Four men, Mr’s Blue, Grey, Green and Brown hold hostage 17 people in a train car. They demand $1m in one hour or they are going to start executing hostages.
Mr Blue, the leader communicates with Lt Zach Garber – a transit police officer in the communications office – who must work with the city to get the ransom paid.
Direction
Absolutely brilliant direction from Joseph Sargeant – who would go on to direct one of the worst sequels to one of the best films.
Filled with car chase and crash sequences, as well as a majority of the film being filmed in the claustrophobic environment of the train car. One key moment I found enthralling was when City Hall is rushing around in chaos to get the money ready – we cut back and forth to the calm, quiet train. Just brilliant filming.
Cast/Characters
Screen legends Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw share the screen for the first time (having competed for the same Oscar at the 1967 ceremony – Matthau won).
Matthau, who was predominantly known for his comedy plays Garber, the Lt who communicates with Mr Blue throughout. He brings an aura of confidence – and intimidating at times with his size with those who he argues with at times. He gets to bring some of his humour to the screenplay as well, which helps cut out some of the tension.
Robert Shaw is sensational as the cool, calm and collected Mr Blue. We get parts of his backstory throughout – and his history as a British Army Colonel.
The other hostage takers are Mr Green (Martin Balsam) the former transit worker, who helps drive the train, Mr Grey (Hector Elizondo) the ‘crazy mercenary’ who was kicked out of the mafia for his erratic behaviour and Mr Brown (Earl Hindman, better known as Wilson in Home Improvement).
Comedy legend Jerry Stiller, also appears as Lt Rico Patrone, Garber’s colleague and friend.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
I loved Robert Shaw’s villain. I’ve only known life with him being deceased, as he passed away five years before I was born, so movies such as this, and Jaws (which he starred in the following year) are ‘classical’ movies to me.
I didn’t care for his ‘end’ here, and from what proceeded it, felt it was out of place of the character.
I did have a slight giggle early in the film when Garber is showing around the Japanese railway managers to show them NY’s subway lines. While I haven’t been to NY, I have been to Tokyo and their system is pretty amazing too.
Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs would go on to homage the Mr Colour for the characters. His Mr Brown too gets the least amount to do.
I don’t think they needed to say that there was an undercover cop on the train, because ultimately this didn’t really lead to anything.
Just for fun fact, $1m in 1974 is worth between $7m-$8m in 2025 money.
Score/Soundtrack
The score by David Shire (then husband of Rocky’s Talia) is complementary of the time, with retro feels, and engaging over the opening credits.
Overall
I loved this film, and see why it was so popular upon its release in 1974.
Remade with Denzel Washington and John Travolta in 2009 (to be reviewed soon).
4.5/5
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