I saw this film for the very first time, last night on BBC. I turned this film on to kill time as Catch 22 was on the other side. The TV remote stayed on the table, from the first scene to the spectacular last...this film was nothing short of superb.
The New York humour was sensational, the characters were completely believable, especially the Underground staff. Walter Matthau was brilliant, the comedy was a compliment to the movie, especially as a serious situation was getting even more critical as the time ran-out.
Robert Shaw was great as the criminal mastermind...now we know the United States fascination with english speaking criminal masterminds (Alan Rickman & Jeremy Irons of Die Hard). Also the Mr Blue, Mr Grey for the hijackers...I bet Quentin Tarantino wishes he could acknowlege his debt to the writers of this film.
The political machinations were brilliant, when the Mayor was told to get out of bed and support the victims of the hijack..."but they will boo me" as he languishes 20 points behind in the opinion polls. Classic.
The final scene. There are many great endings to a film, most Clint Eastwood films get them down pat.War movies never usually go wrong with endings, but this one, this is just top shelf and its the face of Walter Matthau.
I cant believe I have missed out all this time. My favourite crime movies in the 70's was films like, Dog Day Afternoon or The Godfather.Now I have to re-evaluate.
Spreading the word!A must see.
The New York humour was sensational, the characters were completely believable, especially the Underground staff. Walter Matthau was brilliant, the comedy was a compliment to the movie, especially as a serious situation was getting even more critical as the time ran-out.
Robert Shaw was great as the criminal mastermind...now we know the United States fascination with english speaking criminal masterminds (Alan Rickman & Jeremy Irons of Die Hard). Also the Mr Blue, Mr Grey for the hijackers...I bet Quentin Tarantino wishes he could acknowlege his debt to the writers of this film.
The political machinations were brilliant, when the Mayor was told to get out of bed and support the victims of the hijack..."but they will boo me" as he languishes 20 points behind in the opinion polls. Classic.
The final scene. There are many great endings to a film, most Clint Eastwood films get them down pat.War movies never usually go wrong with endings, but this one, this is just top shelf and its the face of Walter Matthau.
I cant believe I have missed out all this time. My favourite crime movies in the 70's was films like, Dog Day Afternoon or The Godfather.Now I have to re-evaluate.
Spreading the word!A must see.