The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974): Bad day in New York’s subway

ByFabian Bullitt

1974 • Joseph Sargent • 2.35:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓

Based on John Godey’s novel of the same name and directed by Joseph Sargent, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three tells the story of a group of armed men who hijack a New York City subway train and hold the passengers hostage, demanding a ransom to be paid within a strict time limit. The transit authorities and city officials coordinate a response in an attempt to identify and stop the perpetrators.

Filmed extensively on location in New York, including in real subway environments, the film provides a glimpse of the city in its natural state. The action itself mainly takes place within the subway system, with its narrow train carriages, dark tunnels and enclosed control rooms, as the film provides a continuous game of threats and counter-propositions between transit police officer Garber, played by Walter Matthau, and the colour-coded criminals: Mr Blue, Mr Green, Mr Grey, and Mr Brown.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a classic 1970s urban thriller. Its unglamorous, immersive action is grounded in dysfunctional institutions, and the great ensemble cast drives the tension as much as the search for realism.

Technical Specs:

  • The Story: Armed men hijack a New York City subway train and demand a ransom, triggering a tense standoff between the criminals and a world-weary transit cop trying to outwit them before time runs out. Read my review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
  • Actors: Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Jerry Stiller.
  • Director: Joseph Sargent
  • Year: 1974
  • Cinematographer: Owen Roizman
  • Origin: American Cinema
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
  • Genre: Crime & Mystery
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