Get Carter

 

Moviedrome Introduction

We don't have the video, so here is the trailer.

Film Details

Release Date: 1971

Director: Mike Hodges

Stars:

Michael Caine as Carter

Ian Hendry as Eric Paice

John Osborne as Cyril Kinnear

Plot Summary

Get Carter is a gritty British crime thriller set in the industrial landscape of Newcastle.

Jack Carter (played by Michael Caine) is a cold, efficient London gangster who returns to his hometown in the north of England after learning that his brother Frank has died under suspicious circumstances. The authorities claim it was an accident — a drunk driving incident — but Carter doesn't buy it.

Determined to uncover the truth, Carter begins digging through the local underworld, intimidating and interrogating anyone who might know something. As he navigates a web of corruption, pornography, and betrayal, Carter discovers that his brother's death is connected to a larger conspiracy involving local gangsters and even his own niece Doreen (played by Petra Markham), who may have been exploited by the criminals he's hunting.

Carter’s pursuit of vengeance becomes increasingly ruthless, and the line between justice and revenge blurs. The film builds toward a stark, violent climax that leaves Carter with little redemption.

Personal History

Probably the film I have watched the most over the years. Cannot resist it when I stumble on it. Delighted that I have always answered the question "Best Film?" with this as an answer.

Current Review

Simply superb and even now, 54 years on from its release, its loses none of its power or uniqueness.

Initially, I was attracted to the bleakness, summarised particularly well by the ending, which was utterly unique and rarely matched by anything else. Maybe Seven, or Long Good Friday for a similar film, captures the essence.

There always seems to be something new to spot. Was the assassin in the train carriage on the journey up? The answer is "Yes".

Did you notice the man with six fingers in the bar? 

This time four things were noticed - the eerie use of sound - the wind and industrial noise throughout the film. 

In the rather ahead of its time phone sex scene, there is clearly an album cover on prominent display. As there was an earlier scene, where Caine is reading the noirish book "Farewell my Lovely", there must be a reason why its there. AI states that it is Dorothy Ashby’s The Fantastic Jazz Harp, but fails to show the proof.

The police turn up in the same land rover that the two criminals were using to tail Cater.

And finally, I never really noticed the amount of drugs Carter was taking. Downers. Explaining his low key persona throughout.

Eminently quotable, often funny and certainly the death of the sixties captured brilliantly.

I loved it then and I love it now.

Quirky Facts

Following this movie's release, barmen in Newcastle got sick of being asked for drinks "In a thin glass!"

This movie shows the beach black with coal spoilings, dumped there by the mine's conveyor system. The conveyor system, a common sight on the East Durham coast, was known locally as "The Flight". In the early 2000s, £10 million was spent removing these conveyors, and the concrete towers, and cleaning tons of coal waste from the beaches of East Durham. The cleaning program was known as "Turning the Tide".

Quotes (here we go!)

You're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With me it's a full time job. Now behave yourself.

You know, I'd almost forgotten what your eyes looked like. Still the same. Pissholes in the snow.

Jack Carter: A pint of bitter
[snaps fingers as bartender walks away]
Jack Carter: ...in a thin glass!

Jack Carter: What happened to you, then?
Keith: [laying on a bed, bloodied and beaten up] How did you find me?
Jack Carter: They give you a rough time?
Keith: No... you bastard. You knew they'd come back!
Jack Carter: No, I didn't. Does Albert Swift still live across the ferry?
Keith: Get knotted!
Jack Carter: Alright, alright, alright. I wanna square things with you, first.
Keith: Oh, yeah? How?
[Jack holds up a handful of pounds]
Keith: Stuff it! My girlfriend's comin' from Liverpool tonight! Nice surprise, isn't it?
Jack Carter: I'm sorry. Here. Get yourself a course in karate.
[throws the money on the bed, then turns to leave]
Keith: [groans in pain] Frank said you were a shit, and he wa' bloody well right! You even screwed his wife, didn't you? The poor bastard didn't even know if the kid was his!

Eric: You've still got your sense of humour.

Edna: What's that gun doing in your room? Suppose I phone the police, told them there's a bloke in my hotel... who's planning to shoot somebody?
Jack Carter: You wouldn't do that.
Edna: How do you know I wouldn't?
Jack Carter: 'Cause I know you wear purple underwear.
Edna: What's that supposed to mean?
Jack Carter: Think about it.

Future Inspiration

I'm sure I have read the book before, but not since I have been on Goodreads. Its part of a trilogy. Book 1 is at the Hive and will be re-read to see if its worth continuing with the follow ones.

Film (and book?) - the Long Good Friday.

AI recommending the Factory series of books.  AI is excellent!

The podcast I listened included Nick Triplow, author of the book "Getting Carter - The Birth of British Noir". This is now on my Kindle.

Who knew Mike Hodges directed Flash Gordon...... ignoring this and Get Carter, here are the top 5.

Pulp (1972) – A dark comedy blending crime and satire.

Croupier (1998) – A neo-noir thriller exploring crime and betrayal in a casino setting.

The Terminal Man (1974) – A psychological sci-fi thriller about control and violence.