source: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Trailer—The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Robert Shaw leads a group of stooges in the violent hijacking of a New York subway train; Walter Matthau is the acerbic transit police officer who assigns himself to the case. Nearly-perfect urban thriller adapted by the ingenious Peter Stone from John Godey's book. The atmosphere is charged with tension; one can almost taste the grit in the air and sense the palpable dread, though the film isn't quite the downer its beige-and-gray production makes it appear to be. Screenwriter Stone displays his darkly comedic sense of humor in several instances, leading to a fabulous conclusion. Curiously, some professionals critics were put off by the film, yet the suspense is sustained remarkably by director Joseph Sargent, and Matthau is priceless. *** from ****

With a terrific screenplay by Peter Stone and brilliant direction from Joseph Sargent, (it's easily the best thing he's ever done), "The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three" is still one of the most enjoyable heist movies ever made, (in this case, heist as in the hijacking of a subway train). I've seen it countless times and never tire of it. In fact, I love so much I have deliberately avoided the Travolta/Washington remake so I can't pass comment there. It has a very simple but ingenious plot; four men hijack a New York subway train and hold 18 passengers hostage. The ransom is a million dollars and the getaway plan, considering they are in an underground tunnel, is perhaps the most ingenious part of the plot. Robert Shaw and Martin Balsam are two of the hi-jackers and Walter Matthau, the New York cop doing the negotiations but the whole cast are first-rate. This is a great ensemble piece, in front, as well as behind, the camera. Unmissable.

Well I think my summary line doesn't leave much space for interpretation, on how I feel about this movie and it's remake (2009), latter starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The remake does update a few things (technological advances of course, although there is a ridiculous story thread with a laptop), from which a map is the best thing. Everything else (acting, story etc.) is far superior in this original take of the story. Walter Matthau is just phenomenal, the villains are great, the dialogue is awesome (one liners everywhere you look) ... the only thing really dated in this movie, is the technology. It's a great movie, that seems to be not that very well known (unfortunately), but hopefully people will go and watch this ... Especially because the original ending is just great (which gets changed in the remake ... from good to worse).

Will Denzel Washington be a better Lt. Garber than Walter Matthau? That is the question to be asked next month when the remake of this film hits movie screens. With some 40 horror films scheduled to be remade, and much discussion over whether they should or should not be done, the question paramount in my mind is how you can possibly improve this film? Matthau was right on spot in this film. He took charge and negotiated with the kidnappers, led by Robert Shaw. The back and forth was crisp and to the point. No wasted words. Shaw was also perfect, and one has to wonder how John Travolta will play this role out. This movie was tightly directed by Joseph Sargent without special effects and gadgets. It was a crime thriller that focused on the crime. It remains to be seen how Tony Scott can improve on this movie.

Modern tough-guy filmmakers like Quentin Tarentino acknowledge their debt to this pedal-to-the-metal thriller, directed by Joseph Sargent from John Godey's bestseller. Walter Matthau is a hoot as the savvy NY transit cop who's smarter than he looks, well-matched by Robert Shaw as the icy mercenary whose gang has hijacked a subway car for a one-million-dollar ransom. This film's been imitated so often because its makers were really at the top of their game. Owen Roizman (THE FRENCH CONNECTION) handled the gritty location photography; scripter Peter Stone contributed terse, funny dialogue; scene-stealers like Martin Balsam, Jerry Stiller, Dick O'Neill and others made their roles indelible; and David Shire's percussive score set a standard for the genre. The ending is classic. When you have Matthau as your star, this is how to end your movie.

Sharp and fast-paced thriller that follows an easy-going N.Y.C. transit cop (Walter Matthau) who's forced to out-match the wits of four well-armed gunmen and their resilient leader (Robert Shaw) who are holding eighteen passengers on a subway train and demand one million dollars within the hour. Made in the era of smart, stylish, and ingenius thrillers ('70s), this film didn't fail to loose my attention at all. In addition to Matthau and Shaw, the supporting cast (Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, Jerry Stiller, Tony Roberts, and so forth) is are just as excellent as the two unflappable leads. This well-polished crime movie is filled with exciting moments and heart-pounding suspense. Plus, there are some quirky one-liners thrown into the story as well.