What do you think?
Rate this book
The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Prop Book That Keeps on Popping Up! Yes, the cover of this book looks a lot like the one Del Griffith (John Candy) is reading at the New York airport in the 1987 movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles . A strikingly similar book also appears in 2018's Deadpool 2 . It was long believed that this was a prop book. But it was a real book published in the 1980s and from a company that went out of business before the end of the decade. This re-imagined incarnation of The Canadian Mounted explores the use of this prop book and many other intriguing, insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes details as they relate to the classic 1987 John Hughes film. Created for fans of the movie and of John Hughes, this book explores and shares stories related to the writing and making of the film, curious tales and collected trivia associated with it, If you love and regularly re-watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles , then this is a book you must read.
- GenresHumorNonfictionFilm
196 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
7 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Mark Leslie
124 books177 followersMark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.
When he is not writing, he tacks "Lefebvre" back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.
Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother's refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.
When he's not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.
When he is not writing, he tacks "Lefebvre" back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.
Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother's refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.
When he's not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 12, 2024
A wonderful, quick trivia book, released on the 35th Anniversary of one of my favorite films, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
It's full of anecdotes (both slightly and accidentally amusing), cut scenes, history of the Canadian Mounted (a real book that became a prop book that became a real book with this reproduction), and much much more.
Side note: the original Canadian Mounted book can be seen in the hands of Del Griffith in this film and Wade Wilson's in three of the Deadpool films.
I was disappointed to hear there was a lot more info on the film cut from the book, in order to reach a similar page count of the original Canadian Mounted book. Perhaps, someday, we'll get a Canadian Mounted 2 trivia guide with the author's original attempt at recreating the cover, since they couldn't track the original book down...
Highly recommended for fans of the film! I don't feel like you'd get anything out of this book if you haven't seen or enjoyed the film, but it was great on my end.
It's full of anecdotes (both slightly and accidentally amusing), cut scenes, history of the Canadian Mounted (a real book that became a prop book that became a real book with this reproduction), and much much more.
Side note: the original Canadian Mounted book can be seen in the hands of Del Griffith in this film and Wade Wilson's in three of the Deadpool films.
I was disappointed to hear there was a lot more info on the film cut from the book, in order to reach a similar page count of the original Canadian Mounted book. Perhaps, someday, we'll get a Canadian Mounted 2 trivia guide with the author's original attempt at recreating the cover, since they couldn't track the original book down...
Highly recommended for fans of the film! I don't feel like you'd get anything out of this book if you haven't seen or enjoyed the film, but it was great on my end.
January 25, 2023
No way was this waiting until Thanksgiving for me to read it.
This book gives more insight to the movie. Early scripts and scenes that were not included in the movie.
I agree with the decision to have left out the part of Neal and Susan fighting via phone over his delay. It wouldn't have added anything to the movie and didn't seem very funny anyway.
The writer said he found more trivia that he could have put in the book, but he did not. Why?
Because he wanted the page count to be the same as the original book, The Canadian Mounted by Michael Flowers. <---The porn version; which I can't find anywhere. This was a real book.
I would actually read that book if I could find it; probably the only porn book I'd read.....only because Del Griffin did. 👍
Anyway, 192 pages.....without the extra material; that makes this book incomplete.
If I'm reading a trivia book about a particular subject and taking the time to read it, I want to know all about it.
So what if the page count would have went over.
At least you're knowledgeable about ALL things Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
John Hughes is one of my favorite directors. I was saddened by his passing.
John Candy was/is one of my favorite actors. He is truly missed by fans, including me.
Steve Martin is always a riot. Hopefully he will make more comedies.
November 13, 2023
A fun little book with anecdotes, trivia, background information, and cut content from "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" - one of the best movies ever!
July 10, 2023
This little book is a treat for any fan of the John Hughes film! It's a very quick read. (I finished it in three days just reading it while eating lunch at work- less than three hours.) The story of how Mr. Leslie discovered that the prop (fake) book in the film is actually a real novel is hilarious, as are many of the other anecdotes he relates. According to Mr. Leslie, the real book lives up (down?) to its gloriously trashy cover photo. As a bonus, you'll also learn a lot about the making of the film, the cast and crew, and the challenges of filmmaking in general.
March 12, 2023
The Prop Book That Keeps on Popping Up!
🐾
The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles by Mark Leslie is a book that pays tribute to the classic 1987 John Hughes film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
For those who haven't heard of the movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a comedy by John Hughes starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The story follows Neal, who needs to make it home in time for Thanksgiving but has a series of unexpected detours after his flight is cancelled. He meets Del, and the two must navigate through various obstacles together.
