The Getaway Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stoic thief and his wife rob a bank, fight everyone in Texas, and then drive off into the sunset after some garbage truck drama.

🍿 The Getaway: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Doc’s Parole and Beynon’s Offer

Carter ‘Doc’ McCoy, a skilled robber, is serving time in a Texas prison. Frustrated by denied parole, he enlists his wife, Carol, to contact Jack Beynon, a corrupt businessman with political connections. Beynon arranges Doc’s release in exchange for planning and executing a bank robbery. Beynon insists Doc use his men, Rudy and Frank. The plan involves robbing a bank with $750,000 stored in its vault. After the heist, Doc and Carol are supposed to escape to Mexico. This sets the stage for a complex, high-stakes situation.

The Heist and Betrayal

The bank robbery is meticulously planned but quickly unravels. Frank kills a bank guard, violating Doc’s non-lethal approach. After the robbery, Rudy murders Frank and attempts to kill Doc and Carol to take all the money for himself. Doc manages to wound Rudy, leaving him for dead. He and Carol then proceed to meet with Beynon, unaware of the layers of betrayal that await them. This sequence escalates the tension and transforms the film into a desperate flight for survival.

On the Run to El Paso

After killing Beynon, Carol and Doc find themselves fugitives. Rudy, having survived, kidnaps a veterinarian, Harold Clinton, and his wife, Fran, forcing them to aid his pursuit of Doc and Carol. A disturbing dynamic develops between Rudy and Fran. Doc and Carol face numerous obstacles: losing their money, being recognized by the public, and narrowly escaping the police. These challenges create a thrilling, fast-paced narrative as they make their way to El Paso.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Doc McCoy (Steve McQueen): A career criminal, Doc McCoy plans a bank robbery to secure his freedom but finds himself on the run with his wife after things go awry.
• Carol McCoy (Ali MacGraw): Doc’s loyal wife, Carol’s actions to help her husband get released from prison create tension and complications as they flee.
• Jack Beynon (Ben Johnson): A crooked businessman, Beynon arranges Doc’s release from prison in exchange for the bank robbery, setting the events of the film in motion.
• Rudy Butler (Al Lettieri): A ruthless criminal involved in the bank robbery, Rudy becomes a dangerous antagonist relentlessly pursuing Doc and Carol.
• Fran Clinton (Sally Struthers): A seemingly ordinary woman, Fran becomes entangled with Rudy, developing an infatuation that leads to tragic consequences.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rudy Butler: “He didn’t make it. Neither will you.” – Rudy says this to Doc after Doc shoots him, referring to the fact that Rudy killed their partner, Frank.
• Carter ‘Doc’ McCoy: “Punch it!” – Doc yells this to Carol during a high-speed car chase as they try to evade the police.
• Carter ‘Doc’ McCoy: “I don’t trust anybody.” – Doc says this to Carol, highlighting his cynical worldview and difficulty in believing in others.
• Carol McCoy: “I chose you, Doc.” – Carol tells Doc, after he learns she slept with Beynon, to emphasize her loyalty to him despite her actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.35M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $36.73M

💥 The Getaway Reviews

Personal Review

I remember first seeing ‘The Getaway’ on late-night TV, and I was hooked. McQueen’s coolness is off the charts, and the action is relentless. The scene where he’s blasting away at the police car with that shotgun is iconic. It’s a gritty, thrilling ride, and the chemistry between McQueen and MacGraw is palpable. The ending is a bit abrupt, but overall, it’s a classic for a reason.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve McQueen”
  • “Viewers interested in 1970s action films”
  • “People who enjoy crime thrillers with a touch of romance”
  • “Sam Peckinpah fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Brief depiction of domestic violence”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Peckinpah’s signature violence and McQueen’s cool persona make for an engaging crime thriller, though the plot occasionally meanders. MacGraw’s performance is serviceable, if not stellar. The action sequences are gripping, solidifying its place as a memorable entry in the genre.
• Variety: “A brutal and stylish heist film elevated by McQueen’s magnetism and Peckinpah’s direction. The film’s pacing is excellent, and the supporting cast, particularly Lettieri, adds depth to the criminal underworld. A must-see for fans of the genre.
• RogerEbert.com: “While not Peckinpah’s most profound work, ‘The Getaway’ is an effective crime thriller with intense action sequences and a compelling narrative. McQueen and MacGraw deliver believable performances, creating a portrait of a couple driven by desperation and love.

Audience Reactions

The raw action and McQueen’s magnetic presence kept me glued to the screen.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s fast pace, intense action sequences, and McQueen’s captivating performance.

The garbage truck scene was bizarre and unforgettable.: Many found the film stylish, with a compelling romance and violent edge, cementing its legacy as a cult classic.

Overall Consensus: A stylish and action-packed crime thriller, elevated by Steve McQueen’s performance and Sam Peckinpah’s direction, despite some criticisms of MacGraw’s acting and plot inconsistencies.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Score)- 1973

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve McQueen had contractual final cut rights and reportedly chose takes that highlighted his own appearance, causing friction with director Sam Peckinpah.”
• “Quincy Jones replaced Jerry Fielding as composer at McQueen’s insistence. Fielding had previously worked with Peckinpah on ‘The Wild Bunch’.”
• “The film is based on a novel by Jim Thompson, but the ending was changed for the film to be more optimistic, reportedly at McQueen’s request.”
• “During filming, Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw began an affair, leading to their marriage and MacGraw’s divorce from producer Robert Evans.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Getaway?

The Getaway (1972) is widely available for rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming options through subscription services. Physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD, can be purchased through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Getaway, you might like these similar films:

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): A classic crime film featuring a couple on the run from the law, capturing the public’s imagination with its blend of romance and violence.
• Point Blank (1967): Features a similar neo-noir tone and a protagonist seeking revenge after being double-crossed, driven by a strong sense of justice.
• Thief (1981): A neo-noir crime thriller centered around a professional thief looking for one last big score.
• Baby Driver (2017): A modern action film with a focus on thrilling getaway sequences and a protagonist trying to escape a life of crime.
• The Driver (1978): A stylish, minimalist crime film focused on a getaway driver and his dangerous cat-and-mouse game with a determined detective.

🛒 The Getaway Related Products

• Steve McQueen: The Last Mile: A biography that delves into the life and career of Steve McQueen, featuring exclusive interviews and rare photographs. Perfect for fans wanting a deeper understanding of the iconic actor.
• The Getaway (1972) [Blu-ray]: A restored Blu-ray edition of ‘The Getaway,’ featuring behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and original trailers. A must-have for collectors and fans of classic cinema.
• The Getaway (Jim Thompson) – Paperback: A new edition of Jim Thompson’s classic pulp novel that was the basis of the movie. Readers can delve into the much darker original story.
• 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – Steve McQueen Edition: Highly detailed diecast model of Steve McQueen’s 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (1:18 scale). Replica sports accurate interior and exterior, and comes in detailed packaging.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Getaway features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme From The Getaway” – performed by Quincy Jones
• “Main Title” – performed by Quincy Jones
• “The Stars and Stripes Forever” – performed by John Philip Sousa

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sam Peckinpah’s ‘The Getaway’ (1972)

Ever wondered what made ‘The Getaway’ such a classic? Check out this intense shooting scene with Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw – it’s pure adrenaline!

Quentin Tarantino on Billy Wilder

Who better to talk about a legendary filmmaker than Quentin Tarantino? His insights on Billy Wilder are fascinating – a must-watch for any film buff!

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