It is afternoon in New York City when four men get aboard a subway train, each boarding at a different stop. Once all are onboard, they highjack the train. They stop in the middle of a tunnel and create havoc through the entire subway system. The leader of the group is Mr. Blue (Robert Shaw), and he demands a million dollars in 1 hour. Lt. Zachary Garber (Walter Matthau) of the Transit Police handles the communication, requesting more time to secure the money. The mayor, various police officials, and subway personnel are entangled in the crisis. Mr. Blue denies any extensions and says he will begin shooting hostages, one every minute the money is late. Of course, everyone is utterly baffled by the plan. How can they escape from the subway tunnels once the money is paid? Though most think the criminals are just stupid, Garber sees that they have been very smart so far. Clearly, they must have a plan. Can he figure it out before they escape?
Robert Shaw is his usual excellent self. He is one cool customer, a man not at all stressed by a high stress situation. Herctor Elizondo plays Mr. Grey, a trigger-happy goon with a mafia background. Martin Balsam is Mr. Green, a former subway employee who knows how to operate the train and understands the procedures of the subway system. Lastly, Earl Hindman is Mr. Brown. It is a small part, but it was funny to see the Home Improvement neighbor, Wilson, as a machine-gun toting thug. Matthau is good, but he doesn't have the hard edge of Shaw. There were times that he was comedic. One of the other transit officers was played by Jerry Stiller, who plays this straight. I'm so used to him as George Costanza's father that I didn't recognize him for a while. Doris Roberts has a brief scene-stealing appearance as the mayor's wife and the person who really made the decision to pay the ransom.
Fast-paced and entertaining. Good popcorn fun.
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