Before reading the book, I decided to watch the movie since I had never seen it before. The book provides important details about the creation of the movie, including the significance of the prop book, The Canadian Mounted, which appears in both 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' as well as 'Deadpool 2' because of Ryan Reynolds fondness for John Candy.
The cover of the book is similar to the one shown in both movies, but the book is an erotic novel that was published in the 1980s and is now out of print. The author's tribute to the movie excludes the erotica.
While I understand the book's significance to a fan of the movie or a movie buff, it is more suitable for someone who is well-versed or wants to know more about the movie. It would make a great gift for a fan of the movie, though!
Overall, as someone who isn't a die-hard fan, the book was okay to read. However, I commend the author for his effort in compiling all the knowledge and trivia he knows regarding the movie.
🐾
Rated 6.5/10
Melina L.
🐾
The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles by Mark Leslie is a book that pays tribute to the classic 1987 John Hughes film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
For those who haven't heard of the movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a comedy by John Hughes starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The story follows Neal, who needs to make it home in time for Thanksgiving but has a series of unexpected detours after his flight is cancelled. He meets Del, and the two must navigate through various obstacles together.
Before reading the book, I decided to watch the movie since I had never seen it before. The book provides important details about the creation of the movie, including the significance of the prop book, The Canadian Mounted, which appears in both 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' as well as 'Deadpool 2' because of Ryan Reynolds fondness for John Candy.
The cover of the book is similar to the one shown in both movies, but the book is an erotic novel that was published in the 1980s and is now out of print. The author's tribute to the movie excludes the erotica.
While I understand the book's significance to a fan of the movie or a movie buff, it is more suitable for someone who is well-versed or wants to know more about the movie. It would make a great gift for a fan of the movie, though!
Overall, as someone who isn't a die-hard fan, the book was okay to read. However, I commend the author for his effort in compiling all the knowledge and trivia he knows regarding the movie.
🐾
Rated 6.5/10
Melina L.
January 6, 2023
As a long time fan of the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, I’ve occasionally searched for the book John Candy’s character is seen reading (The Canadian Mounted) to purchase as a gag gift for my family members who also enjoy the movie. I was pleasantly surprised to find this trivia book that flawlessly reproduces the cover of the book but has tons of trivia and other unique information about the film. It’s also a funny decoration to place front facing on a bookshelf to see if anyone recognizes it or is a fellow fan. Definitely recommend for any fans of the film, you’ll absolutely learn something new (by the way, the book The Canadian Mounted wasn’t a prop, it’s a real book!).
December 12, 2023
Fun little read about one of my favorite movies. Loved the work/details of the physical book.
Of all the great things learned, I think my favorite has to be that the movie was released on my 6th birthday!
Of all the great things learned, I think my favorite has to be that the movie was released on my 6th birthday!
November 24, 2022
A pleasurable and fast read. I recommend it for film lovers who have never viewed, read, or heard of any of the trivial factoids about the making of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. My favorite part was reading the expanded scripts not used in the films.
.
And incidentally, Grammarly wants me to add an oxford comma to the title.
.
And incidentally, Grammarly wants me to add an oxford comma to the title.
November 5, 2022
‘I got a car, no sweat at all’ – Capturing the behind the scenes drama of a fine movie
Canadian author Mark Leslie is a writer, editor, and bookseller whose publications include poetry, short stories and novels – both fiction and non-fiction. His specialty is horror, ghost, and eerie stories, and as such he has served as editor of science fiction anthologies (North of Infinity II, Campus Chills, Fiction River among them) as well as single books, such as his very popular Canadian Werewolf Series. Now he adds parody and trivia in this entertaining re-imagining of the (pornographic) prop book THE CANADIAN MOUNTED used in Mark’s favorite film, the 1987 John Hughes’ movie ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ the plot of which he outlines in the first chapter
In his inimitable style of writing, Mark visits the history (and family connections) of the film and then launches into the Prop Book of the novel’s title: ‘If you’re a book nerd like me, or perhaps just someone who has seen the movie countless times, you might have recognized it immediately as the book that Del Griffith is reading when Neal and Del bump into on another at the New York airport where they’re both flying to Chicago.’ What follows is an entertaining and informative exploration of the history of the book The Canadian Mounted, photographs of female models in the book cover’s imagery, comments on punctuation of the movie’s title, the final film - script notations, the musical soundtrack (with detailed soundtrack credits), many excerpts from the script’s dialogue in the original form and in the edited form used in the film, and a section on ‘mistakes, continuity issues, factual errors and other minor blunders’ - and an homage to the cast and crew. Definitely intended for fans of PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – but also an admirable dissection of a film from inception to completion!
