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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
Before this train
reaches the next station, it will become
the scene of the most spectacular hijack ever attempted.
Director: Joseph Sargent, rated R for language,
violence
  Starring:
Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo,
Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O'Neill, Lee Wallace, Tony
Pedi, Beatrice Winde, Jerry Stiller
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Oh, come on. If I've
got to watch my language just because they let a few broads in,
I'm going to quit. How the hell can you run a goddamn railroad
without swearing?" - Caz Dolowicz
Why watch this? It's
a action film with humor and a sense of realism.
Plot Summary:
Four armed men commandeer a New York City subway car and hold
the passengers hostage, demanding a massive cash ransom from the
city within a strict one-hour deadline. As the clock ticks down,
a cynical transit police lieutenant is forced to navigate tense
negotiations with the ruthless mastermind. Meanwhile, chaos
ensues above and below ground as officials scramble to deliver
the money and unravel how the hijackers could possibly escape
the underground tunnels.
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Dad's Preview:
This addition to the disaster films of the 1970's (Poseidon
Adventure,
Earthquake,
The Towering Inferno) was able to stand out
thanks to its realistic tone/setting, and the perfect
blend of action, suspense and humor. I personally
enjoyed seeing how the complicated NYC Subway system
works and it's important to the story. Another of this
film's strengths is Walter Matthau. His deadpan
portrayal of burnt-out Transit Police Lieutenant Zachary
Garber is both realistic and often darkly humorous - as
exciting as the day's events are, it's just another
crappy day in his work life. Robert Shaw also excels as
Mr. Blue, the stern leader of the train hijackers. |
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Polomar Pictures,
Palladium Prod.; United Artists |
