This 1974 heist thriller boasts a superb cast. The plot and nuances would serve as a blueprint for movies of this genre going decades into the future. Set in a brooding New York City, “Pelam” involves a gang of four ruthless criminals that hijack a subway car demanding a million dollars ransom.
The cast is perfect at handling the snappy dialogue and gritty New York attitude each of the characters possess. Robert Shaw leads the villains as the stone cold Mr. Blue. Shaw has become one of my all-time favorite actors. With iconic roles in “Jaws” and “The Sting” Shaw demonstrates his flawless demeanor as a rough and tumble gent. He’s ruthless and has little backstory given, keeping the character mysterious. Mr. Blue has no emotion or deeper motives for his actions. He just wants money. “I’m taking your train.” Are the first words he utters, with gun aimed coolly at the head of the conductor.
Walter Matthau plays Lieutenant Zack Garber. Garber isn’t a superhero or dynamic special agent. He’s a desk jockey officer for the New York City Transit Police. What’s great is Matthau’s authentic Lower East Side accent which makes the character truly effective. As Garber bumps elbows with his fellow bureaucrats, we get a comical understanding of the type of person he is.
Martin Balsam of “The Twilight Zone” and “Psycho” plays the most reasonable of the robbers. Hector Elizondo and Earl Hindman (Wilson from “Home Improvement”) complete the bad guys. The great Jerry Stiller is hysterical as Lieutenant Rico Patrone, one of Garber’s aids.
I loved the diversity of the NYC setting. The film feels really immersive. Like you are not only in a New York subway car, but you are also forty-eight years into the past. Because of this, the setting in itself is yet another character. The influence over other great heist movies – specifically “Reservoir Dogs” is blatant. At 104 minutes, trimming a tough here or there would have been better, but understandable for the era.
“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” is a great film. Its superbly acted and the tension is real. Its based on a book. And it has since been remade. Stick with the original for the best movie version.
“The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” is available on a variety of streaming platforms.
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