Crazed killer Gunther Wyckoff escapes from a mental institution. He steals a gun and shoots the bus driver. He goes to a Manhattan courthouse but finds it empty. He's looking for Dr. Faron. Unable to track down the doctor, he goes into a bar. The bartender recognizes him from a police announcement on TV. Gunther shoots him dead and takes the five other customers hostage.
I like Marshall Thompson's boy scout looks. It makes his dementia more compelling. The story is simple. There is a bit of good tension. Quite frankly, the reporter calling his newspaper editor is the most fun and most compelling. I like the five hostages individually. I would let Helen shoot a few more times. Instead, the movie lets Gunther be gunned down in the street. It's more visceral to have Helen do a more intense shootout inside the bar. Overall, this is very simple but very effective.
I like Marshall Thompson's boy scout looks. It makes his dementia more compelling. The story is simple. There is a bit of good tension. Quite frankly, the reporter calling his newspaper editor is the most fun and most compelling. I like the five hostages individually. I would let Helen shoot a few more times. Instead, the movie lets Gunther be gunned down in the street. It's more visceral to have Helen do a more intense shootout inside the bar. Overall, this is very simple but very effective.