Dive into the gritty heart of 1970s New York, where a pulse-pounding heist unfolds in 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,' a cinematic masterpiece you might have missed. The New York City subway system in the '70s was a world unto itself – a place of grit, delays, and, at times, sheer danger. With approximately 250 felonies reported weekly, the subway was a far cry from a pleasant commute. Yet, this very environment became the perfect backdrop for a series of memorable films, including 'Death Wish,' 'Saturday Night Fever,' and 'The Warriors.' But the film that arguably captured this atmosphere best was Joseph Sargent's 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,' a heist movie that deserves its place among the greats.
The story begins with a seemingly ordinary day on the subway, but it quickly spirals into chaos. Four armed men, each identified by a color-coded nickname, seize a train, taking the passengers hostage. Their leader, Mr. Blue, played by Robert Shaw, demands a staggering $1 million ransom within an hour, or the hostages will start paying the ultimate price. On the other side of the line, New York Transit Police Lieutenant Zach Garber, portrayed by Walter Matthau, tries to negotiate while the authorities scramble to meet the demands. But the core question remains: How do the hijackers plan to escape from the depths of the underground, even if they get the money?
But here's where it gets controversial... While 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' enjoyed critical and commercial success, it was perhaps overshadowed by other iconic New York crime films like 'The French Connection' and 'Dog Day Afternoon.' As a result, this film remains a somewhat underrated gem.
The movie's brilliance lies in its perfect balance of tension and humor, largely due to its outstanding cast. Walter Matthau, known for his comedic roles, delivered a series of hard-boiled dramatic performances in the early '70s, and this was arguably his best. His laid-back demeanor and sarcastic wit perfectly suited the character of Garber. He is the ideal counterpart to Robert Shaw's Mr. Blue, a former military man who plans the hijacking with ruthless precision. Sandwiched between his more famous roles in 'The Sting' and 'Jaws,' Shaw's performance is another compelling study in steely-eyed menace. Despite sharing only one scene together, the rapport between Shaw and Matthau is a highlight of the film.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Martin Balsam plays Mr. Green, a disgruntled former subway motorman who is key to the plan. Hector Elizondo is superb as Mr. Grey, the crew's sleazy loose cannon. Jerry Stiller, Lee Wallace, and Tony Roberts also add depth to the story. This colorful ensemble cast adds layers of flavor, dropping cynical asides and arguing as the negotiations unfold.
And this is the part most people miss... Authenticity is a major selling point of 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.' The film opens with David Shire's propulsive, jazz-infused score, immediately setting the tone. The film was based on John Godey's novel, which presented some challenges for the filmmakers. Godey, a subway enthusiast, prompted the New York City Transit Authority to worry that the details in the film might inspire others to imitate the hijackers' scheme. Consequently, the producers had to take out a $20 million insurance policy.
The film was shot in real subway tunnels and an abandoned station, adding to its authenticity. The only detail missing is the graffiti on the subway cars, but everything else feels genuine. The script keeps multiple storylines moving without getting bogged down, and Joseph Sargent directs efficiently. The film culminates in a classic 'gotcha!' moment, making 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' a satisfying heist movie. Forget the disappointing remake starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta; the original is still the real deal after over 50 years.
What do you think? Does 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' deserve more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree or disagree with this assessment?
