The Incident

In the 1967 film 'The Incident,' directed by Larry Yust, two hoodlums take the spotlight, wreaking havoc on a packed New York City subway train. On a cold and dark winter's night, two young men, Mike (Roy Thinnes) and Vinnie (Rod Steiger), are on the loose, their mission to spread chaos and terrorize the innocent passengers. The events unfold on a packed subway train, as the late-night commuters try to find a sense of normalcy and safety in the crowded corridors. However, their comfort is short-lived, as Mike, with a menacing grin, and Vinnie, with a brutal intensity, take control of the situation. The two men begin to taunt, harass, and brutalize the passengers, their actions escalating in ferocity and violence. As the situation spirals out of control, the train is trapped between two stations, and the passengers are left at the mercy of the two hooligans. The once-peaceful commute has turned into a nightmare, with screams and panic spreading through the carriage. Mike and Vinnie's actions seem arbitrary, with no discernible motive other than sheer destruction and anarchy. The passengers, however, decide not to remain subdued and soon unite against the two thugs. Among them is a young couple, Barbara (Janice Rule) and her boyfriend (Kenneth Tigar), who try to reason with Mike and Vinnie. However, as their words fall on deaf ears, the couple realizes that they must take drastic measures to protect themselves and their fellow passengers. As the passengers start to turn the tables, tensions rise, and a cat-and-mouse game ensues. In the heat of the moment, passengers begin to fight back against the perpetrators. Fists fly, and the once-peaceful carriage erupts into chaos. Amidst the melee, the young couple takes an opportunity to escape, leaving Mike and Vinnie isolated and on the receiving end of the crowd's fury. The scene shifts to a dramatic showdown, where the passengers, now empowered and driven by a collective desire for justice, turn against Mike and Vinnie. Physical altercations and desperate measures escalate the situation, leaving both parties battered and bruised. Ultimately, the chaos on the train subsides, and Mike and Vinnie are brought to justice. While the incident has left a lasting impression on the passengers, the movie 'The Incident' raises questions about the responsibility of individuals in times of crisis. It questions the extent to which people are willing to stand up for themselves and others against tyranny and oppression. The film 'The Incident' serves as a chilling commentary on the societal issues of 1960s New York. It highlights the city's gritty underbelly and the vulnerability of its inhabitants, who were caught in the midst of rising crime rates, civil unrest, and a sense of chaos. By depicting the terror that could unfold on public transportation, the film taps into the fears of its audience, leaving a haunting and unforgettable mark on the cinematic landscape.