey League.

John also mentions he worked as an extra on the movie 'Face-off' from 1971, in which the Maple Leafs also appear. This would mean that it would take the place of 'Class of '44' as John's movie debut, as mentioned in one the older posts on this blog. After I've seen the movie, I'll post comments about it on this blog.

Click the thumbnails below to read this very nice interview.












Copyright: 1985 Professional Sports Publications, Goal - The National Hockey League Magazine, December 1985.

John Candy (1950-1994)

It seems unbelievable, but today it's 16 years ago that John left us. Still, fans worldwide can't get enough of this comic genius. To this day and age, previously unseen footage turns up (mostly on YouTube nowadays), more and more printed articles/interviews are discovered etc. There's a lot to explore about the big man and his career.

But the most important is the great joy that John still brings to millions of people through his immortal characterizations on television and film. John, you will never be forgotten. Thanks for leaving us such a great legacy.

Curly Candy - John as Curly Howard

John does a terrific job impersonating Curly Howard in an episode of 'SCTV' from November 21, 1977 . John, Eugene Levy (as Moe) and Joe Flaherty (as Larry) play 'The Three Stooges' under the name 'The Three Dummies'. The butler and maid are played by Dave Thomas and Andrea Martin and the society lady is played by Catherine O'Hara. In this 'SCTV' episode 'The Three Dummies' is part of the kiddie show 'Muley's Round House' hosted by embittered and paranoid switchman Muley, played by Harold Ramis.

Everyone does a good job in this skit but John's imitation of Curly is so spot on that you think you're actually looking at Curly Howard. From the high-pitched voice to the beautifully timed gestures; it's all there!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - official trailer

The official trailer of 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' gives us rare glimpses of footage that isn't in the movie. It shows us that some scenes could've been longer. Like the scene in the Braidwood Inn; in this trailer we see Neal talking to Del in bed saying: "I was on my way home to spend a nice holiday with my family, instead I'm in a Motel bed with a stranger." This certainly isn't in the movie!

Further glimpses are Neal eating a pizza in the Motel room, Neal falling asleep in the truck, Del clowning in the mirror (twice), Del shouting "heave-ho!" and Neal sitting in their burned car saying: "Two happy clams just whistling down the road."

I was very surprised to see this trailer and I think it's highly interesting and enjoyable. I hope you feel the same.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Special Edition DVD

Recently, a special edition DVD of 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' was released under the name "Those Aren't Pillows!" Edition. The artwork gives a wrong impression, because this isn't a Christmas movie. Neal Page (Steve Martin) is going home for Thanksgiving. It seems this special edition has to appeal to Christmas buyers. However, it's only a lenticular slipcover and the DVD case itself has different artwork which is the image on the right. (Sorry for the low resolution.)

It is known that a lot of footage was shot for this movie. According to the late director John Hughes you could assemble a 3 hour version, which would take massive editing. This special edition DVD features only one deleted scene which can be seen in television versions of the movie. This is a dinner scene which takes place on the plane. Sadly, it isn't incorporated into the movie. I'd rather had two cuts of the movie, one without this scene and one with. But the best would be to have a third cut, which includes (all) other filmed material.

Further extras are: "Getting There is Half the Fun: The Story of Planes, Trains and Automobiles", "John Hughes for Adults" and "A Tribute to John Candy". I have been told that the tribute to John is way too short. One of the extras contains the press conference which was given for 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'. You can see a part of the press conference here.

Besides a bunch of footage, stills of the movie and behind the scenes photos, another thing that should've been added as an extra is missing. It's a news episode of WKBW-TV (Buffalo, NY) in which John is interviewed by Mike Randall while having his hair permed for the role of Del Griffith. This news episode originally aired on February 27, 1987. Watch it here.

I have been told that the picture quality is an improvement over the first DVD. So overall, I think we must be happy a special edition got released. Hopefully, a definitive edition will see the light of day within a few years. On Blu-ray maybe?

Return of Gus Polinski in Home Alone 2 ?

In an article about John Hughes from the cancelled website Addictive Thoughts a massive argument is mentioned that allegedly took place between John Hughes and John Candy. It is said that the cause of this argument was a role snub. "Hughes, he alleged to close friends in the early 1990s, had promised to write a new film for him - and then either never delivered on his promise or offered the role to someone else (without alerting Candy first or even offering a friendly apology.)"

Furthermore, the author of the article writes: "A few years ago, I was told by an acquaintance of Candy’s son that the snubbed role was actually a return of the Gus Polinski character for Home Alone 2, and not a feature length film, but I have never read anything more about this so I am unsure of its legitimacy."

It would've been great to see the Gus Polinski character return in Home Alone 2. And, it would've been great if there had been another Hughes/Candy film. I guess for us fans, we would've loved to see both roles come to fruition. How sad both Johns never made up.

Source: the cancelled website http://addictivethoughts.com/.

Edited on July 16, 2010.

Today, 59 years ago...

Today, 59 years ago, a legendary actor was born: John Franklin Candy. In his short life he made the whole world laugh and even after his passing he continues to do so thanks to his movies and television work. Luckily, due to television and DVD a new generation discovers John's wonderful work in the field of comedy and drama. The world still misses you, John.

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Photo: copyright 1991 Time Life Pictures.