The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - Joseph Sargent - Cinematic Flashback Podcast

This week, it’s a hijacking, a countdown, and a whole lotta attitude.

On The Cinematic Flashback Podcast, Chuck is finally back in the studio with co-host Matt to ride the rails through one of the tightest thrillers of the decade: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). Directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and a who’s who of future TV legends, this gritty New York subway hijack caper is a masterclass in tension, tone, and transit chaos.

• The brilliance of Walter Matthau’s dry wit and understated authority
• Robert Shaw’s cold precision as the no-nonsense Mr. Blue
• Behind-the-scenes subway facts and the MTA’s reluctant cooperation
• The unforgettable score by David Shire—one of the best of the ’70s
• All the unexpected cameos: Jerry Stiller, Doris Roberts, Hector Elizondo, and more

Chuck and Matt connect the dots between this 1974 classic and modern thrillers like Speed, as well as Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs—and even drop a surprise Star Trek connection.

If you love lean, character-driven thrillers with sharp scripts, unforgettable music, and that ‘only in New York’ energy, this episode is a must-listen.

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Music by: “1975” – Josh Kirsch / Media Right Productions

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