- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tom Hutchinson
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4 out of 5
This terrific, tough British thriller hides its story of raw revenge behind some fascinating Newcastle upon Tyne locations, courtesy of cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky, and its impact remains undiminished. Director Mike Hodges keeps a firm hand on the surly proceedings and Michael Caine is at his most impressively impassive as the London gangster who goes north after his brother is murdered and finds his teenage niece involved in a blue-film racket. Playwright John Osborne, appearing here as a North East crime boss, has a razor-slash presence. This is sex and death with a British accent, and it makes a welcome change from the more familiar American-set thrillers of today. Unfortunately, a glossy Hollywood remake starring Sylvester Stallone was released in 2001, so be advised to stick with the unadulterated original.
Plot Summary
Crime thriller starring Michael Caine as ruthless London gangster Jack Carter, who travels to the North East to shed light on the mysterious death of his brother. He uncovers a conspiracy involving blue movies, the local villains and certain "respectable" citizens. When he learns enough, Carter plans his revenge.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Jack Carter
- Michael Caine
- Cyril Kinnear
- John Osborne
- Eric Paice
- Ian Hendry
- Anna Fletcher
- Britt Ekland
- Cliff Brumby
- Bryan Mosley
- Glenda
- Geraldine Moffat
- Margaret
- Dorothy White
- Keith
- Alun Armstrong
- Albert Swift
- Glynn Edwards
- Peter
- Tony Beckley
- Con
- George Sewell
- Edna
- Rosemarie Dunham
- Doreen
- Petra Markham
- Gerald Fletcher
- Terence Rigby
- Thorpe
- Bernard Hepton
- Sid Fletcher
- John Bindon
Crew
- Director
- Mike Hodges
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