MGMA look at Newcastle on film wouldn't be anywhere near complete without mention of Get Carter. Directed by Mike Hodges in 1971 and starring the unmistakable Michael Caine, it set new benchmarks in the depiction of British screen violence and of course featured many prominent North East locations, from Blyth (stomping ground of rock musician/movie composer Mark Knopfler) to the Toon itself. One of the most famous scenes involved Carter throwing the luckless Brumby (Bryan Mosley) off the roof of a multi-storey car park. The setting was Trinity Square in Gateshead, which just so happens to be the home base for a certain culture-obsessed website you might have heard of. Appropriately titled 'brutalist' in its architecture, the Square was demolished five years ago. Another standout scene showcases the rare sight of Mr Caine in the almighty buff, when gangsters interrupt him at a highly inopportune moment. No robe or even Y-fronts for Jack. He backs the heavies outside with only his massive weapon for protection.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
