The Getaway (1972)

By: Jack Hunt 1.17.2009

The Movie Itself:
The ‘King of Cool’.

Steve McQueen was born to a stunt pilot for a father and an alcoholic mother; both abandoned him as an infant. Raised by his grandparents, he suffered from dyslexia and was left partially deaf from a childhood accident. A rebellious child in his teenage years, he was sent back to live with mother and abusive stepfather. After a practically brutal beating, McQueen looked the SOB right in the eyes and said, “You touch me again and I’ll kill you.” Later he would be turned over to the state to live in a home for troublesome children. After working several odd jobs and serving in the Marines, he studied acting at ‘Sanford Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse’ and also began competing in motorcycle and car races. Spending some time on Broadway and TV, McQueen then moved on to B-movies, including the ‘Blob’. ‘The Magnificent Seven’ would be his breakout film, which lead to a memorable role in ‘The Great Escape’. McQueen rode his ultra cool and anti-hero persona all the way to the top, becoming a successful and highly respected actor.

I always found the intro to ‘The Getaway’ to be one of the coolest things. I won’t give anything away, but it’s beautifully put together. The film itself has it all. An elaborate robbery scheme, car chases and classic shotgun shootouts. But to me, the underlying love story is where the film truly shines. As the passion between McQueen and MacGraw is unmistakable. The film was both a critical and financial success for both McQueen and Director Sam Peckinpah, whose influence on modern directors is perhaps his finest achievement. His methodical approach to cinema violence is probably one of his greatest trademarks, but also his ultimate failure.

Professional bank robber, Doc McCoy (McQueen) is serving hard time in a Texas State Prison. After being denied parole again, his wife Carol (McGraw) arranges for his release by seducing the political corrupt Jack Benyon (Johnson). Hey, it’s the 70’s right? Free love, that kind of stuff happened all the time back then. Benyon has terms though and arranges a job for McCoy, a bank robbery that just doesn’t sit right. Trust is an issue, as he is forced to use some of Benyon’s hired goons, Rudy (Lettieri) and Frank (Hopkins). After the heist goes wrong, Rudy wants it all for himself and double crosses; McCoy foresees the trouble and is forced to knock him off. ‘The Getaway’ might prove to be the hardest part of any challenge in life.

Whoever said that bad guys can’t be heroes? McCoy has several problems. He loves his wife, but she slept with Benyon, even if only as a way to procure Doc’s early release. He knows his new crew are dangerous idiots, but was forced to work with them. He has $500,000, but the law is closing in. Sounds heavy, right? Some of the worst kinds of problems to have. On top of all that Rudy is still alive, thanks to a bullet proof vest and still wants to get paid for his deeds. And along with his new broad, Fran(Struthers) they are busy tracking Doc and Carol escape. McCoy isn’t inherently bad, he just fails to think things through. When you go looking for terrible, sometimes you find it. But if anything gets in the way of Doc’s escape to El Paso; there’s nothing wrong with kicking a little ass, just too even things out

The film is basically age-old the story of an elaborate heist, gone wrong. Although, we find the bank robbery sequence to be secondary to that of the actual getaway, which plays out to be as elaborate and forthcoming as the robbery itself. The emotional battle that occurs from Doc trying to cope with Carol’s subjective infidelity is probably the most element to the film. Trust is an issue throughout the film; from the failing marriage, to the heist and finally the escape. “I trust. You wanna see what I trust.” Pulling out a hundred dollar bill. “In God I trust. It’s the words on back of every bill.” But after Doc, proclaims this he is quickly shot down by Carol and is reduced to a sad looking puppy by the mere threat of him losing her.

I don’t know what it is that Steve McQueen has, but he just has it. Ali MacGraw is smoking hot, even soaking wet. The chemistry between the two leads is just flat out sexy. It’s clear to see that some budding romance was going on offset and they actually married shortly after filming. The scenes they share are some of steamiest I’ve seen to date and eloquently portrayed. I’ll briefly describe a couple in particular that I’ll call; the slap and the kiss. The slap takes place later in the film. Passion is sometimes reveled in violence and this proves to be a disturbing example. It was actually not in the scrip and the tension can be clearly felt. The kiss occurs in the beginning, with a scene in which McQueen had just made MacGraw breakfast. “Thank you.” To which MacGraw replies, for what? The look on McQueen’s face says it all. The reply isn’t meant to be what was scripted, but he was thanking her for her. If you ever had the pleasure of true love, you’ll know what I mean.

