Ever wondered what makes "The Taking of Pelham 123" such a gripping thriller? This classic film, originally released in 1974 and remade in 2009, has captivated audiences with its intense plot and unforgettable characters. From the heart-pounding hijacking of a New York City subway train to the clever cat-and-mouse game between the hijackers and the authorities, this movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. But there's more to this film than just suspense. Did you know it was based on a novel by Morton Freedgood, who wrote under the pen name John Godey? Or that the film's title refers to the train's departure time and location? Dive into these 36 fascinating facts about "The Taking of Pelham 123" and discover what makes this film a timeless classic.
The Taking of Pelham 123: A Classic Heist Film
"The Taking of Pelham 123" is a gripping heist film that has captivated audiences since its release. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this cinematic gem.
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The Original Novel: The movie is based on a novel by Morton Freedgood, who wrote under the pseudonym John Godey. The book was published in 1973.
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First Adaptation: The first film adaptation came out in 1974, directed by Joseph Sargent. It starred Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw.
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Plot Premise: The story revolves around the hijacking of a New York City subway train, with the hijackers demanding a ransom of $1 million.
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Title Meaning: "Pelham 123" refers to the train's departure time and location: 1:23 PM from Pelham Bay Park station.
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Realistic Setting: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of New York City's subway system and the gritty urban environment.
The 2009 Remake
In 2009, a modern remake of "The Taking of Pelham 123" was released, directed by Tony Scott. This version brought new elements to the classic story.
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Star-Studded Cast: The remake featured Denzel Washington as Walter Garber and John Travolta as Ryder, the lead hijacker.
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Updated Technology: The 2009 film incorporated modern technology, such as advanced communication systems and surveillance cameras.
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Character Changes: In the remake, Denzel Washington's character is a subway dispatcher, while in the original, Walter Matthau played a transit police lieutenant.
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Box Office Success: The 2009 version grossed over $150 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
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Critical Reception: While the remake received mixed reviews, it was praised for its intense action sequences and strong performances.
Behind the Scenes
The making of "The Taking of Pelham 123" involved many interesting behind-the-scenes details that contributed to its success.
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Filming Locations: Both the original and the remake were shot on location in New York City, adding authenticity to the film.
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Subway Cooperation: The New York City Transit Authority cooperated with the filmmakers, allowing them to shoot in actual subway stations and trains.
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Real Subway Cars: The production used real subway cars for filming, which were modified to accommodate camera equipment and crew.
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Stunt Coordination: The film's action scenes required careful planning and coordination, especially the sequences involving moving trains.
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Music Score: The original film's score was composed by David Shire, known for its tense and suspenseful music.
Cultural Impact
"The Taking of Pelham 123" has left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing other films and media.
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Influence on Heist Films: The movie set a standard for heist films, inspiring future movies with similar themes and plot structures.
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Parodies and References: The film has been parodied and referenced in various TV shows, movies, and even video games.
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Subway Safety: After the original film's release, the New York City Transit Authority reviewed and improved its safety protocols.
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Iconic Lines: The movie features several memorable lines, such as "What do they expect for their lousy 35 cents – to live forever?"
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Legacy: "The Taking of Pelham 123" remains a beloved classic, with both the original and the remake continuing to attract new fans.
Cast and Crew Insights
The talented cast and crew brought their unique skills to "The Taking of Pelham 123," creating a memorable cinematic experience.
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Walter Matthau: Known for his comedic roles, Matthau delivered a standout performance as the serious and determined transit cop.
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Robert Shaw: Shaw's portrayal of the cold and calculating hijacker added depth and tension to the film.
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Denzel Washington: In the remake, Washington's nuanced performance as a flawed yet heroic dispatcher earned critical acclaim.
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John Travolta: Travolta's charismatic and menacing portrayal of Ryder brought a fresh take on the villainous character.
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Director Joseph Sargent: Sargent's direction in the original film was praised for its tight pacing and suspenseful atmosphere.
Fun Facts
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about "The Taking of Pelham 123" that fans might enjoy.
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Code Names: The hijackers in the original film used color-based code names, a concept later popularized by Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs."
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Train Number: The train used in the original film was numbered 7339, which became an iconic element of the movie.
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Cameo Appearances: The original film featured several cameo appearances by real-life New York City transit workers.
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Novel Sequel: John Godey wrote a sequel to the original novel, titled "The Taking of Pelham 123: The Next Generation," though it was never adapted into a film.
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Real-Life Inspiration: The novel was inspired by a real-life subway hijacking attempt in New York City in the 1960s.
Trivia Tidbits
For trivia enthusiasts, here are some more intriguing tidbits about "The Taking of Pelham 123."
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Alternate Endings: The original film had several alternate endings, but the final version was chosen for its dramatic impact.
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Script Changes: The screenplay underwent multiple revisions to balance action with character development.
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Box Office Rivalry: The original film competed with other major releases of 1974, such as "The Godfather Part II" and "Chinatown."
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Critical Acclaim: Despite initial mixed reviews, the original film has since been re-evaluated and is now considered a classic.
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Home Media: Both the original and the remake have been released on various home media formats, including DVD and Blu-ray.
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Fan Theories: Fans have developed numerous theories about the film's plot and characters, adding to its enduring appeal.
Final Thoughts on The Taking of Pelham 123
The Taking of Pelham 123 is a classic that has fascinated audiences for decades. From its gripping plot to its memorable characters, it’s no wonder this film has stood the test of time. The 1974 original and the 2009 remake each brought something unique to the table, making them both worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of action, suspense, or just love a good story, this movie has something for everyone.
The behind-the-scenes facts add another layer of intrigue, showing the dedication and creativity involved in bringing this story to life. Next time you watch, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the effort that went into making it. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride. The Taking of Pelham 123 is a journey you won’t forget.
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