The Getaway (1972)
Sam Peckinpah's hard-edged crime thriller follows two fugitives racing across Texas with stolen money and danger closing in fast.
The Getaway - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Getaway
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Sam Peckinpah
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 13, 1972 (United States - PG), December 18, 1972 (United Kingdom - 18), May 4, 1973 (Germany - 12), January 25, 1973 (France - 12), January 1, 1973 (Brazil - 14 anos), December 16, 1972 (Italy), December 14, 1973 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Ein Mann explodiert (DE), Побег (RU), Tiro de Escape (PT), Le guet-apens (FR), La fuga (AR)
- Production Companies: Foster-Brower Productions, First Artists, Solar Productions, National General Pictures, Tatiana Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Getaway - Plot
A recently released ex-convict and his loyal wife go on the run after a heist goes wrong.
The Getaway - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension-fueled chase unfold:
It takes two to make it … The big two.
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The Getaway - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sam Peckinpah
Main Cast
- Steve McQueen
- Ali MacGraw
- Ben Johnson
- Sally Struthers
- Al Lettieri
- Slim Pickens
- Richard Bright
- Jack Dodson
- Dub Taylor
- Bo Hopkins
Writers
- Walter Hill
Producers
- David Foster
- Mitchell Brower
The Getaway - FAQs
Is The Getaway based on a novel?
Yes, The Getaway is based on Jim Thompson's 1958 crime novel of the same name. Thompson was a master of hard-boiled noir fiction, and his story of a criminal couple fleeing across Texas after a botched heist provided the perfect foundation for Sam Peckinpah's kinetic, violent thriller.
Who are the main actors in The Getaway?
Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw lead the cast as Doc and Carol McCoy, the fugitive couple at the heart of the story. They're joined by Ben Johnson, Al Lettieri as the relentless pursuer Rudy Butler, Sally Struthers, Slim Pickens, and Bo Hopkins in memorable supporting roles.
Did Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw fall in love on set?
Yes, one of Hollywood's most talked-about real-life romances ignited during filming. McQueen and MacGraw began an affair on set while MacGraw was still married to producer Robert Evans. The couple married in 1973, and their genuine chemistry translates powerfully onto the screen throughout the film.
What is The Getaway about?
Doc McCoy, a convict released through a corrupt political deal, is pressured into pulling off a bank robbery in Texas. When the job unravels and betrayal follows, Doc and his wife Carol go on the run with the stolen money, pursued by both a relentless hitman and the law.
How violent is The Getaway compared to Peckinpah's other films?
The Getaway is considered one of Peckinpah's more accessible films, earning a PG rating despite its gunfights and tension. While it carries his signature raw energy and bursts of brutal action, it's less graphically violent than The Wild Bunch (1969), making it a strong entry point into his work.
Where can I stream or watch The Getaway?
You can watch The Getaway on Tubi TV for free with ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. Plenty of options to catch this classic thriller.
Who composed the music for The Getaway?
The score was composed by the legendary Quincy Jones, whose work gives the film a cool, propulsive energy that perfectly matches its fast-moving chase narrative. Jones's music blends jazz-inflected tension with a distinctly 1970s sensibility, adding another layer of style to Peckinpah's direction.
What are some movies similar to The Getaway?
If you loved The Getaway, you'll likely enjoy Heat (1995), Pulp Fiction (1994), Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The Usual Suspects (1995), and Jackie Brown (1997). For classic noir with a similar on-the-run energy, Out of the Past (1947) and Face/Off (1997) are also worth a watch.
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