The Getaway (1972)
“The Getaway” is a 1972 American action thriller film based on the 1958 novel by Jim Thompson. Directed by Sam Peckinpah and written by Walter Hill, the film stars Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Ben Johnson, Al Lettieri, and Sally Struthers. The plot follows imprisoned mastermind robber Carter “Doc” McCoy, whose wife Carol conspires for his release on the condition they rob a bank in Texas.
The story revolves around a recently released ex-convict, Doc McCoy, and his loyal wife, Carol, who go on the run after a heist goes awry. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with retrospective critics offering differing perspectives on its quality and impact. Some critics found the film to be a big, glossy, impersonal mechanical toy, lacking in particular themes, while others appreciated the vivid direction and lightning pace, making the film completely fascinating.
The film’s production involved some interesting details, such as the additional sequence tacked onto the end for the film’s release in Spain, and the changes in the writing and directing duties that eventually led to Hill and Peckinpah taking over these roles. Additionally, it’s noted that Sam Peckinpah’s intake of alcohol increased dramatically while making the film, and he was fond of saying, “I can’t direct when I’m sober”.
“The Getaway” (1972) is an action thriller film that follows the story of a mastermind robber and his wife as they go on the run after a heist.