Did you ever wonder what makes someone process the essence that is known as ‘cool’? Is it in the style of clothes you wear or one's knowledge of independence? Is it in the way you comb your hair or your unkempt humility for everything out there? It could be in your talk or how you walk, but maybe it's more about what you say and where you're going. It's the fine line between, knowing when to speak up and when saying less means more. In a sense, it’s an attitude that can be summed up in a couple of words. I don’t care. That mentality, along with some carefully constructed soft points as respect for loved ones and contempt for morons, might be the secret to it all.

Steve McQueen has long been one of my Idols. I have fond memories of this watching this film as a child and I must confess that I sometimes blame my infatuation with brunettes on one Ali MacGraw. McQueen’s story has long impressed me, of which I find it to be a celebrated but tragic one. Sadly, his life was cut short at the young age of 50, suffering a heart attack following complications from cancer surgery. ‘The Getaway’ is not without its flaws; but for the moments that shine, it’s a great one.
Rating: 8/10

Steve McQueen as Doc McCoy and Ali MacGraw as Carol McCoy

The Presentation:
Warner nailed ‘The Getaway’ release and delivered a classy 1080p~VC-1 Blu-ray transfer. I had my doubts, but it really is hard to believe just how good the film looks. The source is from a much needed and super clean 2007 remaster - prepared for a duel Blu-ray and HD DVD release.

Nothing is overdone and the film has just the right tone. Colors are true, with deep blacks. The clarity is fine and remains pretty sharp throughout the picture. Although the film is pretty soft and has some grain, it ultimately reflects the proper feel of the film. It’s a cross between a nostalgic trend, mixed in with campy elements that all look clean and fresh. Fleshtones seem a bit too inflated at times, but over all look very nice. In any event some scenes don’t carry over too well, but most look very strong. One of my favorite scenes in the film includes the aforementioned opening sequence, which appears to have been worked over just right. Remaining on point with the original intent, adding intensity and improved color tone. Along with a later scene in the film, when they are made at the TV store. The fire glows a bright orangey, red and is vastly improved.

Audio is somewhat of a disappointment, coming by way of Dolby Digital 1.0 mono. With certain films, I can live with 1.0 mono; this unfortunately isn’t one of them. Sound is dull with little pop; but to be honest once I settled into the picture, I hardly noticed. Dialogue is clear throughout. Overall it sounds pretty good and gets the job done. The transfer isn’t perfect, but considering age or period, it’s pretty close. Warner certainly sets the bar very high with catalogue releases and this Blu-ray is a justful example.
Rating: 8/10

Original U.S. movie poster

The Extras:
I’m usually pretty hard on extras, but Warner has included a couple of well thought out pieces for ‘The Getaway’ on Blu-ray. Included are original DVD features; along with some forgotten audio interviews and a special audio feature with Jerry Fielding’s alternate score. All features offer an enjoyable element that added to my film going experience.

Commentary: By Nick Redman with authors Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons and David Weddle. An informative piece that has some inside knowledge about the film, along with commentary about the troubled life of the wild and sometimes crazy Director Sam Peckinpah.

1972 Reel 1- Virtual Audio Commentary : Audio Commentary; by Sam Peckinpah, Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. A collection of audio sound bits from the players by the players, along with background shots of the film’s opening sequence. Peckinpah says of the film, “In a strange way it’s a love story” and I have to agree. A particularly enjoyable piece that is sure to please any fan. Highly recommended. (11 mins)

HD Exclusives :

Audio: Jerry Fielding Alternate Score : Allows viewer to select the alternate score of the movie. Having heard it, I find it strange that it was not chosen for the final produce, because it’s quite good. The two had worked on several previous notables such as the ‘The Wild Bunch’, but I read it was replaced on McQueen’s request and a Quincy Jones campier version was used.

Main Title 1M1; Jerry Fielding, Sam Peckinpah and ‘The Getaway’ : Jerry Fielding’s widow, daughter and friend Katy Haber, reflect on his life’s work as a music writer and film composer. The friendship between both Fielding and Peckinpah is also explored. Overall, it’s a pretty informative and heartfelt piece. Recommended (30 mins)

The Getaway 1972-Reel 4: The alternate Bank Robbery Sequence with original Jerry Fielding Score with Dialogue and Effects. Doesn’t look that great, but worth checking out for the unseen footage. (9 mins)

Also included: ‘The Getaway’ plus an assortment of other full trailers.
Rating: 7/10

Overall:
Warner delivered a quality and just transfer for ‘The Getaway’ on Blu-ray. With solid performances by McQueen and MacGraw, it remains one of my favorites. Director Sam Peckinpah delivered a memorable picture that through the years has become a cult classic. I can easily recommend this BD to fans, but first time viewers might want to give it a rent depending on taste. But hey, watching ‘The Getaway’ makes me feel good. And ‘feeling good is good enough’.
Rating: 8/10