There’s something fascinating about the candid ‘behind the scenes’ shots from films. The tension before a take or the relaxation of the actors, directors, producers and crew are fully exposed.

Film-making has often been used as a means to suspend reality, but these shots cut through that, often revealing the cast and crew members in another light.

Get Carter is a 1971 British crime film directed by Mike Hodges and starring Michael Caine, Ian Hendry,Britt Ekland, John Osborne and Bryan Mosley. The screenplay was adapted by Hodges from Ted Lewis’ 1969 novel Jack’s Return Home.

The story follows a London gangster, the eponymous Jack Carter (Caine), who travels back to his hometown to discover more about the events surrounding his brother Frank’s supposedly-accidental death. Suspecting foul play, he investigates and interrogates, getting a feel for the city and its hardened-criminal element; with vengeance on his mind, the situation builds to a violent conclusion.

Get Carter is mainly set in North East England and was filmed in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, and County Durham. Principal photography took place in the from 17 July – 15 September 1970 (Source: Get Carter in Wikipedia)

Here are some of the best ‘behind the scene’ shots and some of the locations where this classic film was set.

Picture: Ian Hendry, windswept on Blackhall Beach

Picture: Closing scene at Blackhall Beach. Ian Hendry with Michael Caine and crew.

Picture: Michael Caine on Blackhall Beach with the colliery conveyor behind. The beach has now been cleaned up and the conveyor removed.

Picture: Michael Caine and Brian Mosely. Trinity Square Car Park, Gateshead.

Picture: Location: Trinity Square Car Park, Gateshead. Made famous for it’s rooftop scenes involving Michael Caine and Brian Mosely. These pictures were taken shortly before it was demolished in 2010. The first photo of the three shows Tynebridge with the car park in the distance.

Picture: Michael Caine (as Carter) and Dorothy White (as Margaret) on High Level Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne

Picture: Ian Hendry, Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Picture: Ian Hendry, Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Picture: The chairs!

Picture: Petra Markham, Rosmarie Dunham, Michael Caine, Geraldine Moffat and Dorothy White

Picture: Petra Markham, Michael Caine and Dorothy White

Picture: Michael Caine and Britt Ekland

Picture: Michael Caine. Some classic shots taken on Westgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Picture: Funeral Cortege. Filmed at Frank Street in Benwell (now demolished) with the Dunston B Power Station in the distance (demolished in 1986).

Picture: Michael Caine in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Picture: Mike Hodges (Director)

Picture: Mike Hodges and Michael Caine

Picture: Mike Hodges and Michael Caine

Picture: Mike Hodges with John Osborne

Picture: Mike Hodges, Michael Caine and Michael Klinger (l-r)

Picture: Mike Hodges, Michael Caine and Michael Klinger (l-r)

Picture: Michael Caine and crew on set. Mike Hodges peering down from the beam above and George Sewell follows on the steps behind.

Picture: Ted Lewis typing on set. Ted wrote the novel ‘Jack’s Return Home’ which formed the basis for the film. Michael Caine and Ian Hendry in the distance. Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Picture: Ted Lewis in Benwell, Newcatle upon Tyne

Picture: Ian Hendry with Michael Caine and Michael Klinger, Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Picture: Ian Hendry with Michael Caine and Michael Klinger, Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

 

Picture: Ian Hendry with Michael Caine – Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Picture: George Sewell, Michael Klinger, Ian Hendry with Michael Caine (l-r) at Wallsend/ Hebburn Ferry Landing

Best wishes

Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Website of Ian Hendry

Sources:

Get Carter in Newcastle

Get Carter Stills

Further Reading

A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:

Read:  ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman

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