This superb fast-moving thriller cracks on at a tremendous pace, helped by slick editing that racks up the tension, and a blustery, funky soundtrack, full of blistering brass.
Released in 1974 and adapted from John Godey's novel, it focuses on the hijacking of a New York subway train. The hijackers - led by Robert Shaw - are a ruthless and dangerously nervy bunch. Their demands are unequivocal: give us $1 million in cash in the next hour, or else we'll kill the train's passengers.
Transport cop Walter Matthau (pictured) is on top form, with wise cracks a go-go, and a gritty determination to track down the villains, without paying the ransom. Can he do it? Tremendous.
Reviewer - Paul Strange
Did you know? The hijackers' system of referring to each other as colours, such as "Mr Blue", "Mr Green" and "Mr Gray", was later used by Quentin Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs. A re-make of the film, provisionally entitled The Taking Of Pelham 123, is currently in post-production. Starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta, it's due to be released in 2009.
(4 Star)
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