How a 1974 subway thriller forced the New York City Transit Authority to change schedules
In short: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three turned a fictional subway hijacking into a cultural phenomenon. Its premise was so unsettling that the New York City Transit Authority refused to schedule any train to depart at 1:23 p.m. for years, fearing the film might inspire real-life copycat crimes.
Directed by Joseph Sargent and released in 1974, the film follows four criminals who hijack a downtown 6 train, known as 'Pelham 1-2-3' because it originated at Pelham Bay Park at 1:23 p.m. The production faced significant hurdles, as the Transit Authority initially refused to cooperate. They eventually relented under pressure from Mayor John Lindsay, but only after the producers paid a $250,000 fee and secured $20 million in insurance, including specific 'kook coverage' to protect against potential real-world imitators.
The film was shot over eight weeks in the abandoned Court Street station in Brooklyn, a location that presented grueling conditions. Actors and crew worked in stifling heat, surrounded by rats and thick black dust, while regular subway trains rumbled on adjacent tracks. To capture the dark, gritty atmosphere of the tunnels, the filmmakers utilized a specialized 'flash' process that increased film speed, allowing them to shoot with minimal lighting. Despite the harsh environment, the production became known for its blend of suspense and sardonic humor.
Critics praised the film for its wit and realism, with many noting that it captured the specific anxiety of 1970s New York City, a time marked by rising crime and a perceived decline in public services. While the plot involves a calculated ransom scheme, the film’s tone remains lighthearted enough that director Joseph Sargent insisted it shouldn't be taken too seriously. The final product, featuring a memorable score by David Shire, remains a classic of the era, successfully balancing high-stakes tension with a distinctly New York sense of comedy.
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