The Taking of Pelham 123

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a 1974 American film directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Héctor Elizondo, and Earl Hindman. The film is based on the 1973 novel of the same name by John Godey, which was inspired by the New York City Subway system and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The movie features a talented cast, including Walter Matthau, who was known for his roles in The Odd Couple and Grumpy Old Men, and Robert Shaw, who appeared in Jaws and The Sting. The film's score was composed by David Shire, who also worked on The Conversation and All the President's Men.

● Plot

The plot of the film revolves around the hijacking of a New York City Subway train, specifically the Pelham 123 train, by a group of armed men led by Mr. Blue, played by Robert Shaw. The group, which includes Mr. Green, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brown, and Mr. White, demands a ransom of $1 million in exchange for the safe release of the hostages. The New York City Police Department, led by Lieutenant Zachary Garber, played by Walter Matthau, works to negotiate with the hijackers and rescue the hostages. The film features a tense and suspenseful plot, with a talented cast of characters, including Martin Balsam as Mayor, Héctor Elizondo as Mr. Grey, and Earl Hindman as Mr. Brown. The movie also explores the New York City Subway system, which is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

● Production

The production of the film was led by Gabriel Katzka and Edgar J. Scherick, who worked with United Artists and Palladium Productions to bring the movie to life. The film was directed by Joseph Sargent, who also directed The Man and MacArthur, and written by Peter Stone and John Godey. The movie features a talented cast, including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Héctor Elizondo, and Earl Hindman, and was filmed on location in New York City, including the New York City Subway system. The film's score was composed by David Shire, who worked with The Manhattan Transfer and The Muppets on other projects. The movie also features the work of Owen Roizman, who served as the cinematographer, and Gerald B. Greenberg and Robert Q. Lovett, who edited the film.

● Release

The film was released in 1974 by United Artists and received positive reviews from critics, including Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times and Vincent Canby of The New York Times. The movie was also a commercial success, grossing over $10 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film has since become a classic of the thriller genre, influencing films like Die Hard and Speed. The movie has also been recognized by the American Film Institute, which named it one of the greatest thrillers of all time. The film's success can be attributed to the talented cast, including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and Martin Balsam, as well as the direction of Joseph Sargent and the score of David Shire.

● Reception

The reception of the film was overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the tense and suspenseful plot, the talented cast, and the direction of Joseph Sargent. The film holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising the movie's thriller elements and the performances of the cast. The film has also been recognized by the American Film Institute, which named it one of the greatest thrillers of all time. The movie has influenced a number of other films, including Die Hard and Speed, and has become a classic of the thriller genre. The film's success can be attributed to the talented cast, including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and Martin Balsam, as well as the direction of Joseph Sargent and the score of David Shire. The movie has also been praised by Quentin Tarantino, who named it one of his favorite films, and Martin Scorsese, who praised the film's direction and cinematography.

● Adaptations

The film has been adapted into several other forms of media, including a 2009 remake starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The remake was directed by Tony Scott and produced by Columbia Pictures and Relativity Media. The film was also adapted into a stage play in 2011, which premiered at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. The play was written by Joseph Sargent and Peter Stone and directed by Daniel Sullivan. The film's success has also led to the creation of several video games and novelizations, including a novelization by John Godey and a video game developed by Ubisoft. The movie's influence can be seen in other films, including The Italian Job and The Score, which feature similar heist plots and thriller elements.

● Themes

The film explores several themes, including the psychology of terrorism and the response of law enforcement to hostage situations. The movie also explores the social and economic issues of the time, including the fiscal crisis facing New York City in the 1970s. The film's portrayal of the New York City Subway system and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also highlights the importance of public transportation in urban areas. The movie's influence can be seen in other films, including Die Hard and Speed, which feature similar thriller elements and action sequences. The film's success can be attributed to the talented cast, including Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and Martin Balsam, as well as the direction of Joseph Sargent and the score of David Shire. The movie has become a classic of the thriller genre, influencing films and television shows like 24 and CSI: NY.

Category:American films