The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys who really like the color-coded system of office supplies decide to hold a subway hostage for a million bucks because they’re having a bad day.

🍿 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hijacking Begins

Four men, Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, Mr. Grey, and Mr. Brown, all disguised and heavily armed, board a New York City subway train. They methodically take control of the lead car of the Pelham 1-2-3 train, separating it from the rest and holding the passengers hostage.

Demands and Negotiations

The hijackers, led by the cool and collected Mr. Blue, demand a one million dollar ransom to be delivered within one hour. Lieutenant Garber of the Transit Authority Police becomes the negotiator, dealing with the pressure from the criminals and the bureaucratic red tape from the city.

The Ransom Delivery

The race against time ensues as the city scrambles to gather the ransom and deliver it to the hijackers. Obstacles arise, including a car accident delaying the money, forcing Garber to stall for time while the police work to get the ransom to the subway.

Escape Attempt and Runaway Train

Once the ransom is secured, the hijackers disconnect the lead car and set it in motion, creating a runaway train. They attempt to escape through the subway tunnels, but their plans begin to unravel as their differences and the pursuing police close in.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Garber (Walter Matthau): A wisecracking transit police lieutenant who becomes the lead negotiator during the subway hijacking.
• Blue (Robert Shaw): The cold and calculating ex-mercenary and leader of the subway hijackers.
• Green (Martin Balsam): A former transit employee and hijacker who is prone to sneezing.
• Grey (Hector Elizondo): A trigger-happy hijacker who clashes with the leader, Blue.
• Denny Doyle (James Broderick): The Deputy Mayor who advises the Mayor during the hijacking crisis.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Blue: “We’re businessmen, not murderers.” – Mr. Blue states his intentions to Lt. Garber, emphasizing the financial motive behind the hijacking, though their actions prove otherwise.
• Lt. Garber: “What do they expect for 35 cents, to live forever?” – Said sarcastically when a trainmaster complains about the hostages and the disruption to the subway schedule.
• Mr. Blue: “One million dollars. Small bills, unmarked, and delivered within one hour.” – Mr. Blue states the clear demands for the ransom, setting the ticking clock for the whole movie.
• Mr. Blue: “Pity.” – Mr. Blue replies to Garber after learning New York State has abolished the death penalty, just before he steps on the third rail.
• Lt. Garber: “Gesundheit.” – Garber says ‘Gesundheit’ after Mr. Green sneezes, leading to the final realization of Green’s identity at the end.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $357

💥 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this movie late one night and was instantly hooked. The dialogue is so sharp and witty, and the characters are incredibly memorable. I loved how the film never slowed down, constantly throwing new challenges at the protagonists. The scene where Blue and Garber negotiate over the radio is a masterclass in tension. The ending had me grinning like a fool!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1970s crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in heist movies with intricate plots”
  • “Those who appreciate strong character-driven stories”
  • “People who enjoy films set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Gun violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “A masterpiece of suspense, ‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’ grips you from start to finish with its taut pacing and gritty realism. Matthau and Shaw deliver tour-de-force performances, making this a must-see for any crime thriller fan.
• The New York Times: “A relentlessly tense and utterly believable thriller. This film showcases the raw energy and chaotic beauty of 1970s New York, capturing the essence of a city on the brink. Robert Shaw’s portrayal is chilling, and Walter Matthau shines.

Audience Reactions

The sharp dialogue and witty banter kept me entertained from beginning to end.: Viewers appreciated the realistic portrayal of New York City and its colorful characters.

Matthau and Shaw’s performances were outstanding, each bringing unique charisma to their roles.: Many fans cited the film’s ability to create suspense without relying on excessive action or special effects.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’ is widely regarded as a classic crime thriller, praised for its taut pacing, memorable characters, and realistic portrayal of 1970s New York. A must-watch for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot entirely on location in New York City, including the subway interiors, adding to its gritty realism.”
• “David Shire’s score, with its funky, chaotic energy, is considered groundbreaking for the crime thriller genre.”
• “The use of color-coded names for the hijackers (Mr. Blue, Mr. Green, etc.) was a direct inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Reservoir Dogs’.”
• “The film was a box office success in cities with subway systems (New York, Toronto, London, Paris) but struggled elsewhere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Taking of Pelham One Two Three?

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies for rental and purchasing options. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to confirm before attempting to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, you might like these similar films:

• Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Another tense, character-driven crime drama set in New York City during the 1970s, focused on a desperate bank robbery.
• The French Connection (1971): A gritty, realistic crime thriller set in New York with a focus on law enforcement’s struggle against organized crime.
• Die Hard (1988): A group of criminals attempt a heist and hold innocent people hostage, while one man tries to stop them
• Reservoir Dogs (1992): Inspired by ‘Pelham’, featuring color-coded criminals and a heist gone wrong, known for its sharp dialogue and tension.

🛒 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Related Products

• The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (Blu-ray): Experience the gritty tension and suspense of the classic 1974 film in high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Pelham 123 Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Capture the spirit of this crime thriller classic with this vibrant and iconic piece of cinematic history.
• Pelham One Two Three Script: A digital copy of the shooting script, with scene annotations and descriptions. A perfect for the die-hard fan.
• 1/6 Scale Action Figure: Walter Matthau as Lt. Garber Action figure with authentic likeness.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by David Shire
• “End Credits” – performed by David Shire

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Hidden Gems of 70s Cinema Hollywood Buried

Ever wonder what other great movies came out the same year as ‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’? This video lists 10 hidden gems from the 70s, and I was surprised by how many I hadn’t heard of!

Bill Cobbs Has Died (6/25/2024)

Sad news for fans of classic cinema: Bill Cobbs, who had a role in ‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,’ has passed away. This short video pays tribute to his life and career.

’72 Plymouth in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Did you notice the cars in ‘The Taking of Pelham One Two Three’? This video focuses on the ’72 Plymouth Fury, and it’s surprisingly interesting to see the car in action! It’s a nice detail to add to your appreciation for the film.

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