The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 splits the Walther Matthau character of Walter Garber into two persons (Denzel Washington as MTA Dispatcher Walter Garber, and John Tutorro as NYPD Hostage Negotiator Camonetti), both of whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train that is in Garbers charge.
What's it about: The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 splits the Walther Matthau character of Walter Garber into two persons (Denzel Washington as MTA Dispatcher Walter Garber, and John Tutorro as NYPD Hostage Negotiator Camonetti), both of whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train that is in Garbers charge. John Turtorro plays the chief Hostage Negotiator who finds he is a fish out of water without Garber. John Travolta co-stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, including a subway-knowledgeable henchman, (played by Luis Guzman), threatens to execute the train's passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages.
Cast: Denzel Washington, John Travolta and John Turturro
Directed by: Tony Scott
Genre: Drama