This Is A Hijack

Released in 1973, This Is A Hijack is an adrenaline-pumping, crime drama film that portrays the chaotic turns of a hijacking in motion. Directed by Barry Pollack, and starring a fantastic ensemble cast that includes Adam Roarke, Neville Brand, and Jay Robinson, this film builds a story filled with tension, danger, and the unpredictable nature of desperate human beings.

Adam Roarke, an underrated gem of American cinema, stars as Alan Sands, a professional gambler whose life is enveloped in an unending cycle of debts, dark alleys, and dicey characters. As the losses pile up, the walls close in, and soon it feels like the whole world is rotten luck and bad bets that Alan cannot shake off. In a genuine display of desperation and audacious courage, Alan finds himself scheming an audacious, and highly illegal plan – a hijack on an international scale.

Neville Brand plays the role of Major Stevens, a principled and rigid international security officer. Tension arises when Major Stevens becomes aware of the impending danger on the commercial flight he is travelling. He's compelled to rise to the occasion and show the desperate hijackers the import of calm determination and dogged resolve.

Jay Robinson plays Dean, a wealthy businessman with shady reckonings who has the misfortune of being a passenger on the hijacked flight. In a high-stakes game of survival and power, Dean becomes an unwilling participant, privy to a situation that can change the course of his life.

The plot thickens as the aircraft soars above the clouds, harboring a multitude of personalities and stories buzzing with fear and anticipation. As the hijacking situation intensifies, the ground control becomes a hotbed of urgent decisions and fervent prayers. Every character is driven into a nerve-wracking struggle as they grapple with the escalating crisis.

Seeing its release during a time when hijack thrillers were gaining significant traction, This Is a Hijack distinguishes itself through its commitment to maintaining tension within a closed environment. Director Barry Pollack does an excellent job of using the limited space within the plane to spur dramatic interactions and conflict. He also gives the film a distinct and palpable sense of urgency, with tight edits and close shots that intensify the claustrophobic atmosphere.

The performances of Roarke, Brand, and Robinson deserve commendation for their robust portrayals. Roarke plays his character with a sense of raw desperation that fits his doomed circumstance. On the other, Brand brings a sense of calm assertiveness to his role as Major Stevens, while Jay Robinson efficiently portrays the fraught, wealthy businessman.

The movie also features a robust supporting cast that includes the likes of Mel Scott as the Dutiful co-pilot, and Stuart Lancaster as the increasingly worried Air Traffic Control Chief. Each actor contributes to the overall tension of the story in different capacities, making it an ensemble effort.

The screenplay and dialogues play a significant role in keeping up the film's pace. This is a story that unravels in real-time, with each tick of the clock compounding the hijack's gravity and the dire consequences looming large. Potent dialogues and a fast-paced script keep the narrative engaging, engrossing the audience in the unfolding drama.

This Is A Hijack, despite being a product of its time, still holds up as an exemplar in the hijack genre due to its engaging plot, skilled performances, and effective direction. The claustrophobic environment, coupled with the compelling characters and tight storyline, make this film a worthwhile, suspenseful journey that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, This Is A Hijack is a thrilling rollercoaster of desperation, survival, and courage that encapsulates the terrifying uncertainty of a hijack situation. It is a must-watch for fans of vintage cinema, particularly those who enjoy high-stakes, tense scenarios, and character-driven plotlines. This Is A Hijack merges classic cinematic techniques with an unparalleled intensity to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.