A small group of highly organised criminals have taken control of a New York City subway train. Mr Blue, Mr Brown, Mr Green and Mr Grey are demanding $1 million cash and, if they don't get it, they'll kill a hostage every minute. The mayor agrees to pay and the money is on its way but they're on a train, underground, how do they expect to escape? It's the job of Police Lt. Zachary Garber to find that out.
70s crime thriller by MacArthur director Joseph Sargent adapted from John Godey's best seller. One of very few 'tough-guy' roles by the great Walter Matthau before health problems ruled them out for him. Better known for his comedic roles in films such as The Odd Couple, he adds some nice comedy moments to what would otherwise be a fairly run-of-the-mill part. Robert Shaw is our head bad guy, Mr Blue, helping to kick-off a long tradition of British villain's in American action movies. I've said before that I'm a big fan of Shaw, who you will recognise as the shark fisherman in Jaws, and though he wins no awards he's as solid and dependable here as he ever was. You may also recognise Hector Elizondo as Mr Grey. He went on to appear in everything from Columbo to Monk to Pretty Woman in a long a varied career that is still going strong.
The story itself isn't particularly innovative, although apparently the Transit Authority refused to help because of fears there might be attempts to copy the crime and the real Mayor of New York had to step in to make them. The script however is good and snappy and the action rolls along well.
The film has been re-made 3 times, twice in Hollywood and once in Bollywood, but none of them were anything to write home about.
In a nice, unofficial, piece of tradition, since the making of this film no train has run from Pelham Bay Park Station at either 13:23 or 01:23.
Not anywhere near the quality of some of its contemporaries, this film is still fun and gripping enough to keep the viewers' interest.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072251/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt
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