The Missing Thanksgiving Classic: Dutch, John Hughes' Overlooked Gem
John Hughes is renowned for his iconic Thanksgiving movie, the heartwarming 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' (1987), starring Steve Martin and John Candy. This beloved film has become a staple during the holiday season, with many revisiting it this week. However, a lesser-known gem from Hughes' repertoire, 'Dutch' (1991), is often overlooked and surprisingly hard to find. Despite its solid cast and engaging plot, this movie has become a rare find, and with Thanksgiving approaching, it's a shame to see it disappear from the spotlight.
'Dutch' follows a similar formula to 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles,' pairing a snooty, white-collar character with a more down-to-earth, blue-collar counterpart. The twist here is that the white-collar character is a young boy, played by Ethan Embry, who embarks on a long journey home for Thanksgiving with his mom's new boyfriend, the boorish Dutch, portrayed by Ed O'Neill. O'Neill, famous for his role as Al Bundy in 'Married... with Children,' was attempting to transition into movie stardom, also appearing in 'The Adventures of Ford Fairlane' around the same time.
Despite its talented cast and humorous premise, 'Dutch' was a box office disappointment, grossing only $4.6 million. However, it found success on home video, becoming a cult classic. The movie is a delightful blend of humor and heart, with O'Neill's Dutch Dooley echoing the characters John Candy often played for Hughes. The chemistry between O'Neill and Embry is undeniable, and their collaboration extended to a short-lived remake of 'Dragnet' twelve years later. O'Neill's rise to fame continued with his role in 'Modern Family,' but 'Dutch' remains a hidden gem, rarely discussed in the context of Hughes' work.
The film's director, Peter Faiman, known for 'Crocodile Dundee,' adds to the Hughes-like feel of the movie, with a memorable soundtrack featuring the band Yello, who also contributed to 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' The movie's distribution rights are a bit murky, with Disney potentially owning it, as it was initially released by 20th Century Fox. The rights may have reverted to the Hughes Estate, making it a challenging find. Companies like Arrow, Kino Lorber, or Shout Factory could easily release it, but for now, it remains a hidden treasure.
Have you ever watched 'Dutch'? Share your thoughts in the comments! This movie deserves more recognition, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on this overlooked Thanksgiving classic.
