The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

1974Movie104 minEnglish

In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers. Even if it's paid, how could they get away?

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IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users91%
Director: Joseph SargentGenres: Crime, Thriller, Action

Plot Summary

A group of heavily armed men hijack a New York City subway train with its passengers, demanding a ransom of one million dollars. As the tense negotiations unfold, a determined transit detective races against time to outwit the criminals and save the hostages before the deadline expires.

Critical Reception

The film was critically acclaimed for its tense plotting, sharp dialogue, and strong performances, particularly from Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. It is widely regarded as a classic of the heist and thriller genre, praised for its realistic portrayal of a hostage situation and its gritty urban atmosphere.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful and tightly-paced narrative.
  • Commended for excellent performances by its lead actors.
  • Applauded for its realistic depiction of a high-stakes hostage crisis.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film's thrilling suspense and the compelling performances of its cast. Many highlight its intelligent script and realistic portrayal of the events, making it a memorable and engaging watch.

Fun Fact

The distinctive rhythmic, percussive score was composed by David Shire, who would later win a Grammy for his work on 'Saturday Night Fever'.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Robert Shaw is great in this tensely presented heist thriller with a difference. Allied with Martin Balsam's "Green", Hector Elizondo as "Grey" and Earl Hindman's "Brown" they meticulously hijack a subway train and hold the city to ransom f...