Canadian author Mark Leslie is a writer, editor, and bookseller whose publications include poetry, short stories and novels – both fiction and non-fiction. His specialty is horror, ghost, and eerie stories, and as such he has served as editor of science fiction anthologies (North of Infinity II, Campus Chills, Fiction River among them) as well as single books, such as his very popular Canadian Werewolf Series. Now he adds parody and trivia in this entertaining re-imagining of the (pornographic) prop book THE CANADIAN MOUNTED used in Mark’s favorite film, the 1987 John Hughes’ movie ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ the plot of which he outlines in the first chapter
In his inimitable style of writing, Mark visits the history (and family connections) of the film and then launches into the Prop Book of the novel’s title: ‘If you’re a book nerd like me, or perhaps just someone who has seen the movie countless times, you might have recognized it immediately as the book that Del Griffith is reading when Neal and Del bump into on another at the New York airport where they’re both flying to Chicago.’ What follows is an entertaining and informative exploration of the history of the book The Canadian Mounted, photographs of female models in the book cover’s imagery, comments on punctuation of the movie’s title, the final film - script notations, the musical soundtrack (with detailed soundtrack credits), many excerpts from the script’s dialogue in the original form and in the edited form used in the film, and a section on ‘mistakes, continuity issues, factual errors and other minor blunders’ - and an homage to the cast and crew. Definitely intended for fans of PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – but also an admirable dissection of a film from inception to completion!
November 1, 2025
The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles by Mark Leslie is a delightful, detail-rich tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved road comedies a nostalgia-packed companion for anyone who can quote Del Griffith line-for-line or still laughs at “Those aren’t pillows!”
This isn’t just another trivia book it’s a love letter to the golden age of John Hughes. Mark Leslie takes readers behind the scenes of Planes, Trains and Automobiles with humor, heart, and a historian’s eye for the details that make movie magic feel alive decades later. From deleted scenes to soundtrack secrets, from Del-isms to Ryan Reynolds’ unabashed love for John Candy, this guide brings together the joy, chaos, and warmth that define the film’s enduring legacy.
What makes The Canadian Mounted shine is its mix of pop culture passion and investigative curiosity. Leslie treats the movie not just as a comedy classic, but as a cultural artifact tracing its mysterious prop-book origins, uncovering production quirks, and celebrating the humanity behind the humor.
It’s a book made for readers who adore the smell of VHS nostalgia and the rhythm of Hughes’ heartwarming chaos the ones who understand that somewhere between a broken rental car and an overcooked turkey dinner lies the soul of cinematic storytelling.
For fans of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Deadpool 2’s clever nods to the past, The Canadian Mounted is both a trivia trove and a heartfelt time capsule a reminder that great movies never die; they just find new ways to make us laugh.
This isn’t just another trivia book it’s a love letter to the golden age of John Hughes. Mark Leslie takes readers behind the scenes of Planes, Trains and Automobiles with humor, heart, and a historian’s eye for the details that make movie magic feel alive decades later. From deleted scenes to soundtrack secrets, from Del-isms to Ryan Reynolds’ unabashed love for John Candy, this guide brings together the joy, chaos, and warmth that define the film’s enduring legacy.
What makes The Canadian Mounted shine is its mix of pop culture passion and investigative curiosity. Leslie treats the movie not just as a comedy classic, but as a cultural artifact tracing its mysterious prop-book origins, uncovering production quirks, and celebrating the humanity behind the humor.
It’s a book made for readers who adore the smell of VHS nostalgia and the rhythm of Hughes’ heartwarming chaos the ones who understand that somewhere between a broken rental car and an overcooked turkey dinner lies the soul of cinematic storytelling.
For fans of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Deadpool 2’s clever nods to the past, The Canadian Mounted is both a trivia trove and a heartfelt time capsule a reminder that great movies never die; they just find new ways to make us laugh.
November 28, 2022
The Review
This is a truly detailed and captivating read. The author does an incredible job of finding just the right balance in tone between educational moments from the film and book in question and personable writing styles that make this feel like a shared experience between friends. The wit and charm with which the author crafts this narrative was incredibly inviting to the reader.
The vast amount of research and information the author provided the reader was spectacular. The way the author was able to implement everything from unused portions of the original script to behind-the-scenes commentary, and finds a natural way to blend this into the author’s own personal connection and history with the film and book itself made this such an inviting and unique read.
