I would never have stumbled on this film were it not for the countless remakes it has had since its 1974 original release.
It is a simple hijacking caper on a New York City subway train starring Walter Matthau as transit cop Lt. Zach Gaber and Robert Shaw as maniac henchman Bernard Ryder aka Blue.
Shaw is very much Red Grant off From Russia With Love (minus the blonde hair colour) rather than crazy fisherman Quint off Jaws.
The movie shows all the seventies grime of New York City and it's largest subway system in the world to boot!
The film features 17 hostages and a cast of various stereotypes along with some script writing that would never pass politically correct censorship today.
A big thing is constantly made by the mayor and police of the $1million ransom demand as if it is going to bankrupt the city! Haven't they realised that after inflation it looks relatively good value today!
The cat and mouse games between Matthau and Shaw are a highlight. Two great actors.
The look on both their faces. Matthau in the final frame and Shaw after electrocuting himself on the live third line are great freeze frames.
Films just aren't made as enjoyable as this any more. Oh and no CGI in sight.
It is a simple hijacking caper on a New York City subway train starring Walter Matthau as transit cop Lt. Zach Gaber and Robert Shaw as maniac henchman Bernard Ryder aka Blue.
Shaw is very much Red Grant off From Russia With Love (minus the blonde hair colour) rather than crazy fisherman Quint off Jaws.
The movie shows all the seventies grime of New York City and it's largest subway system in the world to boot!
The film features 17 hostages and a cast of various stereotypes along with some script writing that would never pass politically correct censorship today.
A big thing is constantly made by the mayor and police of the $1million ransom demand as if it is going to bankrupt the city! Haven't they realised that after inflation it looks relatively good value today!
The cat and mouse games between Matthau and Shaw are a highlight. Two great actors.
The look on both their faces. Matthau in the final frame and Shaw after electrocuting himself on the live third line are great freeze frames.
Films just aren't made as enjoyable as this any more. Oh and no CGI in sight.