I reckon that, if this film were made today, we’d learn more about their background and at least be given some hints as to why they are they way they are, but the only time they’re kind of humanised is when they discuss whether “bitches” are preferable to “ broads”. It was probably quite brave to spend the first 20 minutes or so with our two bad guys and not attempt at all to make them sympathetic. We’re introduced to Joe Ferrone and Artie Connors right away, and immediately we don’t like them. In the UK, it was twice rejected for exhibition by the BBFC. Limited distribution hampered its box office chances and reviews were mixed. Despite its very low budget, money ran out after one week of shooting was finished and 20th Century Fox’s Richard Zanuck came to the rescue. Lights were mounted along the exterior and illuminated sequentially to simulate a speed of 30 mph. Outdoor scenes were filmed in an area of the Bronx which was closed and torn down six years later, while the train interiors were filmed in a studio mock-up based on original blueprints of the carriages. When its whirring sound attracted police, the two stopped, went away, and came back later to finish the job. Peerce decided that the shots should be taken anyway, and cinematographer Gerald Hirschfeld and an assistant went around the underground with a camera hidden in a bag. Because they liked to pretend that stuff like this never happened on their trains, The New York Transit Authority denied permission for the filmmakers to shoot even background shots on its property. It was adapted from a teleplay entitled Ride With Terror by the same writer, Nicholas E. Unlike that film, he intended to make The Incident in colour, but tests convinced him that black and white would be more appropriate. He made a name for himself in 1964 with One Potato, Two Potato, about interracial marriage. I hadn’t heard of its director either, but a quick look on IMDB revealed that I have seen two of his other movies ages ago, the intelligent romance Goodbye Columbus and the poignant tearjerker The Other Side Of The Mountain. At times it feels like you’re watching something not far off from a modern ‘found footage’ movie, though don’t worry there’s no shaky camera that prevents you from seeing everything that’s going on properly! It is though quite harrowing, even of what little violence exists is handled with discretion. The actual film making is often a little rough, but in a way it adds to the realism. But ignoring its important and still timely message which I’m sure has caused much debate or soul searching after people have seen it, it’s also a terrifically lean, mean thriller, virtually cinema verite in style. What adds some complexity is that the viewer is asked what he or she would do, and is even implicated because I’m sure that not all of us would try to do anything, there’s certainly a case for not getting involved. And, while I’m sure that New York City isn’t anywhere near as dangerous at night now, the powerful message of the film is still pertinent today. Larry Peerse’s film seems to be a passionate response to this dreadful state of affairs and an attack on it, a full-on criticism of all those bystanders who just won’t do anything. People were encouraged to stay out of trouble and to not get involved. It was made at a time where New York City was so rife with crime that a pamphlet was handed out to new arrivals by the police. It’s not classified as a horror film, but It most certainly contains horror, though it’s horror of the most realistic kind, the terror coming from human fear that you can almost smell, it’s so vivid. In any case, The Incident might well be the most frightening film I’ve seen in a while. In the carriage they get on are a number of passengers…Īs a rabid film nut, there are always films that you hope you’ll get round to seeing them some day, and then there are also films you watch and say to yourself “why have I not heard of this before”? Granted, The Incident seems to have passed into near obscurity since it hit cinemas in 1967, but I like to think that I’m pretty good with “under the radar” stuff. Nearing a railway station, they decide to board a late night train. The night is still young though and the duo want something else to do. After giving a hard time to a pool hall owner for closing early, they briefly harass a passing couple, then mug an old man for his eight dollars and beat him into unconsciousness. On a late Sunday evening in the Bronx, punks Joe Ferrone and Artie Connors are looking for trouble. REVIEWED BY: Dr Lenera, Official HCF Critic Starring: Beau Bridges, Brock Peters, Martin Sheen, Tony MusanteĪVAILABLE ON DUAL FORMAT BLU-RAY AND DVD: 12TH AUGUST, from EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT
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