The Verdict
Informative, thoughtful, and humorous, author Mark Leslie’s “The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a must-read film and pop culture trivia and reference book. The personable and imagery-heavy writing style really allowed these experiences both for the author and those involved in the original production of the film to come to life on the page, and this book makes the perfect story to pick up for longtime fans of this film and filmmaker John Hughes in general.
This is a truly detailed and captivating read. The author does an incredible job of finding just the right balance in tone between educational moments from the film and book in question and personable writing styles that make this feel like a shared experience between friends. The wit and charm with which the author crafts this narrative was incredibly inviting to the reader.
The vast amount of research and information the author provided the reader was spectacular. The way the author was able to implement everything from unused portions of the original script to behind-the-scenes commentary, and finds a natural way to blend this into the author’s own personal connection and history with the film and book itself made this such an inviting and unique read.
The Verdict
Informative, thoughtful, and humorous, author Mark Leslie’s “The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a must-read film and pop culture trivia and reference book. The personable and imagery-heavy writing style really allowed these experiences both for the author and those involved in the original production of the film to come to life on the page, and this book makes the perfect story to pick up for longtime fans of this film and filmmaker John Hughes in general.
January 1, 2023
The Canadian Mounted by Mark Leslie is a fabulous gift for readers who are familiar with the movie this in which this is based. I have never seen nor heard of the film and thus, this was like taking a calculus math class for a beginner. I did like the format in which the book was presented. The information appears to be education, entertaining, and fun. However, most of it was lost on me since I have no idea about the film. The writer does state that you would have to know the film to be a huge lover of this book. I agree with him. I would have liked it better if he did make to where any reader, including ones like me, who are unfamiliar with the content of the film to still be able to enjoy the full capacity of this book. But it is not the case. Thus, I gave it the rating I did. Mark Leslie does write well. I just could not enjoy it as much a s a fan would have.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
December 17, 2022
"Those aren't pillows!"
This book is a loving tribute to a classic buddy comedy "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and is absolute must for anyone who is a fan of this amazing film. Not only is it oh so fun to pose with at the airport, but it’s full of wonderful tidbits that will make it even more fun to watch the movie the next time around. You can really feel the author’s love for John Hughes, John Candy, and the film in general.
This book is a loving tribute to a classic buddy comedy "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and is absolute must for anyone who is a fan of this amazing film. Not only is it oh so fun to pose with at the airport, but it’s full of wonderful tidbits that will make it even more fun to watch the movie the next time around. You can really feel the author’s love for John Hughes, John Candy, and the film in general.
June 2, 2023
Excellent book with loads of trivia and unused script segments. This is a hilarious sample of that - it's a pity they didn't film it:
"There's a scene from the final shooting script that shows Neal continuing to be held up in security and service counter lines by Del Griffith either asking for confirmation of his flight's special meal order or not realizing he'd walked through the security screen with a shoehorn stuck in his shoe."
"There's a scene from the final shooting script that shows Neal continuing to be held up in security and service counter lines by Del Griffith either asking for confirmation of his flight's special meal order or not realizing he'd walked through the security screen with a shoehorn stuck in his shoe."
March 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this trivia book. I've only seen "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" a handful of times, but I definitely find it hilarious. My kids think it's too awkward to watch every year, but I'm going to watch it myself to catch all the little things mentioned in the book and enjoy some laughs.
November 10, 2024
A great little read chock full of information and anecdotes...some even mildly amusing...reacting to that beloved Thanksgiving classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. A must for every fan. Invokes even more warm feelings and memories of one of the best John Hughes films of all time.
November 18, 2024
A must have book for any fan of Planes, Trains And Automobiles. Second only to the original Canadian Mounted by Michael Flowers, a real pulp erotica book. The love and attention to detail Mark brings is amazing. Thank You Mark!
November 29, 2024
It’s well intentioned and cute at points, but overall you’re paying for the cover as an homage to one of the great gags of the movie. This is all stuff that’s fairly well known after a couple of Internet searches; it’s not a knock against the writer, it’s just more a novelty than anything else.
March 24, 2025
This was cute. Some nice little stories and a lot of research. I wish there had been more behind the scenes facts but at this point those are probably pretty hard to find and verify. Lots of screenplay discussion and facts about the actual book this is styled after.
April 28, 2024
Great trivia and stories - a quick and wonderful read for anyone who is a fan of the movie, John Candy, and John Hughes.
October 14, 2025
Interesting trivia about PT&A. I tend to obsess over that film and never heard of some of the stuff discussed here.
December 15, 2025
Great for any fan of the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles. 3.5/5.
November 26, 2024
Reading along during my annual re-watching of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles".
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews