A New York subway and bank are taken over in this week's hostage-based films.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three ( 1974 )
directed by
Joseph Sargent
starring
Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam

Four hijackers take over a subway car and demand $1 million from the New York mayor or they will begin executing passengers. Lieutenant Garber (Walter Matthau) is the transit policeman who must negotiate with the criminals before time runs out. Based on the novel by John Godey.

New York Hostage

The Interviews presents PELHAM director, Joseph Sargent, and actor Hector Elizondo as well as DOG DAY AFTERNOON actors Carol Kane, Lionel Pina and editor Dede Allen discussing how these two extraordinary additions to the heist/hostage genre succeed in thrilling audiences while depicting a microcosm of society in the presentation of the hostages.

Dog Day Afternoon ( 1975 )
directed by
Sidney Lumet
starring
Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning

Al Pacino shines in his performance as Sonny, a man driven to rob a bank to pay for his lover's sex change. Unfortunately for Sonny, nothing goes according to plan. With no money in the vault, kidnapped bank tellers inside and police and media hovering outside, a desperate Sonny makes a move that ends in tragic results. Written by Frank Pierson, the film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Pierson. Based on a true story.

The Party ( 1968 )
directed by
Blake Edwards
starring
Peter Sellers, Claudine Longet and Edward McKinley

This hilarious film stars Peter Sellers as Hrundi V. Bakshi, an accident-prone Indian actor who has been fired from a blockbuster film. He is accidentally invited to an A-list party of the producer of the film and many-a-mishap take place.

THE INTERVIEWS 02:45 AM - 03:10 AM
Film 101: The Mad Genius of Peter Sellers Actors, producers and film critics compare and contrast Peter Sellers - the actor and the person. Michael Sellers (Peter's son) discusses growing up with his famous father and his infamous temperament.